Dublin alternative rock trio Velourias have released their new single, Taxidermist, with an accompanying music video. We asked the band's front man and guitarist Philip Keogh the BIG questions . . .
The band are comprised of Phil (guitar and vocals), Rob (bass and vocals), and Nick (drums) and they are currently working on an album scheduled for release next year.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
When I was 15, I got fired from a fried chicken restaurant in Dublin for burning a load of chicken but still saved enough from that job for my first guitar amplifier. Rob, the bassist in Velourias, and I used to drink beers on his father's shed roof and listen to records on weekend nights. The shed was right by a trainline. It was a really odd and dangerous but cool hideout to listen to records, man. Very feral. I'd have to say my favourite tv show is The Masked Singer.
How would you describe your music?
I'd probably describe our music as quite/loud alternative rock music for the thinking man. Songs laced with angular guitar parts and semi-surrealist lyrics. We sing about slightly off-kilter subjects and tend to steer clear of the usual stuff you might hear on the radio. Having said that, we'd never let our egos get in the way of a good melody either.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Lots of US alternative rock bands, stuff like Fugazi, At The Drive In, Pixies, Pile, Hot Snakes, Sonic Youth also lots of UK indie and alternative rock. It would be hard to pin it down to one or two bands.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Blur in 1997 in the old Point Depot. I was so young looking back that I was surprised my parents let me go without supervision. It was great. I think a band called The Warm Jets opened that evening. Good times.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first cassette single I ever bought was Babylon Zoo - Spaceman. I suppose there's a certain sense of nostalgia attached to it, I was only young, but all in all, I still think that's a great track, man! He should re-release that and make a few quid for his grandkids.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Probably Feast by Sprints, it's my kinda bag, man! Had it on repeat for a good week. Great breath work in that song. Good band.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Our love is rice and beans and horses’ lard" - Bone Machine by Pixies. I always thought that was a mental lyric in a really cool way
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Now, that's all most impossible to answer, but at a push, I might say The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel. That's just of the top of my head
Where can people find your music/more information?
Here. We're on all socials media platforms. Spotify/Instagram/TikTok/X and YouTube.
Alan Corr
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