Tell us about yourselves and what you do?
We're Billy Vincent, a five piece band from London. Our style of music could be described as Americana spiked, country skuzz, shanty rock.
How did you get together/start out?
David & I met at infant school and became friends. After a few years we decided to learn to play some guitars and stuff. Billy Vincent formed about a year and a half ago.
What is your current release?
We have an EP titled, ‘Once on the Grand Union’ which is released on 17th October. We then have our debut album which we are currently recording due to be released Spring 2012.
What is the best part of being in a band?
The gigs, meeting people, finding other great acts and of course having the opportunity to make records. There are naturally elements of frustration at times and it's hard work but really it’s all we’ve ever wanted to do, so we're loving it!
What is your most significant moment yet?
There have been some amazing gigs, playing with people we’ve admired for years, especially at festivals but also every new release has real significance. Signing our deal with Something Nothing is probably the most significant yet though.
What are your biggest musical influences?
Where to start? Stock response… Beatles, Waits, Springsteen, Dylan, Clash, Nirvana, Bright Eyes and on and on. But we’re always finding new influences and gaining inspiration from all angles.
What venue/gig do you most want to play?
Brixton Academy was like a second home when we were growing up so I guess that’d be one but then there are iconic venues and events worldwide that we’d love to take on. We’re planning to head to SXSW next year so that’d certainly be a proud moment.
What is your best/favourite song you have written?
Now this is a tough one, because as with all music we tend to find that in different moods or situations we will look to different songs for different reasons. One song however that stands out as a favourite of the band would be ‘Prairie Wolves’, it came about around when we were touring the south west. We've good memories there and made good friends.
What’s your favourite album of this year?
Bright Eyes and Felice Brothers spring immediately to mind and Danny & The Champions of The World have now thrown in another for good measure – truly catches you off guard and really infectious, great record.
What does the next six months have in store for you?
It's busy... We've begun work on our debut record and that's out in the spring but we've a lot of work to do there still, plus some additional b-sides for the singles. We'd love to get over to the States and we’re planning to get out on the road in Blighty, plus a few free sub-projects we have planned!
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Well if we're lucky enough to make a record a year then we'd be happy boys. That's our ambition. Things that coincide with that would be world tours, collaborations, constant development and growth. That'd be a good start.
What’s the best thing about Americana-UK?
No one thing really. Could be any feature on any given day. If comparisons can be excused, I see it as the UK equivalent of No Depression, covering not just the ‘headline’ acts but spanning the full genre irrelevant of profile. If you’re good enough, you’ll get the inches and by the same token, the waters aren’t muddied by the temptation to feature everyone with a banjo or accordion. In short, it doesn’t appear to be about promoting the site but the acts themselves and I think that’s a rare and very credible attribute.
