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VIE JESTER: "Etches In Aether"

VIE JESTER-  and their latest release, Etches In Aether. It's powerful moster guitar riffing from up and coming Los Angeles-based power trio. Armed with attitude and smelly underwear, these trixters and jokers are influenced by all the big-riff, heavy sound, US of A acts of the nineties and even some of the eighties. Here to let you find out more about the band and their EP. The wacky bloke behind the kit. Here's:  CLIFF CONWAY

Describe Vie Jester to someone who's not come across you guys before

Heavy art rock with with monster guitar riffs and melodic singing.

What kind of 'sound', production wise, did you have in the back of your mind prior to recording?

We wanted stay in line to our sound we have developed over a decade, and introduce new elements where we could. For example, we had our electronic artist buddy, Maturo, collaborate with us in creating atmospheric textures making the "three piece" sound deeper. Heavy, yet soft and moody at times. Technical and punchy, with a strong melodic lead from the vocals.

Your forthcoming album is to be entitled 'Etches In Aether' can you explain the meaning behind this?

A drawing in an ethereal plane is a basic definition. It can mean many things.

And are you pleased with the final outcome? (sound - production wise)

"I'm as happy as a little girl" - *Ditor from SNL

Did you or the producer use any experimental recording techniques?

We shoved a Neuman 282 up a goat's ass and tied him to the drum kit while we whipped it. I'm joking PETA. Mic placement was pretty standard. But our boy Danny B. at Revolution 9 Studios gets very creative on Cubase and adds unorthodox effects throughout many songs. I can't reveal ancient Chinese secrets though.

Any 'crazy' behind the scenes anecdotes from these sessions that you can share?

One of our engineers and Kyle (lead singer/guitarist), got in late night silly string wars. I'm talking 6 in the morning waking up with half a can of chemically tasting string in your mouth.

What's the story behind your moniker?

Vie: to strive or compete for. Jester: a clown or entertainer. Clowns at heart.

Any overall theme of mood that you're trying to capture while writing songs?

Not one in particular. Each song has its vibe, and the lyrics of the song paint a picture withing that space. Duh. For instance. "Saint" has something to do with living up to your personal human potential

Why are you playing this particular style of music instead of say Pop or Prog?

Originality has always been a major theme talked about by this band. We love so much different music, but we somehow wanted to step beside our influences instead of right on top of them. Obviously you can't be completely original, we're still using common elements of Western rock music. So I guess when we stress the idea of originality within our influences, you get our style, sort of a hybrid. I'm a huge fan of "proggy" bands like Tool, King Crimson, and many jazz fusion artists. I grew on many grunge bands like Nirvana or Pearl Jam.

Do you feel it's (un)fair that people tend to compare your product with the 90s acts? (considering budget, exposure, marketing, etc).

I don't really care, I know we have a modern spin on it so I'm not too worried about it. We have our own thing going.

What is your advice to anyone wanting to get into the music industry?

Practice your instrument a lot while you're young and can. Read books and articles online about the trades and industry. It has to be a passion and a love, otherwise you'll get bored and want to quit at some point. Stickwith it and make it a lifestyle. Set realistic goals and you're on your way.

How would you describe the live scene in LA at the moment? Can you find venues to play at?

There are a lot of venues right now in LA county(it's a big county). I feel like the rock scene is coming back stronger than I have seen in a minute. We're meeting good bands everytime we play a shows and a lot of people are networking strong right now. A lot of genres are going off in LA right now and an emphasis on musicianship is coming back it feels like. There's still a lot to achieve in the LA rock scene.

Who are your influences and heroes/heroins?? (music-wise)

I'll just name big rock band influences: Tool, Mastodon, Mars Volta, Kanivool, Soundgarden, Deftones, Queens of The Stone Age, Pantera, Metallica, the list can go on for a long while to be honest, I can name hundreds of musical acts that I've got something from.

If there's anything you'd like to add, say, please do

Buy Etches in Aether EP on iTunes now and visit viejester.com Thanks so much!
Cliff Conway /Vie Jester

Interview by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
Photos from the band's websites  www.viejester.com 
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