An Interview With The London Rockers PRETTY VICIOUS On Their Debut Album, ‘Beauty of Youth’ and More!

Photo Credit- Simon Sarin

Last month on July 12th, Pretty Vicious released their debut album, “Beauty of Youth” via Big Machine/John Varvatos Records.

Calling for blood on their 12-track collection, Pretty Vicious’ white-knuckle rhythms, irresistible hooks, airtight riffing, and gutter soul conjure up the reckless abandon of seventies punk and the timeless song-craft of grunge as the quartet sound like you’d hope rock ‘n’ roll would be in 2019. Teaming up with producer Dan Austin (You Me At Six, Twin Atlantic, Pulled Apart By Horses), Pretty Vicious found the perfect vessel to harness the energy and attitude that caused the London A&R scene to go all in on an unruly gang of teenagers from the Welsh valleys.

PRAISE FOR PRETTY VICIOUS

“gritty sound and raucous spirit” – Billboard

“…it retains the ruthless energy that made Pretty Vicious so sought after…” – Clash Music

“2019 is just starting, but Pretty Vicious already are a strong contender for the first breakout band of the year.” – Loudwire

“’Move’ is a cyclone of pent-up energy—the churning guitars are made for an equally unruly audience to dance to.” – Paste

 “U.K.’s Pretty Vicious live up to their name with an uncontainable raw energy and an in-your-face attitude captured by the depth of their lyrics.”  – Alternative Press

“Pretty Vicious kick out classic, rumbling rock ‘n’ roll. With the bluesy swing of The Testors and the high energy thrust of the Hives, this band definitely likes to rip it up.” – Punk News

Connect With Pretty Vicious Here- Website

Learn more about Pretty Vicious in the following All Access interview:

Now that we are into the 7th month of the year, how would you say that 2019 is treating the band so far? What have been some goals this group has had this year? How close are you to reaching them? 

2019 has been treating us well. Our main aim since the start of the year was to prepare for the debut album out, in which we have completed. It seems to have reached expectations too, it’s going good so far, no complaints yet.

Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be in this group together? Was it hard to think of a name that you could agree on? Has anything surprised you about this musical journey so far?

Without sounding like a cock, we took it all in our stride. We were very young and naïve, it’s never really felt like we’ve been in a band up until recently. Although we are still young, I feel like we’ve grown up, and now taking it a lot more serious. The name came from a play on words from Sid Vicious and Pretty vacant, which Elliot came up with. There’s a lot of things that surprised us, most of all growing up, especially growing up within the industry, it’s not all flowers and sunshine.

How do you think your hometowns have influenced the sound and how you all carry yourselves in this group? If not, what do you think does influence this group?

Our hometown has definitely had influence of the songs, it’s just a tough, rough and ready town. There are many influences in the songs, Merthyr being one of them.

I always like to ask bands if you all hang out socially apart from the music? In other words, when you aren’t working on music, do you guys enjoy hanging out for fun?

We all have our own things going on at times but at the end of the day our music is what brings us together.

Congrats on recently releasing your debut album, “Beauty of Youth”! How did you celebrate the release? What was it like putting this collection together? Did anything surprise you about the overall process?

It was a massive relief just to get the record out, there’s been so much behind closed doors that have delayed the process. We celebrated the release in our local pub, it was quite quiet actually.

What was it like working with your producer Dan Austin on this album?

Great, Dan was like an extra member during the sessions. We looked up to him and respected his influence. Until one of us ate his crumpets, he didn’t like that.

Can you talk about the inspiration behind some of the songs on this new album?

Being young and bored, you know rebellious in some sort of way. Anthems for the youth.

Where do you think you are all happiest- in the studio recording new music, on stage performing or elsewhere?

Personally, I would say definitely on stage performing. Regardless of any gig anywhere, you always get that buzz.

Where can fans see you perform next? What do you think makes for an ideal show?

It’s inevitable that we will go out and tour the album. We’re working on what’s next, more to be announced soon.

How has social media impacted this band? How often are you all on your different sites interacting with fans? How have you been able to utilize it through the years?

Social media is a strong part, the forefront in building a band and getting the content out there. Times have changed, welcome to the shit age.

We are currently living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious to know how you all think being musicians and in this band still gives you the most joy in life today? Do you find that your music is an escape to all the current events?

Music is always an escape. I don’t get too caught up in anything, I just go with the flow, some people live and breathe political shit.

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs?

We all have a vast range of influences, for me it would be my bandmates. I hope people take away a good time, I just hope people enjoy it and love it, we couldn’t ask for much more.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about this group?

Thanks for having us, peace PV