A Chat with VERA (09.04.25)
Technically formed in the studio and evolving from singer-songwriter Sarah Toner’s solo project, Darragh Tibbs (drums), Matt Holland (guitar and keys) and David Dalzell (bass) find an experimental mish-mash of indie-rock, grunge, soul and alternative rock in their melodies. Anything but pedestrian, VERA’s genre diversity is inimitable and emerges as a sound entirely VERA and no one else. We speak with Darragh Tibbs about their single, ‘Take It All Off’, what music means to them, recommended songs, and much more.
OSR: How did VERA come about? What drew each of you to music and each other?
Tibbs: We came together in drips and drabs, really. I (Darragh) was introduced to Sarah by our manager, and I was brought in to play some drums and help produce her solo material and do the odd gig. I suggested bringing in Dave to play bass because I had been a fan of his playing forever, having met through the Belfast band scene. Dave brought in Matt, they had played together in a band called Fatmunk. We spent lots of the summer of 2023 in the studio developing a whole slew of songs Sarah had written, and by the end of the summer, it wasn’t a solo project any more; we had formed VERA. The chemistry and fun both in the songs and the vibe in the studio were so gorgeous we felt it needed to be a band.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Tibbs: We are all almost unhealthily obsessed with music, and we each spend most of our lives thinking about tunes! When we’re together, one of us usually rants away about what new musical moment is currently blowing their mind. When that Doechii Tiny Desk dropped, we were all in it together… go and get obsessed with that if you’re not already.
OSR: You recently released your single, ‘Take It All Off’. What can you tell us about the track? Is there a particular backstory or theme?
Tibbs: With ‘Take It All Off’, we wanted to write about a complicated relationship, one that’s tangled up in desire, self-deprecation, and a sense of freedom. It’s about being unapologetically bold in the pursuit of pleasure and connection. It’s not necessarily written about something or someone specifically personal to any of us but more so about the push and pull of being drawn to someone you know might not be good for you, but you can’t help yourself.
OSR: What do you hope people take from ‘Take It All Off’, and what do you take from it?
Tibbs: We just hope people feel uplifted by it. We hope it makes them want to have a dance around their house and indulge in the messy contradictions of life and love. For us, it makes us want to reclaim control and be unapologetically bold in the pursuit of pleasure and connection. Life is short, have fun!
OSR: Each of your singles has a different sound or rather lean towards diverse genres. How would you describe ‘Take It All Off’?
Tibbs: ‘Take It All Off’ is a high-energy, tasty super bop that begs for some bouncing about! The verse is driven and kinda tense, and it builds up to a big belter beat. It’s got a kinda pop-rock vibe with super playful melodies and an intense instrumental, and we’re super proud of it!
OSR: If you had to introduce a new listener to your music, which of your singles would you recommend?
Tibbs: That’s a great question… and a very tough one. I think our debut single ‘No Help From You’ still has a special thing for us. We’re still so proud of that song, and it’s so much fun. We’ve started a few gigs with it recently, and it really gets you in the mood to put on a show! And then make sure you go and listen to all the others too, though!
OSR: With each band member bringing different influences, experiences and sounds to the mix, are there any challenges or perhaps conflicts when composing music? Also, what are the benefits of having such a variety of styles melding in the creative pot?
Tibbs: To be honest, I think it’s nothing but upside… but it does require everyone to put the song first over your own personal musical background or taste. We all have a variety of backgrounds for sure, but when we’re writing, everyone is trying to put in ideas that fit whatever tune we have in front of us – I think by approaching it like that, the song can go in any direction it chooses.
We all love a massive range of music too, almost every studio session starts and ends with big long stretches of just listening to whatever we’re loving that day… if you’re not listening to a NPR Tiny Desk at 2am after a studio session what are you doing?
OSR: What advice do you have for emerging artists?
Tibbs: Well, we’re emerging artists, so if anyone has any pointers, we’re taking suggestions! We’ve found that having strong visuals and being prepared for releases is a good way to reduce stress and the pre-release willies, but really my biggest piece of advice would be to write and play tunes with people you really like, and it will come out in the music, in the form of vibes. Also, having a good team of people around you, if you’re able to, helps so much. Find someone who loves your music as much as you do and work with them!
OSR: What is the best and worst piece of advice you’ve received as a musician and individual?
Tibbs: Some of the best advice we’ve received as a band is to make the music we want to make and not what we think will sell or bring in more streams. I think this shows with the fact our music does cross multiple genres. We never get sick of playing any of our songs live, and I think this is why. Also, some great advice is to look at the industry like a marathon and not a sprint. Be patient and work hard. We’ve been really lucky to work with and be surrounded by wonderful people,e so it’s only really been positive!
Individually, we’d all say that some of the best advice we’ve ever received was to become a band. It’s the most fulfilled we’ve all been musically in years.
OSR: What can we expect in the future from VERA?
Tibbs: Lots and lots of new music! ‘Take It All Off’ is just the start. We have a stream of singles coming out in 2025, and we are so, so excited about it. We’ve spent so much time writing and recording and are excited to get it all out into the world. Make sure you’re following us on socials/streaming to get it all!
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Tibbs: Keep on rockin’ in the free world and listen to loads of VERA tunes! Also, always remember: Good Food, Good Company, Good Music = Good Life x
Many thanks to Darragh Tibbs for speaking with us. Find out more about VERA on their Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
