Vant are the band on everyone’s lips. With a reputation for a blistering live set and songs that will have you singing after one listen, the now London-based act have firmly taken the jump from one of the UK’s best up-and-coming acts to one of the UK’s leading rock bands. Having played Brighton’s smaller dive venues numerous amounts of times in the three years since they formed, Vant finally step up to play The Haunt for what is sure to be a raucous evening. Ahead of that show on 28 November, we put some questions to lead singer, Mattie Vant, to find out more about him and the band.
Where did you grow up?
A small ex-coal mining town called Seaham just outside of Sunderland.
Is there much of a music scene there?
I was a generation too young to be a part of The Futureheads / Field Music / This Ain't Vegas wave of bands. The post-indie boom was a tough time for any rock musicians, it's creeping back in now though thankfully!
Do you think where you lived or live now has influenced your music and how?
It made me want to escape. There are some great people in Sunderland but the majority don't share my values, London and Brighton celebrate difference and push for equality, well except in the economic world of course. I've learnt a lot from every city I've spent elongated periods of time in, I guess it does shape you as a person somewhat.
What kind of music were you brought up on?
Terrible pop music until I hit double digits, then my Dad started introducing me to his old record collection (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Neil Young, etc.). Around 12 I started discovering things for myself when bands like The Strokes and The Vines started to emerge.
Can you remember the first album you owned?
I think it was ABBA Gold.
What drives you to write music?
The fucked up world we live in. Trying to understand it and hopefully impact it in in a positive manner.
Has your style of music always been the same?
I started off making punk music. I flirted with electro and folk, realised it wasn't me and went back to my roots.
How would you briefly describe your music?
Sagacious, existential punk rock.
Do you prefer writing music or performing live?
They are both equally rewarding, crafting a song is like planting a seed, it begins to bloom when we take it into the live environment!
What has been your happiest memory with music?
I think writing and playing music for ten years while struggling in shitty jobs to survive, then finally being recognised for your work and being given a platform to do it full time from one of the most iconic record labels of all time (Parlophone Records) was single-handedly the greatest moment of my life.
What music are you listening to at the moment, any recommendations?
Tigercub – Abstract Figures In The Dark.
Do you get to go to many gigs?
Festivals are always a great tool of discovery and we try to see as many shows as possible when we are home. We saw The Big Moon sell out Scala a couple weeks ago which was quite emotional, it's always awesome to see your mates progressing and playing to audiences they deserve.
What are your future plans till the end of the year and after?
We're off on our headline tour in the UK and the Netherlands as well as playing a few dates with Nothing But Thieves. Then we'll be doing some more recording and having a little rest ahead of the busiest year of our lives in 2017 touring our debut album!
Website: weareVant.com
Facebook: facebook.com/weareVant
Twitter: twitter.com/wearevant