Irish alt-rockers Velourias really impressed me with their single Taxidermist. It’s a song with a lot of heart, mixing a nostalgic rock and roll sound with a more melodic sensibility, showing great promise for the future. I jumped at the chance to interview frontman Phil Keogh – make sure you give the video a whirl below too!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new single titled Taxidermist. What can you tell us about the song?
Taxidermist is a weird one. I didn’t really know what it was about until it was completely recorded and I listened and read back through the lyrics. I was kind of like, “I don’t really know what I’m on about, here. It’s like I wrote it, speaking in tongues,” or something like that. But, yeah, I think subconsciously, really, it’s got references to church, to serial killers and persecution, and resolve, if you will. So, it’s kind of along those lines. Em… does that sound like I’m ignoring the question?
How has the reception to Taxidermist been so far, and where can it be purchased?
It’s been great, some people have said it sounds like different parts of every band they love, which is cool. It’s also got a rocking guitar solo. You know, you don’t hear many guitar solos anymore so I’m taking it back. All our stuff is available on Spotify.
Do you have any more singles planned for release soon?
Maybe one or two, we’ll see! We’re working on a track that references the prince of Wales and the IRA, which is an interesting song, I’m not sure what your British royalists might think of that one haha.
Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?
The album should be out next year, it’s been a long process but everything is sounding good so far, I’m already thinking about the 3rd record to be honest.
The holiday season has just passed. Did you do anything special for the period?
Nothing special, just cheese and wine and kicking back with some well earned rest.
You’re based in Dublin. What is the local music scene like in the area?
I’d describe it as very healthy – hard times produce good bands!
Taxidermist has a prog rock/alt rock sound. What/who are you most influenced by when writing the track? What have you been listening to recently?
It’s funny – I don’t see hear the prog thing at all, it probably says more about me tbh. I tend to write about off kilter type of subjects because I’m not very good at laying my feelings on the table, again it probably says more about me tbh.
I’ve been listening to lots of US indie and alternative rock, also lots of stuff from the UK and Ireland. I’ve been listening to English Teacher recently and sprints and a band from the US called Ovlov.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
There’s a new track we are working on that sounds really cool, so I’d like to do some wild video for that.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Hopefully 3 or 4 dates just to dip our toes back in the water over there.
Any last words for the fans?
Yeah, I do! Tell Steve Lamacq to play our songs!