Features

- by Gregory Lambrechts

At this point there's really no need to introduce Vinnie Caruana, right? I mean, the dude played in The Movielife, I Am The Avalanche and did countless shows under his own name. Tomorrow his first solo full-length, "Survivor's Guilt" will be out via Equal Vision Records. So we figured now is as good a time as any to do an email interview with the guy. Here you go!

PRT: First of all… how are you? Did you already recuperate from all your Europe/UK shows?

Vinnie: I'm doing very well thank you. I am back on NYC time and preparing for the US tour dates. Very busy these days and I'm very happy about that.

PRT: You might be sick of it by now but can we talk The Movielife for a bit? This far into the reboot (I’m a computer nerd so I find this a very clever way to call it) could you reflect back on it for us? How’s it been so far.

Vinnie: We've had all of our best shows in the past year so I'd say it's been fantastic. We have been writing music as well so it rad to hear what we sound like these days. I'd like to record some stuff and continue to play Movielife shows. It's been great.

PRT: You seem to like switching up between creative projects lately. Do you feel like this keeps you sharp as an artist?

Vinnie: Yes. I'm a full-time musician and doing a lot of different things is the name of the game. You have to become more and more versatile and be willing to try new things. I'm very happy to be in the position I'm in.

PRT: The solo stuff is coming back to the foreground. “Survivor’s Guilt” is almost out. Would you like to discuss the album a bit? Important stuff you feel the readers should know about while listening to it?

Vinnie: This stuff hits me the hardest out of anything I've ever done. I listen back and think I've got something special here. I'm hoping there are others who will feel the same way and let it into their lives. Regardless, I'm really proud of the record.

PRT: Contrary to “City By The Sea”, “Survivor’s Guilt” is not an acoustic solo album. Did it start out that way or did you know from the start you wanted it to be more than you and an acoustic guitar?

Vinnie: I always wanted it to be more than that. I learned a lot from CBTS , and I'm glad I made it. This recording process will ultimately do more justice to the songs. There are no rules to a solo record.

PRT: Does it feel different it to have an album with your own name on it rather than a band name?

Vinnie: It does. You approach everything creatively and production wise a lot differently. This record sounds different than anything else I've done.

PRT: You’re releasing it via Equal Vision Records, not a pure punk rock label in the sense of the word maybe. A lot of eclectic music styles on there and that’s cool. Is there non-punk music you absolutely adore? I’m listening to Justin Timberlake whilst typing this. Absolutely no shame!

Vinnie: Currently listening to Belle and Sebastian's newest. I feel terrible for anyone who only listens to one type of music.

PRT: You did a couple of shows with PUP in the UK. Definitely some of the younger dogs who’re making some big waves in punk rock right now. Being on the road a lot, do you have some tips for new-ish bands we definitely have to keep an eye on?

Vinnie: PUP is amazing. Keep your eye out for Somos from Boston. Fantastic young up and comers.

PRT: Your first run with The Movielife was from 1997 to 2003. Is there stuff that was happening back then, can be as broad as you want to go, that you kinda wish was still going on / happening/alive right now? Good Charlotte’s already back so that option is no longer valid.

Vinnie: Recover, Piebald, and Hot Rod Circuit were always my favorites from that era. Most of those groups have either recently reformed or at least play shows every so often. I've gotten my wish.

PRT: Any idea what will happen with I Am The Avalanche? Going to keep that on the backburner for a while?

Vinnie: We will play shows with all of the founding members whenever possible. It's a band of brothers who play for fun. We won't ever be a full time band again, but we aren't gone.

PRT: Any things you hope will definitely never make a comeback?

Vinnie: No I don't really mind. I find that music that you hate only exists to you, if you let it. There's some terrible stuff out there that I don't even know about, and that's working out great.

PRT: What’s up next for you once the album comes out?

Vinnie: Tour, tour, tour with chunks of time at home in between. Love it.