Slaves, the duo made up of Jonny Craig and Colin Vieira, are looking ahead to a bright future. About six months ago, the band prematurely told fans that they were playing their final show, only to jump back on the horse to their fan base’s delight after a short break. Slaves spent the summer touring in Europe and now the two-man show set off on the road for a headlining North America tour with Outline In Color and Avion Roe.
We caught up with Vieira to talk about the band’s European adventure, their musical influences, the headlining tour and depicting themselves as fruit.
How was your European tour?
That was great! As most people know, we hire musicians to play with Jonny [Craig] and I and they were the nicest kids and super talented. They were great guys and the fans loved it. It was the fist time over there in a while, so it was refreshing.
How do the European fans differ from your U.S. fans?
Over there, I want to say they’re more appreciative. If their favorite band is American, they don’t get to see them as often and it’s a little bit more wild and precious.
Personally, one of my favorite Slaves songs is “Winter Everywhere.” Do you have a personal favorite to play live?
That’s definitely one of my favorite songs as well. We haven’t played that on tour yet, but it’s on the list for this tour. I like playing “The Upgrade Pt II” live, off our first album. It’s higher energy, pretty rocking and driving song. Either that one or “Drowning Is My Addiction.” But, “Winter Everywhere” is probably my favorite song from [Routine Breathing].
You and Jonny have spent quite a bit of time together over the past three years. If you could describe your relationship in one word, what would it be?
Wow, that’s tough. I’d say - persistent. Or even - hectic, that’s another good word that would desribe our relationship over the years. Also - loyal. I met Jonny in Sacramento, once I moved their, through mutual friends and then we started this band together and our relationship has grown. It’s like a friendship/business relationship. It’s another level of friendship. There’s just a difference between the relationship before the band and now. It’s very strong.
Since dropping down to two members, do you have your eyes on any potential new members?
At the moment, everything is up in the air. We don’t have any future permanent members locked in. We’re pleased with picking those going on tour with us and each of them have a good opportunity. We’ll bring in permanent members in the future, but right now it’s just Jonny and I. We’re focusing on the new album and the business side of the band. That’s pretty much our main focus right now.
Photos courtesy Efren Zapata via Flickr CC
How is that process of creating the new album going?
Right now, we’re in the writing stage. We’re about ready to start recording the songs and it’ll be out midway through next year. It’ll be a bit different sounding because it’s just Jonny and I, but definitely a mature sound. I’m really excited and next year it’ll definitely be out.
What kind of preparation has went into your headlining tour with Outline In Color and Avion Roe in October?
It’s been busy. There’s been so much preparation for this tour and the upcoming album at the same time. As of right now, we’re not under contract with anybody, therefore we don’t have support from a label or management - so we’re handling everything ourselves. It’s a bit stressful and a little bit different this time around. This tour’s setlist is definitely going to be longer, appropriate for a headlining show and we’re playing a few different songs we’ve never played live. Before, everything went through the PA without any amps on stage. This time we have amps and the sound will be a lot clearer and we redid some tracks.
Well it sounds like you have everything figured out despite being down to two members.
Well, actually [guitarist] Weston [Richmond] is playing on this tour so that’s something fans can expect. It’ll be a better live show. We’re taking it more seriously and ready to take it to the next level.
If you could genre your music, what would it be?
That’s hard. I always tell people we’re a rock band with R&B - very soulful vocals. I couldn’t really put it into a genre to tell you the truth - I always try to. We’re definitely not metal, but maybe a rock-pop band.
Who are some of you and Jonny’s musical influences?
I know for Jonny, a lot of his music influences are R&B, such as Boys To Men. Drake is a big influence for Jonny and he listens to rock bands, but he’s really into artists with really good voices and song writers - Allen Stone and Ed Shearan. For me, my music taste was very diverse growing up. I was into Radiohead and Muse, but I also like Boys To Men, Usher and Michael Jackson - it’s very wide.
If you could tour with any artist, who would be the perfect fir for Slaves?
I really think a good tour for us would be with Circa Survive and even Underoath.
With your new album, are there any surprise guests?
As of right now, there’s nothing confirmed. We haven’t gotten that far, but will be something we think bout when we’re in the studio.
Lastly, (a bit of a crazier question) if you could describe both Jonny and yourself as a fruit, which would it be?
Jonny would definitely be a pineapple and I’d be an apple. I say that because people will say I’m more chill, personable and Jonny is wild. A pineapple is more bitter, sour and a bit more unpredictable.
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