Laura Vane & The Vipertones

May the force be with us!

admin — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 11:14:08 +0000

Here we go again! It’s been a while since we’ve updated you on what’s been going on with Laura Vane and the Vipertones. We have a very good reason for this. Laura has been busy back in England having a baby and settling into motherhood. Since this beautiful arrival, Laura has been giving a lot of her time and energy to this little girl and now she is ready to start turning her attention to the new album, needless to say, with new inspirations and emotional journeys to draw from.

Ideas were coming thick and fast towards the back end of last year and now we are in the early part of 2013, the band are set to record the 3rd album before the year is out! May this year is scheduled to be the first step towards putting down some serious tunes in the studio in Dordrecht and we’ll be hitting festival stages once again. So make sure you check the new live dates for tickets as they will be randomly spread throughout the year! You can catch us in Dordrecht and Breda for starters… more dates to be confirmed.

Keep warm, keep coming back for us, we’ll be giving you more very soon!

Laura & The Vipertones x

Walt Disney picks Laura Vane & The Vipertones tune

admin — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 10:00:12 +0000

Three years after it’s initial release the Laura Vane & The Vipertones original ‘Christmas Day With Me‘ was picked by Walt Disney Poland for use in one of Poland’s best watched youth programs. A whole new video (very professional like we’re used from Walt) was shot. And we speak the video is featured daily on Poland’s National television and on Walt Disney’s own Youtube channel and has been watched over almost 40.000 times in only 1 week.

New Walt Disney Video

Here’s the original Laura Vane & The Vipertones version

If you like what you hear… there’s a free mp3 out there of the original tune, click here

New Life

admin — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 11:09:08 +0000

It’s been a great year for the Vipertones again! It’s always brilliant playing to such vibrant and excited crowds at the festivals and we pick up new wonderful music lovers along the way with each new city we play. Thanks to all of you who made it along to any of our shows and for your support! We’ve loved making you move and seeing you sing along!

For now, myself and the Vipertones will be taking some time off touring and performing and spending more time in the studio writing and recording our 3^rd album. Yes! That’s right! For those of you who have been with us for a while now… We’re now in the process of putting together songs for a new record for you to hear. Please hold tight, we promise keep you updated with all progress we make!

Another reason why we will be taking a break from the live show is because I will be having my first ever baby. Due in November of this year, it’s no longer a secret (and quite obvious from all the photos and videos over the past 6 months) that a baby will be coming into my life and I am very excited about this next new journey into motherhood! Thanks for your lovely messages so far.

So, for now, it’s not goodbye, but please sit comfortably (I am!) and we won’t be disappearing, but just making a little less noise until we have some tasty little appetizers of our new material for you all to hear.

Thanks again for all your support and please, as we always say, if you know anyone who you think would like what we do, spread the word. There are so many more of you all to meet and we look forward to it!

Wishing you well, Laura (And the boys) x

The Funky Soul Lady – Interview by Natalie Xenos

admin — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 08:40:10 +0000

When listening to Laura Vane’s music you instinctively tap your feet; it’s that type of music. It’s lively and upbeat, a pleasant retro treat for the ears. It has jazz and soul sizzling from the core, with a funky, pop feel that keeps it current. With a similar sound to artists such as Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Caro Emerald, but with a distinctive tone that gives her songs a welcome uniqueness, Laura is a musical treat. She also comes across as a genuinely friendly and outgoing personality, a refreshingly likeable quality. She was more than happy to be a part of my interview where I asked her about her inspirations, her influences and her career highlights, of which there have been a fair few!

How did you get into music?

It didn’t seem like a premeditated move into the world of music for me. I grew up in a musical family. Both my parents performed in a very busy band several nights a week and I remember vividly being bundled into a our campervan with both my brothers and getting on the road to gigs whilst watching my mum get ready. So being around music, instruments, equipment and musicians was very much ‘the norm. For me to find my feet (or rather, my voice) in music came very naturally and instinctively. Watching my Mother sing was a huge inspiration for me and all the encouragement I needed.

What style would you say best describes your sound?

Essentially I am a soul singer. I like to keep it simple and expressive. Initially I took masses of inspiration from a lot of black artists/music and Jazz bands through my teenage years and since then the musical pool I like to dip my toe into has broadened, but I always return to Soul as my home, my safe place. However, I have to satisfy my wandering hand, which wants to write in other genres and so quite often I do try to subtly blend my voice with the styles I’m writing, whether it be Jazz, Pop, Dubstep or Dance etc.’

Tell us about the Vipertones

Ah, the Dutchies! The Vipertones are a Dutch 8-piece band based in Holland plus me, from Brighton. We met on Myspace in 2008 and soon after Ton, the bassist arranged a show for us together in Dordrecht, Holland. During that trip we wrote and recorded 2 songs and made the decision to write a whole album together. Now we have a bunch of singles, EP’s and 2 albums released on Unique Records. We are currently writing our 3rd album which we’re all very excited about. It’s a new direction again, but we’re squeezing our roots a little more than before. The band is astonishing. I feel blessed to be performing with such talented sparkling professionals. Every gig carries a fantastic charge and we always have a great connection with the crowds. Now, 4 years since we met, we’re very happy with the festivals we’ve played and the countries we’ve performed in. We’ve had some amazing support from the BBC in the UK, and other major radio and television shows all over Europe. We intend to keep on keeping on!

What do you draw inspiration from when song-writing?

Largely, I get inspired by real people and emotions. Tricky situations and how people live through the experiences they have always makes me want to write. I find the subjects/sentiments that I can comfortably write about varies hugely depending on what kind of music I am writing for. I would be lying if I said I didn’t like to draw from life’s struggles, but I also strive to write about the things that matter outside of typical love or love-loss scenarios. There is a lot to say, it’s finding the right music to carry the message.

What has been your favourite performance of your career so far?

Ooo that’s a tough one! We recently had all the Vipertones over to the UK for 2 exclusive gigs in London and Brighton. Many friends and family members who have never had the chance to see us before, came along to Brighton and that night was very special for me particularly. But then I have to say I felt a massive sense of achievement performing on Top of the Pops with Gnarls Barkley and playing Glastonbury with the Part Time Heroes and Cagedbaby. I love to perform, it’s absolutely my passion.

What was it like being a backing singing for Gnarls Barkley?
Crazy. Ha. No, seriously, that was the song…and the experience. Having been a kid of the 80’s, growing up watching Top of the Pops every week and getting excited about who you would see performing their latest hit, I was blown away by the opportunity to appear on the show, and at the number 1 spot too! Something I will never forget is how effortless singing seems for Cee Lo Green. He is unbelievably good, with a brilliant unique tone.

Youʼve played at many festivals, what was the best one?

I think one of the best I’ve played has to be WOMAD in Gran Canaria with the Vipertones, it’s a brilliant festival. We opened the weekend on the main stage to an enormous enthusiastic crowd. The temperature was perfect and the vibe was electric! I also watched a few other cool bands and gave a vocal workshop to around 700 individuals on an open air stage. Playing Glastonbury, Wireless and other big Festivals all over the world make a special mark in my career history so far, but I was mostly performing in a backing vocal role for The Streets or other dance acts. Nothing really beats being able to stand up as a front woman, for a crowd and sing your own words, melodies and deliver personal messages with a fabulous band behind you every step of the way. I get a real kick out of it!

What does the rest of 2012 have in store for you?

I have a few things cooking right now; Collaborations with Diesler (dance), Lee Baker (pop soul) and a single due for release in October with The Prototypes (drum and bass). There are a few other projects I’ve been writing for in the UK, Holland (unrelated to the Vipertones) and Morocco. But aside from that, I’m now very focused on writing the 3rd Laura Vane and The Vipertones album, which I’m very excited about. I have a handful of performances left this year as I will be turning my attention to writing but I will be updating my website with all details of gigs for next year as soon as they are confirmed. It’s time to create now

LAURA VANE & THE VIPERTONES: I Can’t Move No Mountains/ 110 Per Cent (Draaikolk Remix) (2012)

admin — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:56:36 +0000

Dutch/ English outfit Laura Vane & The Vipertones drop a disco-touched jazz-funk cover of seventies number I Can’t Move No Mountains for the new millennium. Originally performed by R&B/ big-band/psychedelia fusioneers Blood, Sweat & Tears and covered many times, you’d have to move a mountain to improve on Margie Joseph’s soul-disco version and even if Vane and co don’t managethis impossible task, they do manage to dislodge a respectable amount of scree. Over on the flip (for this is a vinyl seven inch release) you’ll find a nu-funky rerub of the band’s own 110 per cent by the band’s own bass player Ton Van der Kolk (a.k.a. Draaikolk) which they were pretty much obligated to do to restore honour after all the dodgy house versions that got entered in their remix comp. Honestly, if you want something done properly…

(Out now (or not – depending on your source) on Unique)

Breaking in the British!

admin — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 10:55:15 +0000

Last week saw the Vipertones perform to two fabulous crowds of musically influential and culturally vibrant cities in the UK for the first time ever! It has been a long time in the planning, but finally Phil, Ton, Frank, Pieter and Sanne stepped foot on British soil to play to highly anticipating audiences. On Tuesday 31^st July The Dutchies took to the road from Holland, crossed the water from France and headed directly to the Capital, London for their debut performance at the Floridita in Soho. A very exciting time to visit London, during the Olympics! Joined by British horn players, Rich Beesley and Ben Edwards, the guys put on a great show once reunited with their leading lady. Rewarded with huge applause and a dancing crowd, the venue opened their arms to a return from the Vipertones some time in the future. A big thanks to Steven Tagg-randall for capturing some moments on his camera and sharing. Look .

The following night they played in Laura’s hometown, Brighton at the legendary Komedia. The venue was packed from wall to wall, crammed full of eager music lovers, music reviewers, fans, musicians, friends and family too. Some people had travelled for hours to get to the gig. The night was a total success and The Vipertones finished their UK gigs on an incredibly high note! The trip couldn’t have gone any better. There are plenty of pictures up on Facebook and thanks to Jemma Beaumont for sharing some great clips too.

Two days on from the Vipertones return to Holland it was Laura’s turn to travel. Yesterday, 5^th August they played on the main stage at Solar Festival (one of Holland’s biggest music events in the South) in Roermond to a very excitable crowd. The rain stayed away, the sun played with the festival goers and everyone was able to enjoy the gig completely dry. Thanks to Nico, Wouter and Jasper for complimenting the band on horns, it was a fantastic performance! If you were there, please go to the facebook page and tag yourself in the photo Laura took!

And now Laura and the guys are sad to say that they only have 2 more gigs left this year. Both performances will take place in Holland; Zierkzee and Vlieland, so they urge all supporters and fans to try to make it along to see them before the summer of 2012 disappears! Visit our website for more details on these dates.

Thanks to everyone that came along to the UK gigs, you are beautiful crowds and we loved playing for you on our first UK dates! Please do spread the word and post any photos or footage you have to our facebook or send to us at info@lauravaneandthevipertones.com

Lastly, we want to remind you that we have just released a 7” of ‘Move No Mountains’ as of 27^th July. Get one if you don’t already have it, it’s a cracker! Available on iTunes here.

Looking forward to seeing more of you in the next couple of weeks! Until then, keep on keeping on!
Laura Vane & The Vipertones HQ

New Testament of Funk: The definite collection

admin — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 09:38:05 +0000

On august 3rd ’12, Unique Records released a new compilation in the New Testament of Funk collection. The New Testament of Funk is a melting pot of known and unknown dancefloor pearls. Here on this compilation (only available as download) we have 4 bonus tracks!! Metrophonic´s “Latin Racer” is a classic Nu-Jazz track loaded with the funk that counts!! With Diesler, Laura Vane & The Vipertones , Jaffa and the Soul Snatchers , Henry Storch had to place four nice killers from the last 2 years!! Enjoy!! For a lot of Dj´s the “New Testament Of Funk” was a change of style…you can play this to many different audiences from Hip Hop to Rock from Funk to Soul lovers! Real drums! No plastique!!!!

Tracklist:

01. High Fidelity – Cream Of Beats (Metro Remix) 02. N.O.H.A. – King Of The Dancehall 03. Ben Human – Eye 2 04. Phil Martin’s Mystical Funk – Here We Go Again 05. Boca 45 – La Bombanera 06. The Mooncakes Project – Feelin Good 07. Break A Lick Cooperation – Seven Seven 08. Bandura – Lost Luggage 09. The Soul Snatchers – Sniffin’ & Snatchin’ 10. The Sweet Vandals – Do It Right 11. Boca 45 – Make’s No Sense 12. Tim Wood – Birdy Nam Nam 13. Smoove – He Won’t Get Far 14. Metrophonics feat. Mel Collins – Latin Racer 15. Diesler – Back To My Old Tricks (feat. Linda Bloemhard) 16. Jaffa – Help Me Out 17. Laura Vane & The Vipertones – Mean Lover 18. The Soul Snatchers – The Chase

New crispy 7″ – Move No Mountains

admin — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:52:15 +0000

There it is: a brand new 7″ 45-er. The A-Side delivers a top-notch and sparkly modern Soul song which was originally published in the early 1970s. Since the original version by Margie Joseph was released, at least half a dozen artists have covered the track. Laura Vane and the Vipertones bring an inspiring and honest take to the table, one fit for the soul-led global dance floor! Tight and brisk! This is a charming mid-tempo track that brings out Laura’s powerful voice to the max!

On the flipside you will find a Nu-Funk remix of Laura Vane & The Vipertones’ original track 110%. Draaikolk (aka bass player Ton van der Kolk) gives an extra twist of funk, adding Phil Martin’s rolling drums, pumping bass and a touch of Marco Hijl’s magic on tenor sax to keep pleasing dance floor demand.

This 7“ is a total must-have for the summer of 2012 but versatile enough to lift those rainy days that need some brightening up!

Out on july 27th – ’12

Looking back on Wantijpop ’12

admin — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:53:32 +0000

Last week we were invited to play Wantijpop; a pop festival in Dordrecht (the hometown the Vipertones project) amongst a fantastic line-up. Some of the finest current Dutch pop acts were present like Di-rect, Moss, Eefje de Visser, Typhoon and Go Back to The Zoo. The sun was shining, lots of families came out the see us, what a great party that was as you can see when you check out the videos below.

After the festival there was an after-party held at the Doo Wop night at Dollhuis, Dordrecht where Laura and Typhoon did individual performances for the excited club crowd, as well as an exclusive performance together of a song they collaborated on especially for this night. This went down a storm! They may continue to work together in the future, more on this another time.

London & Brighton this summer

admin — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 11:35:28 +0000

Those of you who follow the Vipertones on their journey through Europe will be aware of how many shows they have been doing in many wonderful countries to many fabulous crowds. Finally after what seems like a very long wait, The Vipertones will be stepping foot on British soil to join Laura for 2 exclusive performances in London and Brighton in the summer of 2012.

Being used to touring with a 9 piece band, Laura and the guys find it difficult to size down at times and for these 2 dates they will be having to leave their treasured horn section behind (Broekhuizen, Delfos, Trappenburg) for a couple of red hot local horn blowers in Brighton, Edwards and Beesley. We are delighted to have them on board and can’t wait to play for the British audience. They will be performing songs from both the first album and their second album ‘Sugar Fix’. These are rare and exclusive performances as the boys are unlikely to be back in the UK again this year, so don’t hesitate to get your tickets and tell all your friends about it!

Tuesday 31st July 2012, Floridita - London

Wednesday 1st August 2012, Komedia - Brighton