The backbone of VIDA now is Rich Lowndes - the singer/songwriter who helped form the full VIDA band back in 2003.
They recorded, produced & released their debut album in 2005 - "It's All Fun and Games 'Til..." receiving airplay all over the world, and getting a #1 spot in Australia's ILR Indie Chart. Playing all over the UK, venues like the Famous Cavern Club in Liverpool - Home of The Beatles - and The Barfly, the many Walkabout venues up & down the country, as well as Rich performing in various other places like New York City, Spain, Cyprus and many more..
Since the split of the full band nearing the end of 2007, Rich, having done tonnes of PR work for the band and getting VIDA known decided to carry the name on, as himself, still gigging strong and writing all the time, but with a new line up, and a different twist to the songs already recorded with the band. The current line up is Rich on vocals, acoustic guitar & piano, Jon Ashby playing piano & bass and Benno Atkins playing drums.
"I suppose i've taken the energy side down a notch by switching to acoustic guitar & piano which has instantly changed my songs, and by that i'm not saying made them better, or anything like that, just different. I love the way the original VIDA songs now sound the new way, and equally miss the rawness of how they used to sound. It's all about keeping it fresh and enjoyable for myself and the band around me. There's something magical about the intimacy of the acoustic guitar & piano combo, you tend to get 'listening' audiences more than 'mental' audiences. We put on some good shows, bouncing off eachother which is cool!"
With new songs being written all the time, and demo's popping up here and there, keep checking back for latest news, releases & shows near you!!
|