An Interview with Baltimore’s Vincent Black Shadow

by: Cody

TF: Where does the name come from?

VBS: the Vincent Black Shadow is a mythically powerful motorcycle (1000 ccs) made in the late 40s and early 50s that, tested by Hunter S. Thompson, led him to reach the conclusion that "If you rode the Black Shadow at top speed for any length of time, you would almost certainly die".

TF: You guys recorded "More Deeper" to 2" tape it says...What were the pros and cons in comparison to recording on say, a computer?

VBS: Lord Baltimore Recordings needed a two-inch tape machine to make this record happen, so we broke into Inner Ear Studios, burned all of the Fugazi master reels, and stole their machine, then sprinkled it with ashes from Felix Pappalardi's grave. The whole experience gave the recording the fucked quality we were looking for.

TF: What's the best way to get a hold of one of your music without getting it from you guys at a show...Mailorder? Digital Download?

VBS: The record can be ordered from www. heartbreakbeatrecords. com, revolver/midheaven distribution, MVD distribution, and our Myspace page has links to the digital download site run by Thrill Jockey records. Envelopes of cash and/or hard drugs can be mailed straight to us for some sort of response.

TF: What label are you on, and what other stuff are they putting out?

VBS: The label is HEARTBREAK BEAT, out of New York, run by our dear friend Francesco. He's put out a number of Baltimore bands like Beach House (LP) and the New Flesh, as well as a few other bands. He's currently mulling over options on future releases as he recuperates from several broken bones sustained from borrowing money to fund “MORE DEEPER”, the new album, which went $75,000 over budget.

TF: Any side projects or previous bands worth checking out?

VBS: Dave makes religious noise with PASTURES and on his own. Dirck and Adam have a black metal project called CEMETERY PISS. Adam did guest vocals on the upcoming HOLLYWOOD record. Dirck is playing bass for a death metal band called MARROW. I'm replacing Scott Weiland in Velvet Revolver. There are other projects that have yet to be named.

TF: If I’m not mistaken, you guys played with Be Your Own Pet a few months back...they are a great band, how was that show?

VBS: They're friends of ours that we met through playing with Turbo Fruits, (their side project who do a vicious cover or MC5's "rambling rose"). The BYOP show was a fantastic rager, they're great folks who appreciate loud rock music as much as we do. Hopefully our paths cross again soon.

TF: Where can we see you live in the next few months?

VBS: We're playing on September 5th at a spot called the NOWAREHOUSE in pigtown with VALKYRIE from Central Virginia, and DEATHAMMER from Baltimore.
October 20, we're playing with our 10-4 good buddies MONOTONIX from Tel Aviv, Israel, and DMBQ from Tokyo, Japan at the Ottobar.

TF: Any music you guys listen to on your free time that people wouldn't expect based on what VBS sounds like?

VBS: We go all over, but probably listen to everything you would expect. Dave enjoys his KISS records, freak-folk and hippie cult rock. Adam has an extensive 80s and 90s hip-hop collection. Dirck likes satanic death metal and black metal, as well as King Sunny Ade. Rufus is forced to listen to house music through the walls of his apartment thanks to his lame cafe neighbor. Me, I spell summertime V-A-N H-A-L-E-N.

TF: Are these the most generic, boring ass interview questions that you've ever been bothered with?

VBS: Eh, at least you didn't ask about some band from Canada.