I caught up with guitarist ‘The Reverend’ Ross Brown from the Vermilion Whiskey to discuss the making of the album and touring plans amongst other things. So read on for a great interview.
Hi Ross. Thanks for doing the interview. How are things with you today?
Busy busy as we prepare to drop our new album ‘Crimson & Stone’ May 26th. We are super stoked to finally be releasing this record. It was a long road to make this album a reality. We can't wait for people to finally hear it.
I know you're currently busy preparing with your forthcoming new album Crimson & Stone. What can people expect from this album compared to your previous releases?
Crimson & Stone represents perfectly the growth and progression as a whole, of Vermilion Whiskey itself. “Crimson is the blood that we’ve bled and continue to bleed for our craft, and Stone is our steadfast, unwavering determination to keep it alive and well despite all obstacles.”
Showing up within each of its eight chapters, this album tells the story of combining what has made VW the band, what their fans have grown to love about them, and the notes of what will garner many more followers in the future. At the core, Crimson & Stone is a hard-driving rock and roll album with an obvious Louisiana flavor, tinged with a more melodic Stoner vibe throughout. This is very evident in the juxtaposition of Sides A & B, as the listeners will be immersed on a journey. It certainly represents a band with some miles under their feet.
The album is perhaps your most action packed album yet and perhaps your heaviest as well. A little bit different compared to your previous albums.
Side A is what our fans have grown to expect from us. Heavy hard hitting grooves and action packed guitar riffs with melodic vocals.
On Side B we really showcased another side to our progress as a band. On this album we wrote a 10 min opus with our tracks ‘Interlude/Dissonance’. It was a huge gamble at a quarter of the LPs play length, but we really feel like a lot of our fans will love this section of music. Then on the last two tracks ‘Atrophy’ & ‘Hollow’ we dig deeper into our South Louisiana Sludge side with some hefty riffs and slow groove breakdowns.
Was this a hard album to write and record for?
We really focused on songwriting on this album. We are very proud of this album and feel there is no fluff on this record. ‘Crimson & Stone’ is a full banger from start to finish. As opposed to our previous albums we wrote this one specifically for vinyl. That was a big difference in our song writing.
We wrote most of the album without a drummer so that was the most challenging part of the writing process. At the end of the day things came together as they should have and are super proud behind the overall production of this album.
It's been about six years since your last album. Are you afraid or excited of what people will make of this album?
I think I can speak for everyone that we are more excited to hear what people think of this album. As musicians this record is the best thing we have been a part of musically and are proud of it. At the end of the day we love this album and hope people feel the same way. We just want people to give it a listen and get a taste of Vermilion Whiskey. We really feel like this album breaks across many genres and would be a shame if this album goes unheard. Thank you for taking the time to review our work.
Did the COVID-19 Pandemic and Subsequent lockdowns shape the recording process at all.
Our lineup changes affected the album more than the pandemic overall. At least it didn't make it feel so bad going so long between albums since everyone was going through the crazy times we are living in.
In late 2018 we parted ways with our drummer, bassist, and founding member Carl on 2nd guitar duties. That was a huge hurdle to overcome but Thaddeus (lead vox) stepped up to the plate on second guitar bringing the band down to a 4 piece. During the songwriting process we were lucky enough to bring in Jason ‘Dragonclaw’ Decou on bass and really became a force to riff with.
You worked with recruited Tommy Buckley of CROWBAR/SOILENT GREEN to rehearse and record drum tracks and then you also found current drummer Wade Perkins when recording the new album. Was the drums part of the album the hardest part of the whole recording process?
Without a doubt the drum situation was a major challenge making ‘Crimson & Stone’ happen. We tried out many drummers to join the band, but no one had the groove this record needed to give the songs justice. That is why we reached out to Tommy Buckley to record the album. Major thanks to Tommy for stepping in and seeing the potential in the songs. Tommy really did his homework and wanted to do his best on this record. He was even nervous going into recording. That really shows the kind of guy Tommy is. We love you Tommy.
We drove over to New Orleans from Lafayette a total of 4 times in late 2021 to rehearse with Tommy, and really became brothers with him. Tommy is a total pro and exactly what this album needed. Tommy is a legend and has so much power, precision, and overall groove in his style. Then while rehearsing with Tommy, out of nowhere, we found our drummer Wade Perkins locally around Lafayette.
Wade was a huge part of the recording process as well. Wade was with us when recording drums at OCD studios in NOLA (Jan 2022), and produced the drums with Duane Simoneaux along with helping produce the overall album. We feel really fortunate things fell into place how they did, and think that shows in the final product.
Will you be going on Tour to promote the album and which places will you be visiting?
We are mainly touring around the Gulf Coast US and next door over in Texas. The Texas stoner rock scene has been very good to us through the years. We are mainly doing weekend warrior gigs right now as we work a 9-5 grind to pay the bills, but what we really want is to head out on the road and play some festivals and get on tour with a larger band to help get our name out there. Just get us on a stage and we will deliver the goods. Right now all our friends are heading out to Desertfest. Hopefully one day we can get over to Europe. We think we would crush it over there.
How would you describe the Vermilion Whiskey LIVE experience?
As with our albums, our live experience is high energy riffs one after another. There are no thrills or gimmicks in our live show. Just in your face non stop action.
What bands and artists influenced you when recording this album?
Way too many to list really. Overall I would say that as a collective our music influences run the whole gambit of every music style. But when we sit down to write our own music it's all about groove. Where all of our individual styles cross is where we find what is Vermilion Whiskey. With a whole new lineup there is no telling where we are going to go next.
Hi Ross. Thanks for doing the interview. How are things with you today?
Busy busy as we prepare to drop our new album ‘Crimson & Stone’ May 26th. We are super stoked to finally be releasing this record. It was a long road to make this album a reality. We can't wait for people to finally hear it.
I know you're currently busy preparing with your forthcoming new album Crimson & Stone. What can people expect from this album compared to your previous releases?
Crimson & Stone represents perfectly the growth and progression as a whole, of Vermilion Whiskey itself. “Crimson is the blood that we’ve bled and continue to bleed for our craft, and Stone is our steadfast, unwavering determination to keep it alive and well despite all obstacles.”
Showing up within each of its eight chapters, this album tells the story of combining what has made VW the band, what their fans have grown to love about them, and the notes of what will garner many more followers in the future. At the core, Crimson & Stone is a hard-driving rock and roll album with an obvious Louisiana flavor, tinged with a more melodic Stoner vibe throughout. This is very evident in the juxtaposition of Sides A & B, as the listeners will be immersed on a journey. It certainly represents a band with some miles under their feet.
The album is perhaps your most action packed album yet and perhaps your heaviest as well. A little bit different compared to your previous albums.
Side A is what our fans have grown to expect from us. Heavy hard hitting grooves and action packed guitar riffs with melodic vocals.
On Side B we really showcased another side to our progress as a band. On this album we wrote a 10 min opus with our tracks ‘Interlude/Dissonance’. It was a huge gamble at a quarter of the LPs play length, but we really feel like a lot of our fans will love this section of music. Then on the last two tracks ‘Atrophy’ & ‘Hollow’ we dig deeper into our South Louisiana Sludge side with some hefty riffs and slow groove breakdowns.
Was this a hard album to write and record for?
We really focused on songwriting on this album. We are very proud of this album and feel there is no fluff on this record. ‘Crimson & Stone’ is a full banger from start to finish. As opposed to our previous albums we wrote this one specifically for vinyl. That was a big difference in our song writing.
We wrote most of the album without a drummer so that was the most challenging part of the writing process. At the end of the day things came together as they should have and are super proud behind the overall production of this album.
It's been about six years since your last album. Are you afraid or excited of what people will make of this album?
I think I can speak for everyone that we are more excited to hear what people think of this album. As musicians this record is the best thing we have been a part of musically and are proud of it. At the end of the day we love this album and hope people feel the same way. We just want people to give it a listen and get a taste of Vermilion Whiskey. We really feel like this album breaks across many genres and would be a shame if this album goes unheard. Thank you for taking the time to review our work.
Did the COVID-19 Pandemic and Subsequent lockdowns shape the recording process at all.
Our lineup changes affected the album more than the pandemic overall. At least it didn't make it feel so bad going so long between albums since everyone was going through the crazy times we are living in.
In late 2018 we parted ways with our drummer, bassist, and founding member Carl on 2nd guitar duties. That was a huge hurdle to overcome but Thaddeus (lead vox) stepped up to the plate on second guitar bringing the band down to a 4 piece. During the songwriting process we were lucky enough to bring in Jason ‘Dragonclaw’ Decou on bass and really became a force to riff with.
You worked with recruited Tommy Buckley of CROWBAR/SOILENT GREEN to rehearse and record drum tracks and then you also found current drummer Wade Perkins when recording the new album. Was the drums part of the album the hardest part of the whole recording process?
Without a doubt the drum situation was a major challenge making ‘Crimson & Stone’ happen. We tried out many drummers to join the band, but no one had the groove this record needed to give the songs justice. That is why we reached out to Tommy Buckley to record the album. Major thanks to Tommy for stepping in and seeing the potential in the songs. Tommy really did his homework and wanted to do his best on this record. He was even nervous going into recording. That really shows the kind of guy Tommy is. We love you Tommy.
We drove over to New Orleans from Lafayette a total of 4 times in late 2021 to rehearse with Tommy, and really became brothers with him. Tommy is a total pro and exactly what this album needed. Tommy is a legend and has so much power, precision, and overall groove in his style. Then while rehearsing with Tommy, out of nowhere, we found our drummer Wade Perkins locally around Lafayette.
Wade was a huge part of the recording process as well. Wade was with us when recording drums at OCD studios in NOLA (Jan 2022), and produced the drums with Duane Simoneaux along with helping produce the overall album. We feel really fortunate things fell into place how they did, and think that shows in the final product.
Will you be going on Tour to promote the album and which places will you be visiting?
We are mainly touring around the Gulf Coast US and next door over in Texas. The Texas stoner rock scene has been very good to us through the years. We are mainly doing weekend warrior gigs right now as we work a 9-5 grind to pay the bills, but what we really want is to head out on the road and play some festivals and get on tour with a larger band to help get our name out there. Just get us on a stage and we will deliver the goods. Right now all our friends are heading out to Desertfest. Hopefully one day we can get over to Europe. We think we would crush it over there.
How would you describe the Vermilion Whiskey LIVE experience?
As with our albums, our live experience is high energy riffs one after another. There are no thrills or gimmicks in our live show. Just in your face non stop action.
What bands and artists influenced you when recording this album?
Way too many to list really. Overall I would say that as a collective our music influences run the whole gambit of every music style. But when we sit down to write our own music it's all about groove. Where all of our individual styles cross is where we find what is Vermilion Whiskey. With a whole new lineup there is no telling where we are going to go next.
Shoutout to Steven Yoyada who is the mastermind behind the artwork. Overall we gave him full reign on the artwork with minimal input. All we had to do was put the final touches on the layout.
What is the creative process or setup within the band? Do you all write the music together or do certain people within the band do that?
To date the writing has always started with the Riff. Our music is very guitar driven so that is no surprise. Sometimes one of us comes in with a full song, but most of the time the song starts with the spark of a new riff. Then we rely on Thaddeus to come up with the melody. After that things really fall into place arranging the final product as a band.
How did you get involved with music? Was it a particular album, group or artist that made you want to write and play your own music?
All of us have been playing music since we were teenagers. As a whole, I think we can say that Metallica, Pantera, Crowbar, Down, COC, Slayer, Sepultura have played a huge part in getting us involved with music growing up. Along with those influences what has molded VWs sound probably has to do more with a blend of stoner & classic rock. In the tour van you will hear alot of classic rock from Thin Lizzy, ZZ Top, Skynyrd, Dio, Sabbath, UFO, CCR, Marshall Tucker, Molly Hatchet & stoner rock from Mothership, Mos Generator, Sasquatch, WoFat, Kyuss, Earthless, The Sword, Lowrider, Uncle Acid, and so many morel.
What formats is the album being released upon and who is releasing the album.
Releasing ‘Crimson & Stone’ on vinyl was a major goal for us as we wrote the album for the format. We pressed 300 copies down the road in New Orleans at New Orleans Record press. You can order a copy via our website or bandcamp. Also on this release we teamed up with Kozmik Artifactz in Germany and are releasing 25 special edition signed copies available for purchase on their website.
We are still old school and did a run of CDs as well. There are a few over in Germany via Kozmik Artifactz or on our website and bandcamp sites. It is still surprising how many people want CDs and how many we sign at shows. It's a whole different vibe buying physical music instead of just streaming, Thanks to everyone for the support.
What is the current state of the Louisiana local Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal Scene. Do you perform gigs on a regular basis and do you have plenty of live venues to perform at.
There is no shortage of great bands in South Louisiana. Venues are still hard to come by and come and go as one closes and another picks up the slack. Luckily we have had a great local dive bar ‘The Freetown Boom Boom Room’ to call home for many years. So many great bands come through our little town of Lafayette LA. Not always to big crowds on a weeknight, but the underground is pretty strong in Louisiana. Shoutout to all the bands who come through and to our LA Podnas 4 Mag Nitrous, Cheater Pipe, Green Gasoline, Them Ol Ghosts, Choke, Big Frank, & Electric Age who are all doing their thing writing new music.
What have been your high points and low points for the band.
Low point was definitely our recent lineup changes, but right now is by far our high point as we release this new record. We can't wait to drop this album and get back out on the road and play it live with our brothers.
Do you have any other musical projects that folks can check out or any exciting releases coming in the future.
We can't wait to get back to writing as this album release slows down. Collectively we have another album in our heads right now. We hope to start demoing soon. Shoutout to any record labels who like what VW is about. Give us a shout
Thanks for doing the interview. Before you go, do you have any words of wisdom for your fans currently out there?
Hmm, Words of Wisdom…
Whatever you do in life, put 100% of your passion into it. Whether it be something as simple as taking the first step into something you have been putting off, or not burning yourself out worrying about what other people might think. Do something creative everyday, big or small. We only get one shot in this life. May you put your energy into something that makes you happy whatever it is.
And to our fans, thank you to everyone that has stuck by our side. This album is dedicated to you \m/ Long Live the Riff \m/
Words by Steve Howe and ‘The Reverend’ Ross Brown
Thanks to Curtis at C Squared Music for arranging the interview and to The Reverend’ Ross Brown for doing the interview.
Crimson & Stone will be released on 26th May 2023 and is available to buy from these links: BigCartel and Kozmik Artifactz
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