Hailing from Mayo, on the Wild Atlantic coast of Ireland, Vickers Vimy craft songs that dwell on the borders of Folk and Americana. Rich eclectic sounds anchor lyrical themes of scratched vinyl nights and hazy Sunday mornings. Their second album Atlas of Hearts is out now.
Vickers Vimy have collaborated with Colm Mac Con Iomaire (The Frames & Swell Season) and had the pleasure of recording in the studio of Nick Seymour (Crowded House). Vickers Vimy have had the amazing fortune to support the late John Mar- tyn. They have also supported The Hothouse Flowers, The 4 Of Us, Maria Doyle Kennedy, and Mundy. They have shared the RTÉ Music Train with Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Kodaline, and Jack L.
On the band’s new song, “Where the Wildbirds Sleep,” the band crafts a beautifully textured sound that is soothing and hopeful. In our interview, they discuss why those te3xtures are so important to them.
What are some of your musical influences?
Jeff Tweedy from Wilco has had a big influence on our song writing. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot had brillant and unusual arrangements. Calexico are a band that have also had a big influence. Their textured and deeply layered songs are rich in cinematic imagery and we have with our two albums That Vinyl Scratch and Atlas of Hearts really chased this sound.
Recent release you have listened to?
We have been really enjoying Big Thief’s new record Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You. It’s a great listen. Villagers are another Irish band that have a great record, Fever Dreams, out. It’s a worth a listen.
Explain title of your song?
“Where The Wildbirds Sleep” is a song about the imprint of loss and the search for the enduring beauty of the wild birds’ song as an expression of hope and resilience.
Do you start off with music or lyrics?
Both can arrive at separate times. On the train and a lyric can arrive, you sit down together with guitar and piano, and it begins to narrate itself in front of you. It’s a collective thing for us — collaborating and sharing ideas. Trusting each other to serve the song.
What have you missed about touring?
The packing up of the car, the scrambling for a set list, the jam in a doorway, the smell of coffee and wine. The sound of an applause and the joy of playing music live.