THE VLADIMIRS
Interview with Marquis Thomas (Vocals, Guitar)
By Tyler Evans
THE VLADIMIRS are one of America’s last great horror punk acts. The band just released The Late Hours, their first full length record in five years, giving their fans a much needed fix of hard-hitting, unnervingly crafted, paranormal anti-hits. I recently caught up with Marquis Thomas, who gave me his classic dry point of view into the underworld of THE VLADIMIRS.
The Vladimirs have always been prolific with your releases, even having multiple releases in one year on occasion. Why is The Late Hours the first new record in five years?
We never planned on it taking so long for the new record to come out but fortunately we have many new songs left. Truth be told we could have put out a double album, but decided to hold off on that. It shouldn’t take five years for something new next time.
Do you guys have any solid tour plans in motion to promote The Late Hours?
We will play some shows here and there but I doubt we’ll see a full-blown tour.
After going so long without a new release, do you feel like it’s especially hard to create a buzz for a new record or has your fan base been pretty loyal?
We have always been fortunate to have a very loyal fan base; our music is always found by those who should be hearing it.
A person’s life can change so much in five years, which stands ten-fold for multiple people in a band. What all has happened in your lives in the time since Serpent Girl that influenced the songs on The Late Hours?
Some of us have traveled abroad, there have been children born, loved ones have died, friends have been lost, time is missing, so much has been had and not had.
Having been in this band for as long as you have, do you feel like you have already reached the maximum level of success you can reach with The Vladimirs, or is there still a feeling of “The sky is the limit”?
We will continue to do what ever we want as always.
I find it really interesting that you guys try to capture the theme of horror in your music, rather than simply title a song after a horror movie and summarize it with three verses and a chorus like a lot of bands do. What are some of the essences that most often strike you and come through in the songs?
Everything we write is honest and from the heart it just happens to be some form of horror or insight to the sheer insanity of this world. Sometimes it’s funny sometimes it’s sad or both. I was born with a fear and death fixation so that always seems to come through in the music.
You guys have a band since ’95, in all that time, have you ever run into any real life horror stories?
Life is full of real horror stories every day. If you’re referring to the supernatural the answer is yes but I’ve learned not to always speak so candidly of such things.
I know The Vladimirs don’t do a ton of press; we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us. Are there any final things you would like to get off your chest or say to the fans?
Cheers to you and all our fans young and old. Keep your minds open when the whole shit house goes up in flames and maybe we’ll see you on the other side.
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