Emerging from the depths of the post-COVID world, Vile Engine, the brainchild of Isaac Everett, has unleashed its debut self-titled EP. This isn't your average indie rock; it's a raw and eclectic fusion of post-punk grit, psychedelic flourishes, and art rock ambition, all delivered with a distinctly Australian flavour. In this interview, we delve into the creative engine behind Vile Engine, exploring the EP's themes, influences, and the unique journey that led to its creation.
From chaotic pub brawls to haunting tales of unrequited love, Vile Engine paints vivid stories against a backdrop of intricate soundscapes. Everett, a fiercely independent artist who has honed his craft since 2020, takes us through his creative process, discussing the challenges of self-production and the evolution of his sound. Join us as we dissect standout tracks like 'She Raises Her Senses' and 'The Succubus', and explore how Everett's Australian identity shapes his music.
Great to have this chance to speak with you, especially with the new EP just dripping. Your music blends post-punk, psychedelic, and art rock elements. Can you talk about some of the specific artists or albums that have inspired your sound?
"It’s difficult to pinpoint specific artists because I tend to be inspired by a lot of artists’ work when I happen to be in a particular frame of mind. When I’m in an anxious state of energy, albums like Gang of Four’s 'Entertainment!', and Hunters & Collectors’ 'Jaws Of Life' tend to have an impact when I’m creating something aggressive. You could probably throw Television’s 'Marquee Moon' and some early Midnight Oil in that category as well."
"Then the psychedelic inspiration more stems from Tame Impala and The Church, although I think that’s a direction I’m straying away from. I’m more intrigued by the music scenes that have been happening in the UK for the past few years, especially bands like Black Country, New Road and Squid. They both have eclectic bodies of work that influence the way that I write and produce music."
You've said the EP explores life in a "post-COVID world." How do you feel the pandemic and its aftermath have shaped the themes and emotions on the EP?
"Part of it is the way that the pandemic has swayed my outlook on society. I’m a lot less optimistic about the future than I was five years ago, and I think the turmoil that we’ve gone through has gotten everyone fatigued, at odds with each other, and being more introspective than we once were. I’ve always been introspective, but going through those lockdowns helped me to treasure the more minute things in life, whether they’re significant to us or not. That was especially true when I started brainstorming ideas for what would later become 'Stopping All Stations'. Being stuck in lockdown, and away from Melbourne for that period, I became nostalgic for the feeling of waiting for the train at Richmond Station after a gig or an AFL match at the MCG. It’s something rather banal, but I just craved the feeling of waiting for a train after a long night out."
'She Raises Her Senses' and 'The Succubus' are highlighted as standout tracks. What makes these songs particularly significant to you within the context of the EP?
"It’s funny because I see those two tracks as two sides of the same coin. 'Senses' was something I wrote when I was still in high school, around sixteen or seventeen years old. It was me placing whoever I was infatuated with on a pedestal as this infallible being, and while I’m still proud of it as a song, it does show how innocent I was at the time. 'Succubus', in part, was a response to that. It was almost a way of telling my younger self that anyone that you adore from afar is just as flawed and human as you.
The EP has been described as having "modern Australian storytelling." How does your Australian identity or environment influence your songwriting and the stories you tell?
"I grew up in regional Victoria, although I’ve been based in Melbourne for most of my adult life. You become a product of whatever environment you’re exposed to, and the duality of having lived in rural and urban areas has meant that, for better or worse, I’ve experienced a lot of what this part of the country has to offer. What you witness and experience wherever you live has a great impact on your art and your insights."
You've been releasing music since 2020. How has your sound or creative process evolved from your early singles to this debut EP?
"It’s hard to say. My creative process tends to vary from track to track. On one song, I’ll sit with an acoustic guitar and physically write a song. On another, I’ll record ideas and experiment until a song evolves from that. I’m not fond of repeating the exact same process twice, or writing a song with a similar premise unless I’ve got a fresh perspective. So, it makes it difficult to say how my sound has evolved, because it’s more something inherent in whichever direction a song will go, rather than an intentional decision to change the sound of Vile Engine overall."
What was the biggest challenge you faced in producing and recording the EP almost entirely on your own?
"The biggest challenge is not having that other person to bounce ideas with, and relying on yourself to gauge whether an idea or decision is worthwhile. It’s a double-edged sword, really. It’s a positive having absolute control, but when you get hit with a creative roadblock, or you’re struggling with something that’s not geared towards your strengths, it can be a massive challenge. It’s a pitfall I’m trying to get out of because I’ve done a lot of my creative pursuits independently, and there’s something to be valued in collaboration. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done."
The EP dives into themes like chaotic pub brawls and unrequited infatuation. Where do you draw inspiration for these narratives? Are they based on personal experiences, observations, or something else entirely?
"They’re a mixture of those things. The story of a pub brawl I tell in 'Wake In Fright' is an amalgamation of having worked in hospitality, and having a more critical perspective on pub culture in rural areas (no prizes for guessing what inspired that!). Some of the other tracks are based more on observations rather than experiences, but the two are intertwined when I’m creating ideas for narratives or musings."
What kind of experience or journey do you hope listeners will take when they listen to the EP from start to finish?
"It’s an eclectic assortment of songs, so my biggest hope is that people who listen to it are able to interpret it as a whole work, rather than a series of abstractions. But then again, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Having an experience with music where you don’t know what direction is coming up can be exciting."
Now that the EP is complete, what are you most excited about in terms of sharing it with the world?
"Honestly, I’m mostly excited for my friends and family to listen to it. As great as it is to have someone discover your music and hopefully connect to it, seeing the reactions of people I know who’ll take the time to listen to it is part of the reason why producing music is worthwhile for me. And aside from that, being able to showcase a side of myself that’s not immediately obvious is a bit of a pleasure."
For listeners who connect with Vile Engine, what other artists or bands do you think they might also enjoy?
"I’d recommend Friko, Eunuchs, Fat Dog and Maruja, all of whom released great music this year. And I can’t miss an opportunity to recommend some great Melbourne talent as well. Loose Content are a great live act, and it would be a great injustice if I didn’t mention the fantastic EP from Nonna’s Kitchen."
Available now, Vile Engine's debut EP is a testament to Isaac Everett's artistic vision and his ability to weave compelling narratives with a powerful sonic landscape. With its raw energy, introspective themes, and unique blend of influences, it's a must-listen for fans of boundary-pushing indie rock.
Be sure to check out the EP on your favourite streaming platform and dive into the world of Vile Engine. This is just the beginning for Isaac Everett, and we can't wait to see where his creative engine takes him next.
Connect with Vile Engine,
