If Danish-American pop-punk trio New Politics actually were
to form a political party, it would probably involve a large amount of dancing,
incredible hooks, and a fervent constituency. Ever since “Harlem,” the band’s
breakout hit in the States, New Politics (vocalist Daniel Boyd, guitarist Soren
Hansen, and drummer Louis Vecchio) has been dazzling crowds
across the country with showmanship rarely seen in live music as of late.
For them, it’s simply an extension of who they are and what
they do. And as long as it adds to the fun factor and the spectacle, the
audiences seem to be all for it. New Politics will take that energy and bring
it to the Main Street Armory on Friday, January 29, for the annual Rover’s
Holiday Hangover show with Joywave, Andrew McMahon in
the Wilderness, and Coleman Hell.
City talked with Louis Vecchio to
discuss the band’s current path and how the members
think they fit in with the other upcoming rock and alt groups out there. An
edited transcript of that conversation follows.
City Newspaper: New Politics really bridges the gap
between radio pop-rock and the punk scene. Is that how you see where you fit,
or is it much more fluid for you?
Louis Vecchio: I think, when
we write, we don’t put ourselves in any genre category. We just let it flow,
and whatever comes out, comes out. We’re lucky enough that our fans take to it.
We’re influenced by everything.
The live shows you guys put on are some of the most
energetic and acrobatic out there. How important is showmanship to you guys? Is
it a bit of a lost art in live music?
We think that’s a giant part of what we do. We take pride in
entertaining people, and the live show is a big part of us being creative; it’s
just as important as the writing and the creating. I wouldn’t say that art
isn’t lost, but we’ve always been high energy, and David has always been
flipping off things, Soren has always been throwing his guitar, and I’ve always
been banging my head off while playing. We’re always trying to one up each
other on stage.
Is the title of the new record, “Vikings,” more about the
heritage of the band and crossing the ocean, or is it about the kind of
energetic music that you guys make that precedes a total pillage and plunder of
the airwaves?
That’s actually great and I wish that was the real reason.
The name of the album came about through me. Everybody thinks everyone in the
band is Danish, and I’m not. I’d be interviewed and people would ask me what it
was like coming from Denmark. After a while I would just answer like I was. I
said as a joke we should call the record “Vikings” because of the Danish thing
I get the sense that you guys are always firing on all
cylinders. What do you guys like to do to relax a bit? Is there a place in
Rochester you plan on going before the show?
If we are relaxing, our version of that is getting a nice
dinner and a couple drinks. Rochester is awesome. This time we have more time
to check out more restaurants. David is a giant foodie. Soren and I are the
exact opposite, we’ll eat anything. When I relax, I’ll just watch horrible
daytime television.
The show you guys are playing is an awesome showcase of
who’s who in upcoming alt-rock. Is it exciting to be sharing a stage with
people on similar paths that you’re on?
It’s amazing. That’s the best part about doing shows like
this. You’re meeting other artists who are coming up with you. We’re a part of
this alternative movement now and that’s awesome to say. But you also get to
meet so many new friends as well as people that you haven’t seen in a long
time. We’re bridging the gap between all the fans that are there to see all the
different artists. It’s a big hangout.
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2016.
