IN the latest chapter of our In Isolation series, we catch up with Marie Collins of The Vegan Leather.
After a milestone 2019 which saw them release their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Poor Girls/Broken Boys’, record a live Radio 1 session at the legendary Maida Vale studios and win ‘Best Live Act’ at the SAMAs, the four-piece have kept the creative juices flowing throughout lockdown by working on new music and treating fans to a series of idiosyncratic covers on social media.
However like many musicians, lockdown has ground many of their live plans to a halt. While they were due to headline a massive hometown show in Paisley this coming weekend as part of Renfrewshire Leisure’s Sma’sh Hits All Dayer (which will now be rearranged for a later date), the band have regrouped through their respective devices to put together a special online show that will see them perform a few of their most popular hits from the comfort of their own homes. Hosted by Marie herself, the online show will also feature performances from fellow Paisley outfits DRIFT, V.C.O and The Gateway Clash.
Watch The Vegan Leather’s online takeover on Saturday 25th April from 8pm HERE.
Ahead of the gig, we caught up the band’s Marie Collins to hear about the show, how they’ve been keeping busy and what to expect from their new music.
What’s the last thing the band said to each other in your Whatsapp group?
We’ve been working on filming an online session so we just keep sending each other horrific screen shots of each other.
What have you been doing to keep busy in isolation?
We’ve had some excellent zoom quizzes with our pals. A notable one being an actual Tiger King quiz courtesy of our pal Amy who even made a really impressive powerpoint to go along with it. Apart from that, we’re keeping busy compiling a few live sessions and writing remotely. It’s a fun way of working when you can’t physically be in the same room as each other – sometimes having limitations makes you more creative so it’s been fun to explore that!
How do you feel about the current state of the world and the effect that it will have on Scottish music industry?
We’re a little worried at what affect the situation will have on not just bands but everything associated with the music industry – from our favourite small venues, to labels, and most importantly to all the people making a living from music. It seems to have affected absolutely everything and everybody. Although it’s a really scary and uncertain time, we’re taking comfort in being together whilst being apart. It’s lovely to see the music community reaching out to each other, either just for moral support or to collaborate on projects. The Scottish Music industry is one of the best in the world, so we’re determined to help rebuild and reshape it once everything goes back to ‘normal’.
What 5 Scottish bands are on your isolation playlist?
Callum Easter, Van Ives, Rachel Jack, Ghostbaby, DRIFT
When the world gets back to normal, what’s the first thing the band is going to do?
An ice cold pint at The Bull Inn in Paisley!
What’s next for the band? Still releasing new music / re-arranged tour dates etc etc?
Although lockdown is happening, we’re very much still making new music which will hopefully be out very very soon! The songs are taking a new direction from our album which is exciting! We’ll be rearranging our big bad Paisley headline show and making an appearance at this year’s Liverpool Sound City! Stay with us and stay safe xxx
