Video Age – Away From the Castle

By: Kelly Kearney

Q) For our readers looking for new music to fill their playlists with, how would you describe Video Age’s music?

A) Retro indie bedroom synth jangle pop playing in a coffee shop near you 

Q) The album Away From the Castle comes out October 27th with the single “Ready to Stay,” which felt a bit like sitting on a porch taking in a cool breeze on a hot summer day. What inspired you to write that? 

Ray: Ross and his partner Sarah bought a home in 2020 and, in lieu of a house warming gift, I wrote them a song. There are many fun songs about houses, like CSNY’s “Our House” or Diana Ross’ “It’s My House,” so I figured it couldn’t hurt to add one more! 

Q) I loved the throwback choppy VHS-style video for the single “Golden Sun.” Was filming in New York City your first choice or did the opportunity just happen organically and you ran with it? It’s a city that’s not always easy to maneuver cameras around and get clean shots.

A) We were headed to NY to play Indieplaza fest, so we knew we wanted to capture that scenery. In addition, our director Leo Rauf convinced us to spend the entire day before the fest running around the city, which was really fun. The four-person bicycle we rented on Governor’s island was indeed worth it. 

Q) Talk about rediscovering your sound for this album. You tucked yourselves away in a cabin for inspiration and you managed to re-emerge refreshed and with a more intimate version of your previous work. What led you to search for a new version of yourselves?

A) We loved making the last two records all D.I. in Ross’ living room, but we had a burning curiosity about what would happen if we returned to playing our instruments live as a band. We wanted to rely less on studio production in the beginning and let the songs drive the creative process. Plus, going to a remote location (a-La Exile and Big Pink) was such a nice experience. One week of music, crawfish ponds, frogs, soybeans and Cajun food is really all you can ask for. 

Q) When you felt disconnected from your work you concentrated on collaborating with other talented artists like Drugdealer and Esther Rose on their albums. Now that your feet are firmly set in this rediscovered version of yourselves, are we maybe able to look forward to collaborations popping up in your releases in the future? 

A) We’ve been so lucky to collaborate with such talented artists. It would be an honor to work with another vocalist, songwriter or producer in the future. Cate Le Bon??

Q) Would you say this album in particular is the perfect representation of how your friendship has developed over the decades? It really sounds like a mature version of what we’ve heard from you both before.  

A) Thanks, that’s so kind of you to say! Yes, we really put a lot of effort into pushing ourselves to make music that surprises us. Knowing we can rely on each other for support is a huge creative blessing. 

Q) What do you hope lingers with audiences who explore Away From the Castle as a whole – whether a message or an emotion?

A) Let your friends know how much they mean to you. Float in the ocean/ universe with an Alligator Gar.   

Q) Who would you most love to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Cate, where y’at?

Q) This album will definitely land on fans’ constant rotation, so I have to ask, who graces your car’s playlist? Are any bands capturing your attention right now?

A) Being Dead, Faye Webster, and Automatic 

Q) What advice would Ross and Ray today give budding musicians Ross and Ray from twenty years ago? Perhaps something you wish you had known when you first started out that now you both are very aware of.

A) A rough show can be a great learning experience.  Don’t wait until you have the perfect set up to make music, just jump in and work with what you have. Try to open for your favorite bands. Music is not a competition. 

Q) What would you like to say to the fans of your music who can’t wait for this album to drop?

A) Thank you so much for listening. We couldn’t do it without you! Rock on:))))