Vista Kicks is Derek Thomas, Sam Plecker, Trevor Sutton, and Nolan LeVine. The foursome, who originally met on the kindergarten playground in their hometown of Roseville, CA are more than bandmates, they are lifelong friends and creative brothers with a knack for writing infectious songs and throwing a great party.
Vista Kicks recently released their debut full-length album Booty Shakers Ball, which they produced themselves and funded through their touring, merchandise sales and a preorder campaign through PledgeMusic. On the new album the band fuses rock ‘n’ roll energy and funk with modern indie panache and a tight songcraft creating a sound that is unique and refreshing. The first single and album opener Gotta Get Away sets the pace. Hinging on bluesy and ballsy riffing as well as a simmering, soulful groove, the song invites the listener into the world of Vista Kicks.
In 2014, they packed up their lives and their gear and headed to Los Angeles where over the next 2 years the band refined and elevated not only their songwriting but their live shows. The time also included the release of 3 singles followed by 2016’s self-produced 6-song collection titled Chasing Waves. The EP, along with the previous 3 singles, has amassed over 5.1 million Spotify streams and over 3.2 million YouTube plays. The buzz began as the band was showcased on Apple Music’s Featured New Artists page, they started to make a name for themselves on the streets of LA as they hosted intimate Vista Kick Back gigs in their rehearsal space, which lead to sold out shows at Hollywood hot spots as well as two national tours.
Every once in a while, a band comes along that refuels your passion and Vista Kicks are a prime example, taking genre bending rock n’ roll to new heights and combining harmonized riffs with strong, melodic choruses they create songs that are energetic, infectious and fun with a live performance that can back it all up. Check out Gotta Get Away below!
We managed to catch up with the band as they talk about their latest release and more!
Can you give us a bit of background on your inspiration for the songs and album title?
Vista Kicks – The songs themselves inspired the album title. We felt we needed a title that embraced the albums eccentric nature and Booty Shakers Ball seemed to embody what the music was portraying.
Any surprises in store for the upcoming tour?
Vista Kicks – I guess you’ll have to come out and see for yourself 😉
Do you play to release on vinyl or cassette, how do you feel about the comeback of those two formats?
Vista Kicks – Vinyl for sure! Cassette, maybe. We are all big-time vinyl collectors, so we love the comeback of vinyl. Our new vinyl will have some bonus tracks that didn’t make the record… we’re excited for people to discover them.
What are you most looking forward to on the upcoming tour run?
Vista Kicks – Meeting and playing for people who love and support Booty Shakers Ball as well as reaching out and connecting to new fans.
What’s the first thing you want to do when you get home after a tour?
Vista Kicks – Make more music and sleep.
Can you tell us about the journey that brought you here, how you met and the evolution of your music?
Vista Kicks – We all grew up together in Roseville CA. In the year or two leading up to the Booty Shakers Ball release we had been cutting our teeth in the Hollywood clubs – Dirty Laundry, Davy Wayne’s, Harvard and Stone. We had to learn how to entertain people in the entertainment capital of the world which helped us mold the songs into what you hear on Booty Shakers Ball
Any tour must haves?
Vista Kicks – VSunflower seeds for those long drives
What was the first gig you ever attended?
Sam – Backstreet Boys
Nolan – Eddie Money
If you could work with any artist or band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Sam – Dave Grohl or Neil Young: they’re big influencers on me and they’re STILL releasing great music.
Derek – Dr. Dre: cause he’s the shit and we’d get each other.
Trevor – Paul McCartney: he seems like a fun guy.
Nolan – Ringo Starr: we’d make a smash hit together.
What’s your dream tour line-up?
Vista Kicks – Paul McCartney, Cage The Elephant, Chance The Rapper, Whitney, The Growlers, The Bee Gees.
Any plans for 2018 you can share with us?
Vista Kicks – Record more tunes and hit the road
Where can our readers find your music and
please share all your social platforms too.
Vistakicks.com and @vistakicks for all socials