Interview with frontman Virginia Creeper

Don’t be confused by the look or the sound. Virginia Creeper is not Glam metal and not industrial metal. Rather Virginia Creeper is self proclaimed Prophetic Industrial Metal. Hailing from New York, Virginia Creeper, (incidentally the name of the vocalist and the band) combine grinding guitars and heavy beats with a message heavy on death and dying. I caught up with Virginia Creeper in the studio and posed some questions to him about the band and their message.

Tell me about the origin of the name Virginia Creeper.
VC: Virginia Creeper is a vine that grows uncontrollably throughout the United States. ‘I am, the Vine, you the branches, he that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth immortality, for without me you can do nothing.’ In the last days (which we are obviously in) the Scriptures state there will be false teachers preaching doctrines of devils which will deceive the whole world. Virginia Creeper is the final Prophet sent forth into this world to proclaim the truth.

Despite the grinding guitars and drums there seems to be an underlying message to your music. Can you explain?
VC: Who’s Your God discloses the brutal realism on such matters as: spiritual awakening, self- denial, alcoholism, the hypocrisy of the Catholic Church, and physical death, which is something almost everyone will experience.

What message if any do you want your fans to walk away with after hearing your CD?
VC: The Kingdom of God is at hand!!!!!

Many of the songs, four of the five, deal with death or dying can you explain why?
VC: For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

What is next for Virginia Creeper? Are there plans for a tour?
VC: At the moment Virginia Creeper is back in the studio putting finishing touches on the follow up CD single entitled, Just Like Cain. U.S. tour dates are not scheduled at this time.

Tell us a little bit about your live show.
VC: The live show will be taken to the extreme this time around, lots of stage props, pyrotechnics ad some surprises that can’t be disclosed at this time.

The cover of the CD is quite graphic, almost disturbing, can you explain the significance of this?
VC: The CD cover is a depiction of the Crucifixion of Christ. Graphic…Disturbing… I am sure that day was.

How has technology affected your music? Has the internet affected you at all?
VC: Virginia Creeper is an independent artist. The internet has enabled Virginia Creeper to become a worldwide ministry.

I am a big fan of James Lipton and inside the actors’ studio. At the end of every interview he asks the same ten questions. Before we end this interview I would like to propose those same questions to you.

What is your favorite word?
VC: ********

What is your least favorite word?
VC: ********

What turns you on creatively? Spiritually?
VC: The Book of Revelations.

What turns you off?
VC: Organized Religion.

What sound or noise do you love?
VC: Silence, Dead Silence.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
VC: Record Producer.

What profession would you not like to attempt?
VC: Crusader.

If heaven exists what would you like to hear God say when you get to the pearly gates?
VC: Who’s your God?

What advice would you give new musicians who want to get started in the business?
VC: Never conform!!!!!