The Alternative Rock Band, VERUCA SALT Discusses Their Newest Release And Why Their Hiatus Was Good For The Band

Photo Credit- Alison Dyer

The alternative-rock band, Veruca Salt was formed in 1993 by vocalist-guitarists Nina Gordon and Louise Post, drummer Jim Shapiro and bassist Steve Lack.

Their 1994 hit “Seether” first brought this Chicago band into the spotlight. They have released five full-length studio albums; “American Thighs”, “Eight Arms To Hold You”, “Resolver”, “IV” and most recently last summer, “Ghost Notes”.

“Ghost Notes” was the first collection to include the original lineup since their 1997 album, “Eight Arms To Hold You”.

Learn more about Veruca Salt in the following All Access interview:

Looking back at the start of the group in 1993, did you ever think you would be where you are today?

When we first started out, things happened really fast for us.  We accomplished so much in such a short period of time.  We never in our wildest dreams imagines that we would break up the way we did, and beyond that that we would get back together in the way we did. We are so stoked to be back together, to have released a new album– this is like a victory lap for us.

What was it like putting together your fifth album, “Ghost Notes” with the original line-up after those years apart?

It was like returning home.  We picked up right where we left off.

What songs on “Ghost Notes” are you particularly proud of? Where does your songwriting inspiration come from me now?

We are proud of all of the songs on the album.  We think it’s a tour de force that never lets up.  “Empty Bottle” is probably our favorite. The inspiration for this album was the story of our band, our breakup and our reunion. It’s about our friendship.  Once we reunited we were so inspired by each other again that we began to weed through our history and all those gritty and gory details.

How do you think your sound and general group dynamics have changed and grown over the years? How the hiatus prepare you to make your current music?

Photo Credit- Alison Dyer

Our time apart definitely informed who we have become musically, and we have all grown as musicians and as people. As it happened the stars all aligned and we fell back in step with one another very naturally and found we still have a lot to say and do together.

How do you think the music industry has changed in the time that Veruca Salt was away? How are you keeping up with social media?

We are excited at how artist driven the industry is now, and how creative we can be in getting our music out to our fans.  The social media aspect is super cool and fun, and makes us feel very connected with all the people that have been hoping against hope that we would someday make music together again.

How’s your summer tour going? Any favorite venues and/or crowds so far?

We had a great a time on the road this past summer.  We loved playing for all our lovely fans who have stood by us with such patience and faith.

Do you think you’re your touring process has changed as you all have gotten older? And if so, how exactly?

We have children now, so we cannot tour extensively like we used to.  It seems like dads can pull this off better than we can, as mothers to young children.  So when we go out, it has to be quick and precise, like surgery. We enjoy it so much though, and love the feeling of being out together again.  We make each other laugh the entire time.

When it comes to the group, what have some of the most memorable moments?

The things that come to mind off the top of our shared heads are:  Glastonbury Festival 1995, hearing Seether on the radio for the first time in a 7-eleven, playing SNL in ’97, a reunion show in Brooklyn in 2014, saying goodnight to each other on the bus, making an album in Maui, our first dinner as a band in 14 years….

Photo Credit- Alison Dyer

At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners take away from your music? Is there a message that you hope fans take away from the music?

We made an album that we love and we hope that listeners love it too.  Mostly the album is proof that anything is possible.