Meet Valiant Vermin

Dive into some fantastic wavy summer tracks with Valiant Vermin. This artist’s hypnotizing poppy tracks pull from a host of inspirations, one of the most prevalent being flashy funky 80’s synthpop.

They channel this inspiration through the context of a modern society to create a sound that is familiar but completely unique. In our latest interview we chat about influences, nature, and tattoos. Check it out and give a listen to their terrific new track “Freaking Time”.

Two Truths and A Lie (Answer at the bottom)

• I once projectile vomited at a party while my crush helped me clean it up

• I was chased by cops because I broke into a store

• I used to release hundreds of frogs into a room before every class

Would you rather…

be trapped in a dark closet with a swan or a scorpion? Please explain why.

Definitely the swan. I identify with the swan. If you don’t attack me, I’ll be hella chill. Plus I’m cute.

Some questions with Valiant Vermin

What draws you towards the 80’s sound and ascetic?

It makes me wanna dance! I love to dance. I also love the energy and the way it could easily be applied to a narrative structure through montages and tropes. It’s a thought process I always return to when I need inspiration and it makes me feel like I’m living in a chick flick.

If your music came on during a nature documentary what would be happening?

Hopefully something similar to the video of that Iguana being chased by killer snakes. Alternatively, maybe a time-lapse of 2 people in the forest making a pool.

What is the best interaction you have had with a fan to date?

One time someone knocked on my door and asked for a picture with me. I was like “Is it okay if I’m in my pajamas?” And they were like “of course!” So we took the pic then the dude left. It was odd but nice anyway.

If you were offered a free tattoo what would you get?

Probably a parrot on my leg, I used to raise a parrot who sang and whistled like me. The closest thing to having a child.

What kind of music was playing in your house when you grew up. Did it shape the music you are making today?

My parents love 70s disco, 80s pop, and R&B so it makes sense that I currently make similar music haha. We’re also a musical theater family (my mom being a dancer/performer in the past and my sister currently working in theater/being a performer,) but I think I project that energy with the way I speak. It’s a soft attempt at cartoonish and grand.

Where is the best place to get pizza in NYC?

I admittedly have not tried enough pizza to have a correct answer, but I would 100% mess with a Little Italy’s pizza on Fulton St. right now. I personally like my crusts sorta thin, but strong enough to carry the amount of toppings it has. It’s easy to bend, has a crunch, and a nice bottom layer of bread crumbs underneath that doesn’t get your hands oily.

What effect do you think COVID is going to have on the NYC music scene?

Unfortunately, I can’t see live shows snapping back to what it once was for the next year or so. It would be hard to enjoy a show when a lot of the joy comes from the crowd. It’ll come back, but just not now. But when it does, we’ll be ready for sure. If anything, this as a good time to make up for stage time with online presence. I’m definitely using this time to beef up my content and it gives me comfort to know that the internet is a platform for all, no matter where you are.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Wash your hands! If you have recovered from COVID-19 you can donate blood plasma to help patients recover too!

Two Truths and A Lie Key:

• Truth: I used to release hundreds of frogs into a room before every class

• Truth: I was chased by cops because I broke into a store

• Lie: I once projectile vomited at a party while my crush (didn’t know personally) helped me clean it up