Actual Villains – Losing My Religion

By starrymag | January 18, 2021

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) I like to think of Actual Villains as kind of a melting pot of all the music I loved growing up. I take bits of inspiration from the 80’s to today from Pop Punk, Alternative, Metal, Industrial and Electronic music and blend it all in a way that makes sense to me.

 

Q) Tell us the story behind why you decided to cover R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion.”

 

A) Since its release thirty years ago, it’s been one of the only songs from my childhood that I never grew tired of as my musical tastes went through multiple stages of evolution.

This year has been particularly tough, with all of its challenges and stress. It’s led to a lot of moments of introspection and soul searching. Throughout this time this song kept finding me wherever I was. The lyrics started to feel more relevant than ever and I could hear my own version of the song, in my head, taking shape. I normally feel apprehensive about doing covers, but this one just felt right. And although this song has been done before by great artists, I felt I had a new and worthwhile approach to the song that captures the feelings of today.

 

Q) You also recently shot a music video for the song. How did you come up with the concept behind the video?

 

A) I wanted to capture the feeling of being lost, kind of metaphorically wandering through life, trying to survive. Looking for hope for something better, to live, to feel something.

2020 was a year that in many ways made me feel stuck, spinning wheels, waiting for things to get better. The video is a representation of those feelings of being lost, looking for hope and a way out.

 

Q) What was your mindset in approaching how to cover “Losing My Religion?”

 

A) When writing this version, I wanted to homage the original song but bring in more raw energy and a more dynamic sound overall, taking into account my very diverse pool of influences. It starts with a sense of sadness that boils into rage by the end, taking the listener on a journey that matches the feelings of sadness and anger this song evokes still today after three decades.

 

Q) What do you hope fans take away from your version of the song?

 

A) My hope is that people find solace and comfort in knowing they aren’t alone. We all know how it feels to be frustrated, at the end of our rope. I hope it motivates people to look for that light at the end of the tunnel and know that this is just a phase. Life will go on and things will get better.

 

Q) Your last album was released back in 2016. Have you been working on a follow-up and if so, what can fans expect with the new music?

 

A) Oh yes. I spent a lot of time working on new songs. I’ve done several new tracks with some of the best rock producers out right now – Hiram Hernandez, Taylor Larson and Matt Good.

Each song is kind of it’s own story. No two songs are really alike at all, Some heavier, a ballad, one borderline industrial. For that reason I don’t plan to release an album as I originally set out to do. I want each song to be unique and have its own place. For that reason I’m leaning toward releasing a whole bunch of new original songs as singles over the span of 2021. While working on potentially doing a more cohesive EP or LP in 2022.

 

Q) With live music currently on hold, have you been able to have any virtual live shows for your fans?

 

A) At this time the band is basically just me and the producers I’ve been working with. Live shows and virtual shows are not going to be possible for a little while. However, that said I will be assembling a full band and playing again as soon as it’s allowed and safe to do so!

 

Q) What was one of your favorite venues to perform at?

 

A) I love the Marquee here in Phoenix, AZ, but it was super cool to be able to play at the Palladium in MA and the nicest venue I’ve ever performed at was probably the American Eagle venue Stage AE in Pittsburg, PA.

 

Q) Is there anyone you would love to collaborate with in the future?

 

A) Absolutely, so many. Locally, I really dig Dropout Kings from here in Arizona. They have a unique Djent/Trap sound that is something so fresh and something I could never do.

I’d also love to collaborate with someone like Travis Barker on a pop punk track and Celldweller on something more industrial sounding.

 

Q) What are you currently listening to?

 

A) I’m all over the place lately. I’ve been listening to Architects, Don Broco, Radiohead, The Dangerous Summer, Siamese, Shrezzers, a lot of 90’s Alternative rock, 2000’s Hard rock, Jazz and Lo-Fi beats.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) Keep your head up! Great music is still being released every day and live music will return one day hopefully soon. I can’t wait to get back out there to sing these new songs to people face to face. Until then, I’m super grateful to anyone who takes the time to listen and share the music I create. It’s mind blowing that without a record label I’ve managed to acquire millions of plays on Spotify as an independent artist and I’m eternally grateful to every listen and proud and thankful for every play. More than anything I want to say thank you to all of my listeners for keeping my passions and dreams alive.