A Chat with VIDA (12.07.24)
Blending Britpop with 60s psychedelic rock and a bunch of stuff in between, Scottish band VIDA is the embodiment of originality, innovation and authenticity. Ten years (give or take) in and the group keep things coming with a unique flair. We speak with VIDA about their new single ‘Tune Out Of You’, what music means to them, upcoming plans and much more.
OSR: Cliché but how did you all come together? What made you decide to pursue a music career?
VIDA: We’re all musicians from the wee county, Clackmannanshire and have known each other throughout the years of the live music scene. We are all massive fans of music and indulge in a lot of genres, it helps with the creative side of writing and trying new ideas in our studio.
OSR: You recently released your new single ‘Tune Out Of You’. What can you tell us about it from conception to production and release?
VIDA: The tune’s all about getting the best out of life and its situations, we recorded it at our own studio – Ward Street Sound – and had a fair few versions of it before we managed to release the track. We lost our first version of it and had to re-record it using some new techniques, funnily enough, we’re still not 100% happy with the final product but that’s standard for us as we always want to improve and develop.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
VIDA: Music’s a universal language, everything’s vibration, it’s the true essence of life.
OSR: You have just celebrated your 10th anniversary as a band. Where can you see yourself in the next 10 years?
VIDA: Couple of albums released, world tours under the belt and plenty of great memories for the books.
OSR: Do you believe ‘Tune Out Of You’ is a good representation of VIDA at the moment?
VIDA: It’s another reflection of our sound, it’s got the usual flavour of our tracks with a splash of psychedelia added in to spice it up. We love a good acoustic jangle and it reflects the county life we live.
OSR: Performing live is a transformative experience for all artists. Can you tell us one of your most memorable shows?
VIDA: Selling out Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh or a sold-out King Tuts in Glasgow is always a winner. A packed room with a great sound system and engineer makes for a belter of a night!
OSR: You have an upcoming album, what can you tell us about that?
VIDA: The album’s a work in progress…
OSR: What would you say are your greatest strengths as an artist and person?
VIDA: Determination, resilience and making people smile. We want everyone to enjoy themselves and encourage people to have a good time.
OSR: What advice do you have for new musicians?
VIDA: Believe and achieve, keep yer nose clean and live the dream. There’s plenty to be seen and be the cats that got some cream.
OSR: What is the best piece of advice you received and then totally ignored?
VIDA: Gig as much as possible – but don’t gig in the same town a week apart.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
VIDA: Keep tuning in to our music and catch us live! Take it easy!
Many thanks to VIDA for speaking with us. Find out more about VIDA on their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
Listen to more Britpop tunes on The Other Side Reviews Britpop playlist:
