Kurt Vile Interview

As a solo artist, Kurt Vile has released four official albums, maintaining critical acclaim as one of the most exciting indie rock artists around today.
Vile’s latest, “Smoke Ring For My Halo,” came out just a few months ago, and WEEKEND got a chance to discuss the new album, his live show and what’s on the horizon for the musician, just in time for his performance Friday at Russian Recording.

W: Your new album, “Smoke Ring For My Halo,” came out earlier this year. How has the reaction been?

KV: It’s been mostly good. I’d say it’s been like 95 percent great feedback all around.

W: What has changed for you with the new album?
 
KV: It all comes pretty naturally. I’ve fine-tuned it as time goes on. The earlier home recordings, they were pretty psychedelic and I was my own boss.
After I put “Constant Hitmaker” out, I kind of developed a style of compiling things from different eras. It’s kind of a collage style, like a sound collage.

W: When do you know if something is ready to be recorded?

KV: It’s mainly trial and error. But there are also always certain songs you know are strong. It’s not all spontaneity.

W: You played here in Bloomington a few months back as a solo act. How does that compare to what you’re doing with your band The Violators?

KV: Yeah, I mean, with the Violators we try to be sensitive to songs. We do “Runner-Ups” and “On Tour” and there’s obviously a little more energy than the recorded versions. We rock more live.
I’ll play solo in between if I want to, and I usually do. But I can’t imagine doing a solo tour. It’s like after six minutes, it all seems pretty linear. It’s just too exhausting to think of different ways to do a solo thing.

W: “Smoke Ring” seems to be taking the music to a more rock direction. How much influence does the band have on your records?

KV: It depends on the track, but Mike Zanghi happened to play on the whole record. Everyone’s personality is on there for sure.

W: What is it like being on Matador, getting to tour with the likes of Thurston Moore and J. Mascis? What sort of influence has it had on you?

KV: My music was affected by those bands growing up at different points in my life. I intentionally tried to be heard by them. I mean, when I toured with J, just watching him every night, I don’t know, it just sinks in through osmosis.

W: Is there any pressure being on a bigger label?

KV: No pressure. I’m confident in my playing and my music now. I don’t feel pressure, like all of a sudden I have to be good or bad. I probably felt more pressure when I first signed to Matador. I just play music the way I want to.

W: You’re from Philadelphia.
How has that city’s scene influenced your music?   
    KV: Early on it was me and Adam, who is my closest bandmate. Meeting people early on...Jeff, who recorded my album, my buddy Ricky started putting things out on the DIY spectrum, people who are now my good friends. Also, there’s the record exchange, just small circles of friends who go to shows, genuinely great musicians reaffirm why you like folk music.

W: You’re a pretty big record head. What records were you listening to while making “Smoke Ring?”

KV: There are all kinds of great things out there. We just have too many records, so we have CDs on the road, going on tour with my bandmates there’s always a new record to listen to. But, right now, there’s that new Mickey Newbury box set that just came out. Van Zandt for songwriting stuff.

W: Are you writing anything new? What’s next?

KV: I think it’s just going to be an extension. A lot more electricity involved. It’s not going to be out of left field...a smooth evolution. It’s not a big feeling of change. The idea is to make the songwriting just as good.

Interview by Aaron Bragg
adbragg@indiana.edu