Interviews: Versus

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock band Versus from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it, or did it just come out like that?

The name 'Versus' evolved over a few years while we were finding our feet and cutting our teeth. The name went through a few changes, and we always seemed to circle around the word 'versus', so we eventually stopped beating around the bush and chose to keep it short and snappy, and just go with 'Versus'.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We kind of just landed in this genre. This is the genre in which we are the most comfortable writing music, but we pull influences from everywhere and from completely different genres. We try to keep things fresh, so we tend to mix things up a little bit to keep fans on their toes.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Rob and Shortie have known each other for years, but Calvin was a later addition. Since Cal came into the picture, the three of us have become such a finely tuned machine that it kind of feels like we have been in this band all our lives.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

That is a pretty tough one to answer for all of us. Shortie is into System Of A Down, Father Of Peace, Shikari and anything from Seattle in the 90's, where Rob loves Daseeker, Periphery and BMTH, and Cal digs Soen, Opeth and Slayer. I mean, who doesn't like Slayer?

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Inspiration can come from anywhere or anything really; you could have some line in a movie stuck in your head for days, it can come from just playing around on a guitar, it can come from a poster, an experience, or our emotions, but that list is barely scratching the surface of inspiration.

6. Where was your last gig?

We played down in Sheffield at a small, intimate little venue called The Yorkshireman, and ended up bumping into and hanging out with the bare-knuckle fighting world champion Jay Eggleston! Really nice person and genuine bloke.

7. Where would you like to play?

Everywhere. All over the world. None of us really has a particular venue in mind, but all agree that it would be awesome to shoot across the pond and tour the United States.

8. Who would you like to support?

There isn't really one band that any of us really disagree with wanting to support - any of the greats, really, like Bring Me The Horizon, Dayseeker, or Enter Shikari, but saying that, we don't necessarily sit in one area, and we are pretty versatile and wouldn't turn a decent show down.

9. Who not?

There isn't anyone that we would say no to playing a show with, if we were appropriate for that bill, of course. We are not everyone's cup of tea, and that is absolutely fine, and we have to take that into account when being asked to play a show.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Everyone suffers from stage fright at some point in their careers, so do we. The best advice is to breathe, allow yourself to exist in that moment, and remember that you are a part of a team and your brothers or sisters in your squad have got your back.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

There's a wide range of bands that you can hear influence from in our songs, whether that was intentional or not is another question! But also the influence you can hear in our music nowadays probably started off completely differently in our youth, and we wouldn’t be writing the songs we are able to now without that unique grounding and development in musical tastes. The influences you’re probably most able to hear are likely going to be the same as our current favourite bands, but the structure and details underneath may stem from a totally different place.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

The shirt off Shortie's back. Literally. He doesn't even smell that great.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We would be nothing without fans, essentially. Everything we do is for the people who listen to our music and come to shows.

14. What do you think of our site?

We love that you’ve got your finger on the pulse of the scene, but also that you embrace new music, new bands and support all kinds of music. Folks like you keep the music world alive!

15. Something to add?

Thank you for having us - Love & Peace x

Support independent metal journalism — Visit the official BTC store