New York is known as the city that never sleeps, but Los Angeles is the city where rock keeps you awake! For Venrez, the rock band from downtown L.A. that’s definitely true. The front man of the group that gave his name to the band, Ven (as he is known to his friends) is the man behind all this. He managed to bring together four other great musicians and under his directions in 2011 they formed the band he always dreamed of.
Now, on board with 2015, Venrez has two successful LPs (Sell the Lie and American Illusion), a huge fan base, as well as a new album titled Children Of The Drones ready to hit the stores in early Febuary! Until then let’s find out all about their past, present and future, as we declare Venrez as Indie Band Of The Week!
It is quite interesting the way the five of you met and formed the group. Would you like to tell us how it all started?
My roommate at the time, also a singer/song writer, wanted to build a Tiki Bar out on this huge sundeck we had at the condo we were renting by the Hollywood sign. Soon, the place was full of people working on the Tiki Bar and some of them were accomplished musicians. Jason Womack was one of them. We started jamming soon after and became the song writing duo of Venrez. Jason writes the music and I write the lyrics. Next thing I knew, we had a band, and were playing shows.
Where do you draw your inspiration for the songs you write?
From my experiences and my current thoughts and feelings on all subjects.
Which of your songs is your favorite and why?
Well, that is a tough question to answer. I would say the title track to our album Sell The Lie because the melody is amazing and I feel the lyrics are timeless.
What does Venrez live for?
I live to play live! For me, there is nothing on earth like it.
Your debut album Sell the Lie was well received from audiences. The second one American Illusion, shared the same success. What else can Venrez deliver to rock music scene?
Our latest release American Illusion gave our fans a heavier side of what we do musically. The new album Children of the Drones will release in February 2015 and I feel it’s a full circle of the band morphing our 70’s beat into a nice more alternative rock sound for the current 21st Century.
Venrez – Sanctity
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Why did you choose your first album to be recorded live?
We wanted to go for the old school sound. So many bands cannot bring live what they record. I wanted to be one of the bands who does and for that to be extremely evident to our fans.
Your new album Children Of The Drones is now available for pre order. Tell us a few things about your new songs.
It’s more great melodies written by Jason Womack but it is without question the best work he and I have done together yet. Fans are getting a more alternative rock sound with our signature 70’s beat, I take my usual shot or two at big brother government, but more lyrics everyone can relate to.
What are the differences from the previous ones?
I think the new album has more of an alternative rock sound and twist to it. The focus of the sound is more tunneled in and it is a natural and easily absorbed musical journey for our current fans and all new listeners.
“You guys are great every night.” ~Alice CooperIn the past you toured with some of the biggest names in rock music like Alice Cooper and Slash, among others. It must be an amazing experience working with these guys…
It was an honor as well as a dream. Alice Cooper is a legend from the 70’s, which is my favorite period for rock music. He came into my dressing room minutes before I was taking the stage on the 5th show of the tour, shook my hand, and told me “You guys are great every night.” My jaw dropped to the floor. The next night in Kansas City, MO, his entire band was back stage right watching our set. That is a compliment that surpasses anything else I can ever experience. Slash is an amazing artist and a very cool person like Alice Cooper. I was blown away at how spot on they both were night in and night out on tour. Total pro’s.
All of you were musicians before Venrez. What do you like the most in rock music?
The fans. Corporate rock has pretty much taken over and it all sucks. But the fans keep it real and support bands like us who refuse to sell out.
What other bands and musicians are your “idols,” if we can use that word?
My influences are pretty much from the late 60’s and the 70’s front men and song writers. Although, the 90’s restored my faith again in rock from the 80’s which I never really liked. Mick Jagger, Jim Morrison, and Bob Dylan. Chris Cornell and Layne Staley from the 90’s.
UNFORESEEN-VENREZ
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Tell us your personal story that made you start playing music. What is your musical background?
It was my dream the minute I heard “I Wanna Hold your Hand” of the Beatles when it hit the radio. “Paint it Black” from the Stones came out shortly after or around the same time. I was bitten then and forever. So, I started singing when I was little toddler. I started playing clarinet and piano at the age of 9. I played around with every instrument on earth since.
What are your future plans? I know you are preparing a tour in UK in February…
The new album releases in late January early February 2015. We shot two music videos for the album. “Sacred Blood” is on a big movie sound track and will be the first to release in January. That track is without question the most alternative rock track we have ever recorded. The actual rock single from the new release is “Hang The Predator” and that will release in February. We have our first head line tour of the UK from February 27th to March 12th. We will also head line a big all day festival in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia with bands from oppressed countries like Iran and Armenia on April 2nd. Then we go to El Paso, Texas for an April 7th show as direct support to the Y & T Band. We are currently in talks to tour the UK, East & West Europe, Israel and Scandinavia with a big name band April 15th to May 21st. We should be on the road most of 2015, touring worldwide.
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