After quitting his corporate rat race job to pursue music full time and releasing his much talked about debut, Family Business, in 2019, EG Vines finally had a moment to reach for those creative corners of his mind previously undiscovered. Looking back at his time splitting life between a desk job and music, Vines says it resulted in him being constantly on edge, carrying frustrations on his back all the time. While he still loves and stands by the music he wrote during that period, quitting his job has allowed Vines to pour more of himself into his music, and his brand new full-length album Through the Mirror is a testament to the positive effect this has had. Released on August 27th, Through the Mirror is part indie rock nirvana—the state of being more so than the band—and part reaction to an uber-politicized world. “It’s that social dilemma,” says Vines. “People get in their hall of mirrors and maybe they’re not looking at reality.”
As he looks around at the music scene, Vines knows he can provide perspectives and ideas listeners crave. “There’s more to say here, and I just decided I wanted to really dig in,” he explains. With Through the Mirror, EG Vines is delivering on his promise and proving himself to be an essential voice in music. I highlighted Through the Mirror on my August release playlist, citing its arena rock-ready political anthems and scathing wit. In our interview, Vines explains the themes behind the record.
Explain the title of your new album, Through The Mirror.
I think it’s multifaceted. It gives a nod to the hall of mirrors that we go down with various types of media in curating what we want to see and believe. The back of the record actually has a car with bumper stickers for the song titles. So I guess there’s a play of looking at the world through your rearview mirror as you tell us who you are.
2. Does Through The Mirror have an overarching theme?
It was written through the back half of 2019 and across 2020. With the way I write, that means a lot of sociopolitical content. The overarching theme for me is the same as it ever is: try to find truth, spread love and empathy and try to engage critical thinkers.
3. What have you missed about touring? What have you not missed?
The shows! I love everything about showtime and it’s great to finally be able to connect with a crowd again. I certainly don’t miss the logistical headaches that go with the road and not being able to sleep in my own bed every night.
4. Tell us about your favorite show you’ve ever played.
It’s really recent, but it might have to be our June show at Exit/In. It was our first time headlining there and our crowd really came out to support. It was a special night!
5. What’s the best way a fan can support you?
Come to shows and spread the word about the music to their friends. It takes a lot of time for an independent artist to grow substantially, especially with the shutdown of 2020. But we are making our way and in the process of building something special with our fans!