Interview by Kyra-Jade Coombs
Newcastle band Vilify have recently released their newest single From the Inside and HEAVY took the chance to have a chat with frontwoman Amy McIntosh to see what’s been happening and what’s on the cards for the band.
If you haven’t had a listen already, From the Inside addresses dealing with sexuality and how it’s dealt with on the inside-out.
When I asked how the track has been received Amy said, “People have come back saying they don’t really relate to this one… and I think that’s probably why I had to write it”. Which is an interesting point to address in today’s day and age.
We have found ourselves in a climate made up of generations trying to navigate a space where humans can express themselves and truly be who they are, and some people just don’t know how to act in such situations.
Vilify released their EP Clarity in 2020, right in the shit storm that was Covid and really had everything thrown at them that would typically deter a band, but they managed to push through all cancelled shows, uncertainties, and adversities to make it to where they are today and honestly, that’s fucking hard. Opportunities that were once there for them didn’t come to fruition or come back again at all in some cases. It’s so cool to see a band withstand the bullshit and turn it into something amazing.
One thing I’ve noticed about Amy is her openness and transparency with mental health and I wanted to shine a spotlight on that. I think it’s important to have people in our music community who will be the voice for people who aren’t necessarily strong enough at the time to speak and have that person say it’s okay, and we all have our struggles.
Especially someone who has a platform to reach people and uses it as a tool to share their struggles, even at times when they aren’t 100% in the right headspace either. It’s always nice to know that you aren’t alone in your struggles, so I commend people who can do this. Furthermore, we touched on stepping away from playing bass in Vilify and being up the front of the band, allowing and trusting your bandmates to step up and grow together, showing up to gigs in a badass ‘uniforms’ and being a family unit together.
There’s nothing set in stone, but if you ask me it sounds like these legends have an EP in the works that will hopefully be blessing our ear holes sooner than later! Keep an eye on this space. Don’t forget to check out From the Inside in the meantime.
Enjoy folks!