Your music has been described as a blend of post-punk, shoegaze, and electronic sounds. How did you come to develop this unique sonic identity, and how do you maintain a balance between these different genres in your music?
Nick: We are influenced by a lot of different music genres, so we’ve always tried to add different elements of things we like. On each of our albums, we have tried to expand our sonic identity, whilst keeping to our core sound.
The KVB has released several albums and EPs over the years, each showcasing a distinct progression in your sound. Can you talk about the evolution of your music and how you approach experimentation while still staying true to your artistic vision?
Nick: When i first started the project, i was recording everything on 8 track cassette recorder, which meant minimalism and distortion were at the heart of everything. Since then, we have added more equipment and switched to using DAW’s, which has lead to more sonic capabilities and allowed us to experiment further.
Your live performances are known for their immersive and atmospheric qualities. How do you translate your studio recordings into captivating and engaging live experiences, and what role does visual aesthetics play in enhancing your overall performance?
Nick: As we play live as a duo, there are less layers of effects and sounds available than on studio recordings, so this makes the dynamics of our songs stronger and more apparent. We also adjust the arrangements for a live setting, to make the set ebb and flow. The visuals that Kat makes for the live shows are key to the immersive nature of our shows. Each track has a different visual to take the audience somewhere new.
Can you tell us more about your new album “Artefacts: Reimaginings from the Original Psychedelic Era”? What inspired you to create a covers album centered around this particular era?
Nick: That era of music and in particular, the ‘Nuggets’ compilations have been a big influence on me. So in a way, it is our small tribute to that.
How did you select the songs to include on the album? Were there any specific criteria or themes that guided your choices?
Nick: There are songs on the LP that i have always wanted to cover, such as ‘I Ain’t No Miracle Worker’ and ‘Circles’, but generally they are just tracks we like and felt we could bring into our world.
“Pictures of Matchstick Men” is the first single from the album, originally by Status Quo. What drew you to this particular song and why did you decide to cover it?
Nick: It’s a track with a classic riff and we felt it would work great in a more dreamy style.
What unique elements or arrangements did you bring to the cover songs on this album to give them a fresh perspective and make them your own?
We experimented with the arrangements a lot to make them fit to our style. Some of the songs are unrecognisable from the originals, but to us that is the fun in covering a track.
Could you talk about the recording process for “Artefacts”? Did you encounter any challenges while reimagining these classic psychedelic tracks?
Nick: The main challenge was creating new arrangements for the tracks and turning them into our own songs, but this was an enjoyable challenge!
How do you think your approach to covers differs from your original songwriting process? Do you find it more challenging or liberating to reinterpret existing material?
Nick: It’s liberating for us, as its nice to pull something apart and rebuild it again. It also gives us a chance to be experimental with our production techniques, knowing the original song is good.
The KVB is known for blending various genres and styles. How did you incorporate your signature sound into these covers while staying true to the essence of the original songs?
We used a lot of our signature palate of sounds and techniques that will sound familiar to anyone who knows our own albums.
How do you hope listeners will experience or interpret your versions of these iconic psychedelic tracks? What kind of emotions or reactions are you aiming to evoke?
Nick: I hope that the album appeals to fans of The KVB and to fans of the original songs that won’t have heard of us before. As far as reactions and emotions; i hope that people are initially surprised and then immersed in what we have created!
After the release of “Artefacts: Reimaginings from the Original Psychedelic Era,” what can fans expect from The KVB in terms of new original music or future projects?
Nick: I have a new Saccades solo album coming out soon and we are working on the next original The KVB album for next year.
What do you remember from your last concert in Athens, Greece?
Taking a selfie with a crazy taxi driver outside the olympic stadium and eating giant sea bream.
