Power Pop Band Vix20 Talk Music and More

Vix20 is a Power Pop Band in the great tradition of They Might Might Be Giants and The Knack~ Vix20 are Gary Mills and CJ, two music industry veterans who grew so disillusioned with the state of every element of the music industry that they threw their guitars out of the window and sulked for a few years. Now rejuvenated, though no less prickly about the Modern Age, they return, to quote the band themselves, “we’re hard rockers turned to the dark side of pop”. As evidenced on their previous single, Digital Age, their passion for power pop (don’t say ‘punk pop’ to them, it suggests too much jumping around) and dexterity with words combines to become insanely catchy 3-minute thunderbolts. Joining them in the videos and when they play live are on the Drums it’s Rich and on the Bass it’s Kill.

Their double A-side Hashtag Change/Me Gwanishi pushes the envelope even further with the glorious cut-up tones of Donald Trump delivering a love letter to his beloved Melania. Lawyers be damned! “Hashtag Change” aka the Trump Song…. People don’t really change; they just try to live their best life, and in that regard Big Donny nailed it. In this frank and open love letter to Melania, Don tells us what was on his mind the whole time. “Me Gwanishi”(Mei Guanxi) Inspired by the short film Room 13 (released 2020), Gwanishi describes how best to deal with an experience you’re probably not supposed to have. The tune features on the film’s soundtrack.

What first got you into music?

It was all thanks to a book I read as a teenager, Buddy’s Song, Buddy learned guitar and got a girlfriend… I decided that was my best bet!!
Who inspired you to make music?
I heard Appetite for Destruction and an English band called the quireboys…I wanted in!

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

It’s not to serious, powerful and pop….power pop.

What is your creative process like?
Typically it starts with an idea then I send it over to CJ and he quality controls it and we build from there…

Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Honestly, we have such a great balance at the moment I’m not sure anyone really but if I was really pushed I’d say the band, The Only Ones.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I would have to say ELO…then I could sing along to every song in there set!!

What is one message you would give to your fans?
Have a good time all the time…

What is the most useless talent you have?
My hindsight is incredible

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Carole King, Smackwater Jack…

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

I’d like to deliver parcels.

Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

We have performed in pretty much every venue you can think of..in one day I once played a village fair, a school then a football stadium, but my favorite venue is probably the Cat house in Glasgow followed by the Underworld in Camden London, we also played a small venue in New York which was a highlight…least favorite, none really happy to play anywhere..

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
I really could talk about this for hours…but I will simply say it is what it is, we all have day jobs now.

What song is your favourite to perform?

I love playing Hashtag Change I have to really belt it to get the vocals right…I love it.

Which famous musicians do you admire?

I love the English band Supergrass such great songs

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

Next question pls…

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Never never give up and opinions are like…well never mind.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I think we should be paid for our art, streaming revenue is a well-documented joke.

What’s next for you?

More songs!!!

How important is the current climate crises to you and how do you think you could help?

I think there is a lot of conflicting evidence I would really like to know for sure exactly what’s going on…but we should def ban plastic….

Check them out on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vixtwentymusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vixtwenty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vixtwenty
Website: https://www.vix20.com