Just days after announcing their first headlining tour of 2018, alternative rock band VISTA have released a surprise single, Witch Hunt. Not previously announced, Witch Hunt, is the band’s first music released since July 2017’s Long Live, their 7-track sophomore EP. After teasing fans throughout the last 2 weeks with cryptic binary coding graphics, a mysterious marketing ploy created by band members Greg Almeida and Hope Vista, the track debuted worldwide on idobi radio just 3 hours before it was available on streaming platforms. The track was recorded, produced, and mixed by Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount of ZK Productions, who previous worked with lead vocalist Hope Vista in 2015. “Witch Hunt” marries together electronic and alternative elements, the familiar core of VISTA’s unique sound, but also maintains a sensual and alluring energy throughout. Witch Hunt’s blood-pumping chorus, sexually-tinged vocals, and drum-laden verses make the release a summer alternative hit to be reckoned with. Alongside the surprise release of Witch Hunt, VISTA also announced last week The Bloodlust Tour, a 25- date summer run spanning across the US Northeast, Midwest, and South. The Bloodlust Tour will also feature Florida rockers Brightside as direct support on 8 Southern dates. Check out Witch Hunt below!
We managed to catch up with Hope and Greg as they talked about their latest secret track and more!
So how hard has it been keeping Witch Hunt a secret?
Hope: Honestly, not as bad as we thought! On my end, the only person who knew was my boyfriend. The producers knew, our photographer/designer, and Greg. Hahaha. So that’s it for me! I actually thought it was easy – I just anticipated the potential excitement for the release day, that’s what helped me a lot.
Greg: I didn’t wanna tell Hope until after it’s out. Cat’s out of the bag though!
Hope: Thanks for keeping it a surprise!!!!
Can you tell us a bit about the single? What inspired you to write it?
Greg: I’ll make this as brief as I can, haha. Okay so, back when we were on tour in November, we dealt with a lot. Lots of things logistically did not go right, so naturally, that sucks. However at the same time, we were in a van with each other watching/processing the shitstorm of accusations and allegations against people we used to look up to in the entertainment industry. It was really hard to deal with. What we didn’t know at the time, was that Hope and I had the exact same lyrical concept for a song at the exact same time. However, since we were so stressed, I didn’t think it was appropriate to mention the thought of writing some new stuff until tour was over. And here we are. The song is not directly about any of these situations, but more so of how we felt during the time. Sort of a “I have no idea who I can turn to or who I can trust anymore” feeling. Hysteria. Hope and I instantly agreed on writing about this, it was sick.
Hope: Yeah, that sums it up pretty well. We were on the LIRR, the Long Island train going into Manhattan, and I told him I had this idea for a song called “Witch Hunt.” He looked me dead in the eyes and was like, “I swear to god, I had the exact same idea for a song and the same title.” That’s the first time that’s ever happened. So we were in the studio writing and recording that less than 2 weeks later. There was just so much going on, and I was thinking to myself, “who the hell can I trust?”
Can you tell us something about the release no one else knows?
Hope: We weren’t going to release this track. It was going to be another one, but last minute while we were at LAUNCH Conference, we changed our minds in between panels and wrote out this whole marketing plan while we were both there and on the Drive home, which is when all of the coding graphics we shared were made.
So will you be releasing an EP/album to coincide with this?
Hope: No plans for another EP or a full length as of right now! We definitely won’t be releasing another record in 2018. Probably next year.
Greg: Yeah. We’re trying to ride the wave of this single for now.
So you will also be touring for a month long tour in June/July, what venue are you most looking forward to playing?
Hope: I’m stoked to go to Texas, I’ve never been there. I think I’m probably most excited to go back to The Masquerade in Atlanta. I’m excited for the whole thing, it’s going to be a lot of new markets for us and just states I’ve never been to in general, like North Carolina. I can go visit the One Tree Hill town on our off day 🙂
Greg: All my ex’s live in Texas.
Hope: False.
If you could play at any venue in the world where would it be and why?
Hope: We’ve always said MSG.
Greg: Agreed, for many reasons, but let’s just say I have a lot of experience in that building. It would be an honor.
What do you get up to in your spare time when not working on music?
Hope: I work three jobs, so I’m either working or doing stuff for the band, haha. I don’t really have free time much anymore! I try to hike for 30 minutes every morning, so I guess that’s considered my downtime now. I just like to work, so that’s enjoyable for me and keeps my head distracted.
Greg: I play video games, have a solid part time job, hang out with my dogs Max & Nino. I love to go hiking/embrace nature. I love to write all types of music. I love to record/produce/mix/work on other people’s music in any capacity. I have a bachelor’s degree in audio engineering!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Hope: NSYNCS POPODYSSEY TOUR IN 2001. I WILL NEVER FORGET IT. THEY RODE MECHANICAL BULLS.
Greg: My Chemical Romance / Rise Against. Nassau Coliseum. 2007. They played the entire fucking Black Parade record. I didn’t realize how cool that was at the time.