A career in music is fraught with ups and downs, definitely not for the faint of heart. For Vampires Everywhere front man Michael Orlando (vocals) the chance to perform and do what he loves makes it all worthwhile. He is as passionate about music as their fans are.
Music is a dream come true. Orlando is a dedicated musician who works to perfect his craft every day. He believes that music is a continuous education and still takes lessons from a vocal coach whenever he can. He enjoys the diversity in his vocals, but admits to struggling with pronouncing some words after a serious tour bus accident broke the bones in his face, permanently changing his speech patterns. Orlando is grateful that Vampires Everywhere still get to do what they love. He explains, “I think, more or less, the greatest musical achievement, for me, is keeping my dream of touring nationally and internationally (alive) and getting to play in front of everybody who wants to see us.” While awards and record sales are often used to measure the success of an artist, Orlando believes true accomplishment lies in the fan response to his music.
Energy generates more energy. Orlando reacts to energy of the people around him. Whether on stage in front of a large crowd, or having coffee with friends, the energy from others is what drives his own energy. He is inspired by music, which he usually writes before the lyrics. Songwriting is a challenge in knowing when to stop. Orlando explains, “You get to a point where you think the song is where it should be, without going to the point of destroying it. You know, just like any kind of composer back in the day, (like) Mozart working on (music) for so long and never releasing it. I think it’s a matter of, you just get to the point where it’s the best it can be in my head and that’s when you let it go.” While I respect the creative process that always searches for more in a song, I must admit that as a listener, the song is perfect to me.
The band that plays together, stays together. Music for Orlando can never stop with just one project. The Killing Lights (often mistaken as a replacement for Vampire Everywhere) was a musical endeavor, separate and different from Vampires Everywhere that allowed him to explore other kinds of artistic expression. Orlando remains as committed to Vampires Everywhere as he has always been.
What is the price of love? The new full length album, Ritual is set for release this March. A preview song, “Black Betty” laments the fact that all relationships come with a cost. Lyrics say, “I feel your empty heart/Burns like a poison dart/I know your heart doesn’t come for free” and can apply to any relationship, romantic or otherwise. Sometimes it takes more time than you are able to give, and other times it can require more emotional investment (or cold hard cash) to keep a relationship going. With a post/hardcore meets EDM feel, this track has quickly become my favorite. Orlando mentioned that the new album is dark, but filled with surprises, including a pop/punk song! The entire album is compelling in the varied elements and themes, demonstrating the vast talents in Vampires Everywhere and sure to be as thrilling as “Black Betty” has been.
Vampires Everywhere are gearing up for a new tour announced this week, thirty-nine stops with the signature non-stop excitement they are known for. Fans can expect high energy mixed with the fresh new sounds of Ritual at each live performance. After hearing the advances of the new music, I am already placing my ticket order for April 22 in Cleveland.
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