VHS PANTY RIOT is a rather unique proposition, creating dark, 80’s style music that sounds perfect for a slasher film soundtrack. Their new EP release, KISS KISS CUT CUT, captivated me due to its unique style and uncompromising need for creativity, pushing me to chat with the one man band behind the project’s success.
By Jane Howkins
I believe this is our first time talking to you. How has your year been so far?
Pretty full on!
VHS PANTY RIOT only started at the beginning of 2026, so most of the year has been spent writing, releasing music and figuring out what the project actually is. The response has been much better than I expected, so I’ve mostly just tried to keep that momentum going.
I’ve gotta ask – where did the name for the project come from?
I’m not sure! Haha. I just wanted to be different, the music is different, so why not have a name as wild as the music lol. It’s three words. VHS for the nostalgia, PANTY for the wild side and RIOT for the heaviness.
You’ve recently released your debut EP KISS KISS CUT CUT. What can you tell us about the record?
KISS KISS CUT CUT is the first proper statement of what VHS PANTY RIOT is.
It’s a five track darksynth EP built around 80s horror, heavy electronic production and quite a lot of metal influence. I’ve always described the project as making soundtracks to slasher films that never existed, and that EP is probably the clearest example of it. There is a lot of aggression in it, but also quite a bit of melody and melancholy underneath.
What does the title refer to and how has the reception to KISS KISS CUT CUT been so far?
The title is basically the whole VHS PANTY RIOT thing condensed into four words: something playful and affectionate immediately turning violent, or something innocent protecting itself from a violent world.
The reception has been really encouraging. It has reached far more people than I expected for a debut release, but more importantly, people seem to understand the concept behind it, which makes me happy!
Are there any plans for a full-length album release at any point?
Eventually, definitely.
For now I like EPs because they let me build each release around a particular concept without padding things out just to reach album length. When there is enough material and a strong enough idea behind it, I’d love to do a proper
full length VHS PANTY RIOT album.
You’ve released a few singles already this year. Are there any plans for any more?
Yes. I’m already working on the next EP, currently titled My Face, Your Ghost, so there will be more singles coming from that. The new material is getting heavier and a little more emotional, while still keeping the darksynth and horror side of the project.
There are also a couple of collaborations in the works.
Your music has quite a unique sound, having a very 80s feel to it. What are your main influences and what have you been listening to recently?
Carpenter Brut is probably the obvious one, along with Perturbator, Dance With The Dead, Gost and John Carpenter. Then there’s 80s/90s computer game soundtracks, cyberpunk and more!
But a lot of the songwriting influence actually comes from rock and metal rather than synthwave. I listen to bands like Linkin Park, Northlane and The Haunted, and I think that comes through in the way I structure songs.
Recently I’ve probably been listening to more heavy music than synthwave, which is useful because I don’t want the project to just sound like an imitation of other darksynth artists.
You’re from Kettering. What’s the local music scene like in the area?
There is a decent rock, metal and alternative scene around Northamptonshire, but not much specifically for darksynth or synthwave. VHS PANTY RIOT has mainly grown online so far, so the audience has ended up being much more international than local.
I’d definitely like to see more electronic and alternative events happening around Kettering and Northamptonshire though.
Are there any plans to tour the project in the UK?
Eventually, yes, but I don’t want to rush it. If VHS PANTY RIOT becomes a live project, I want it to be a proper show. With a band too. The idea is something much more theatrical, with live musicians, visuals, lighting and horror elements. That takes a bit more planning, so for now the focus is still on building the music and catalogue.
Any last words for the fans?
Just thank you.
The project is still incredibly new, so everyone who has listened, shared the music, bought something or sent a message has genuinely helped it grow.
There is a lot more coming. The tape’s still rolling.
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