BY STUART KEELER
stuart.keeler@the-gig-guide.co.uk

New sensations Vagabond are making waves in the music industry at the moment with their soul-infused pop, featuring a frontman in the form of Alex Vargas who has already been likened to a host of great vocal talents from Brian Ferry to Michael Hutchence!

We caught up with Alex after the band’s show supporting James Morrison in Canterbury;

For the benefit of those who haven’t yet heard of you, sum up yourselves and your music in one paragraph.
“Soul-tinged pop rock with a big afro in the middle”

I’ve got to ask about the name ‘Vagabond’. Why did you choose it, and is it relevant to some part of the band?
“We fell in love with it because it fits so well with the type of band we are – a touring band. We’re not quite homeless but we like to move around!”

I heard you guys came together in a studio in Kent, can you tell us a little bit about your beginnings?
“Steve, Luke and I (Alex) met in the studio, yes. It seemed right to form a band cause we got on musically as well as socially. After doing acoustic gigs for a little while we found Karl. And eventually after some tangoing back and forth Sam joined the family.”

You’ve been supporting James Morrison (which brought you to Kent), how’s that been?
“Absolutely phenomenal! We had the time of our lives out there. James’s has such a welcoming crowd and we couldn’t have asked for a better support slot.”

Who would you cite as your influences, musical or otherwise?
“We are all close with our families and get a great amount inspiration from our homes. Musically we span all across the board. Anything that is believable. We like to have soul in everything.”

Your debut album (‘You Don’t Know The Half Of It’) is due out in August, are you excited or nervous about it’s release?
“A bit of both I suppose. It’s hard to face that you can only control your career to a certain extent. When the album is out there it’s up to everybody else. All we can do is continue to work as hard as we do now.”

The single ‘Sweat’ is doing well for you, and has attracted remixes from top names including Filthy Dukes (who we featured last issue). Are any of you guys into electro, and what do you think of the remixes?
“I think they are great! I found it funny to hear how someone with a different musical background’s take on it would sound.”

You’re supporting a few artists on tour including McFly, who wouldn’t at first be an obvious match so how did that come about?
“We have found that people of all ages react to our music and therefore feel it is important to give everyone attention. I have seen everything from young women to married couples, who are having a night out to celebrate that their 23-year-old finally moved out, at our gigs.”

The summer sees you playing a few festivals too, including Glastonbury, T in the Park & V. Are you looking forward to playing these prestigious events?
“I can’t begin to describe how excited we are. It’s a big thing for us. Even if we aren’t playing to thousands, it’s the fact that we get to inhale the buzz from the stage.”

What else have you got lined up for 2009?
“Other than gigs, promo and album release? I don’t think there’ll be time for anything else!”

Any new acts caught your eye that you think we should check out?
“Yeah, check out Laura & The Tears, Rubylux and Ryan O’Reilly. Within those three you’ll find soul, pop, rock, country and folk.”

The Gig Guide 5…
Favourite Bar Snack?
“Salt and Vinegar crisps.”

What’s the biggest animal you could take on in unarmed combat?
“A really large rabbit…but I’d rather not.”

What would be your message to the world?
“Check out www.myspace.com/vagabond HA! and stop fighting, please.”

Any pet hates?
“I’m pretty easy going, just don’t jump in front of me in the queue at the deli.”

Tea or Coffee?
“Herbal tea. NO MOCKING, THANK YOU!”

The infectious new single ‘Don’t Wanna Run No More’ is out 3rd August and the debut album ‘You Don’t Know The Half Of It’ follows on the 17th.

Tags: Alex vargas, Brian Ferry, Don't Wanna Run No More, Filthy Dukes, Glastonbury Festival, Interview, James Morrison, Laura & the Tears, McFly, Michael Hutchence, Rubylux, Ryan O'Reilly, Stuart Keeler, Sweat, T in the Park Festival, V Festival, Vagabond, You Don't Know The Half Of It

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