Austin, Texas, isn't just a city; it's a living, breathing ecosystem of music. For Vision Arcade, it's the fertile ground where their story began. The city's reputation as a haven for artists is no mere myth; it's a tangible force that shapes the very fabric of their music. Max, the band's lead guitarist and de facto spokesperson, paints a vivid picture of their origins. The band's foundation is built on long-standing friendships, particularly the bond between drummer Connor and bassist Evan, who have known each other since second grade. This deep-seated camaraderie provides a unique stability and understanding within the group. Max, a transplant from California, and Rory, hailing from England, found their musical kinship in the halls of their Austin high school.
This convergence of diverse backgrounds contributes to the eclectic nature of their sound. The event that truly solidified their formation was a transformative show at Emo's, a legendary punk club from the 90s. This venue, steeped in Austin's musical history, served as a catalyst for their creative journey. "We went to a show there before we met Evan, and we immediately fell in love," Max recalls, his voice filled with nostalgia. "The band was created a month after that." This moment wasn't just a concert; it was a revelation, a spark that ignited their collective passion. The city's vibrant energy, the sense of community, and the legacy of iconic venues like Emo's have all played a crucial role in shaping Vision Arcade's identity.
Vision Arcade's music defies easy categorization. While Max describes their sound as "Texas indie rock," it's a blend of influences that transcends genre boundaries. Their music is a testament to their diverse tastes, incorporating elements of alternative, punk, and even pop. This eclectic approach is a reflection of their collaborative songwriting process, where each member brings their unique perspective and musical preferences to the table. The band's influences are wide-ranging, from the classic indie rock sounds of the early 2000s to the contemporary sounds of today. Rory's English roots add another layer to their sonic tapestry, sparking discussions about potential shows in the UK and expanding their international reach. The band's creative process is a journey of exploration and experimentation, where they strive to create music that is both authentic and engaging.
They meticulously craft their songs, paying attention to every detail, from the intricate guitar riffs to the driving rhythms and the heartfelt lyrics. Max emphasizes the importance of a strong chorus, recognizing its power to captivate listeners. "When you have a good chorus, you don't want to mess up the rest of the song," he explains. The band's commitment to quality is evident in their desire to revisit "I'm Gone," a song that they feel could have been better produced. This desire for perfection is a driving force behind their creative endeavors.
Being an independent band in today's music industry is no easy feat. Vision Arcade faces numerous challenges, from managing their own social media and booking shows to producing their music and handling their finances. Max candidly discusses the difficulties of being self-reliant. "Some struggles they have faced from being indie is they have to do everything by themselves, they have to pay for everything, produce their music, be social media management and promoters for themselves," he admits. However, they recently acquired management, a significant step forward in their journey. This support will allow them to focus more on their music and less on the administrative tasks.
The band's DIY ethos is a testament to their resilience and determination. They have learned to wear many hats, from musicians and songwriters to marketers and promoters. Their ability to handle all aspects of their career up to this point is a testament to their work ethic and their unwavering commitment to their craft. They have also learned to leverage their network of friends and family, who have provided invaluable support along the way. "I have literally paid my friends in food to help with a shoot," Max mentions, highlighting the importance of community in their journey. Despite the challenges, they have achieved significant milestones, including reaching 75,000 listeners last year. Their goals for this year include surpassing 100,000 listeners, playing a festival, releasing a vinyl record, and launching their debut album. They have also secured opportunities by proactively reaching out to other bands, such as Quarters of Change.
Vision Arcade understands the importance of building a strong connection with their audience. They prioritize authentic engagement over superficial metrics. Max, who manages the band's social media, prefers Instagram for its ability to foster direct interaction. "In person, it's more personal," Max says, emphasizing the importance of live shows and face-to-face connections. Their unique merchandise, crafted from thrifted clothing and embroidered with their logo, reflects their DIY ethos and commitment to sustainability. "Merch is really expensive to make, and this way, the band was able to create merch for their fans and also recycle old clothing and give back to the community," Max explains. Connor also contributes by screen-printing merchandise for in-person shows and giveaways. The band cherishes their interactions with fans at their merch booth, often staying until the venue closes. "They love running their merch booth and chatting with fans until they are basically kicked out of the venue." This dedication to their fans is a testament to their genuine appreciation for their support. They understand that their success is not just about the music; it's also about the relationships they build with their audience.
Vision Arcade's aspirations extend far beyond their local scene. They are eager to tour this year, particularly focusing on shows outside of Texas. "Big goal is to have a tour this year and try to do shows that are outside of Texas/outside of the surrounding area," Max states. "Max really wants to play in New York and really wants to play in the East Coast/New England." They dream of performing at iconic venues like Emo's and Stubb's, which hold a special significance for the band. "Some venues they really would love to hit this year is Emo's... They also want to play in Stubb's." Max acknowledges the distinct energy of the East Coast music scene, contrasting it with the "quietly amazing" South. "Max agrees the East Coast definitely has a crazy energy when it comes to music while the South is quietly amazing." Their desire to play in England, connecting with Rory's roots, adds an international dimension to their ambitions.
The band's vision extends beyond live performances. They are also focused on releasing their debut album on vinyl, a tangible representation of their artistic journey. They aspire to perform at major festivals, sharing their music with a wider audience. And they dream of hosting events where fans can play video games with them, further blurring the lines between artist and audience. "Fun fact the guys are huge Mario Maylay players over any other game," Max reveals. "They would love to do a play with the band where fans can play video games with them."
Vision Arcade's story is one of unwavering dedication, genuine connection, and a relentless pursuit of their dreams. They are more than just a band; they are a community, a family, and a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire. Their journey is a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a strong sense of community, anything is possible. As they continue to create music and build their community, they are poised to leave a lasting legacy on the indie rock scene.
Their authenticity, their commitment to their craft, and their genuine connection with their fans are the cornerstones of their success. They are not just creating music; they are creating a movement, a community of like-minded individuals who share their passion for art and connection. Their story is a beacon of hope for aspiring musicians, a reminder that with hard work and dedication, dreams can become reality. Vision Arcade's journey is just beginning, and their future is filled with endless possibilities.
Written by Mckenzie Blasi
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