Interview: VANT

As it was announced that they will be supporting Catfish and the Bottlemen at their huge Castlefield Bowl gig next month, NRMB spoke to VANT frontman Mattie Vant about political frustration, their energetic live shows and guitar music coming back...

Dominic Penna: When did you realise that music was something you all wanted to pursue full time?

Mattie Vant: When I was about 14, I've always had this weird inner feeling telling me that this is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life.

DP: Which issues have inspired you to take such a refreshing, politically charged approach to your songwriting?

MV: Sheer frustration and disbelief that no-one else is talking about. We live in a fucking digital fantasy world at the moment, where everything is brushed under the carpet and no-one is willing to rebel against the issues that confront us on a daily basis.

DP: Your live shows are already known for their energy, moshing and stage invasions; how do you feel they have gone so far?

MV: It's glorious. Although it is important that our songs have meaning and purpose the live environment is an opportunity to escape from reality and connect with your inner caveman. We're all dancing around the fire together and remembering what it feels to be alive!

DP: What can we expect from your future releases and how soon is new music on its way?

MV: New music is imminent, lots of stuff to come over the summer and then the album will be with everyone in very early 2017.

DP: Ahead of your support slot for Catfish and the Bottlemen's gig at Castlefield Bowl, does their arena-sized success give you hope for other breakout indie bands?

MV: Definitely, guitar music is coming back baby and we're gunna ride that sweet, sweet wave!

DP: Do you have any long-term ambitions as a band, and if so what are they?

MV: I mean all the obvious ones, successful record, bigger shows but also more important ones like getting to a stage where we can have a positive impact on this planet and help as many people as we possibly can.