Why They're About to Pop: Kristen May (vocals, guitar, keyboards) grew up with her bandmates in Blue Springs, MO, a suburb of Kansas City. She was raised in a musical family, so she was influenced by her mom's Joni Mitchell and Carole King records while also exploring Stone Temple Pilots and Nirvana, the bands her brother was into. May got her first guitar at age 17 and began penning her own songs. Brian Little and May knew each other in high school and started a band together after dropping out of college. In 2003, high-school friend Jason Douglas was asked to join the outfit along with Little's younger brother Drew. The four-piece released their 'This Broken City' EP in 2004, touring with SoCal rockers Thrice. A year later, Vedera released their first full-length album, 'The Weight of an Empty Room,' and were asked to join the likes of Mutemath, Eisley, and Jason Mraz on tour. Now, boasting a tour resume that includes The Fray, Plain White Ts and All-American Rejects, Vedera is ready to take on the world with their major-label debut, 'Stages.'
"We're a family and we're very devoted to this life and to our music," May says. "We try to be as honest as we can and put everything we have out there with as much conviction as possible." 'Stages' will be available on iTunes on October 6.
What song are you most excited about from your new album 'Stages,' and why?
'Satisfy' because it's our first single! Also 'Goodbye My Love' because it was a song we put on the album at the last second and it is a bit unexpected in a really good way.
You have covered MGMT's 'Weekend Wars' and Beyonce's 'Halo.' Do you have any other covers in the works?
We are always jamming around cover songs at practice. I tried a piano version of 'Last Goodbye by Jeff Buckley the other day and I think we are going to give 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' a try on our next tour.
You've spent the summer on the road with the Fray and Jack's Mannequin. What's the best memory you have from that tour?
Probably the last day when everyone was pranking one another on stage. There were about three pranks pulled off by each of the bands (starting with the Fray pranking us) and it just continued with the crew getting involved, too. At first, it was awkward, and then it just got progressively more and more humorous and exciting to see what was going to happen next. The crowd in Spokane loved it! What are some things you can't live without on the road?
Coffee and music.
What are you looking forward to as you embark on tour with Mat Kearney?
Hanging out with him and his band. Brian and I met them not too long ago in Kansas City and they were really sweet people. Getting to know other musicians is always a highlight.
What was it like making the video for your single, 'Satisfy'?
It was very exciting! The director, James Frost, was really easy to work with and we just had a really good time. It was great to collaborate with him and come up with a video that we all love and feel reflects the song and us as a band.
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Wednesday 23 September
By Dan
For fans of the Cranberries??? Based on this first single, I'd say Kelly Clarkson is more accurate comparison.
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