Metal Southern Belles Media welcomes you to another interview with the badass musicians who live and breathe Metal music. For this week’s conversation, we are joined by Andrew Southwell of VICIOUS NATURE. Southwell, with decades of experience on his guitar and the stage, reveals what you need to know about this group of UK based rockers; including their success with radio play and tours throughout the UK and Europe, details on their latest album, and plans on what is to come…

MSBM: Hello, Andrew! As always, we have to talk about the basics first. So, can you discuss your beginnings in music and the formation of VICIOUS NATURE?

AS: Mark Culley (former bassist) and I started the band in 2012. I left Marshall Law in 2006 after cutting my finger badly in an accident. I couldn’t play for about 5 years, had physiotherapy, and managed to play in a fashion. We asked Andy Pyke, who sang in Marshall law, to join and he brought Jon Brown, who played drums for Cloven Hoof.

MSBM: Still on the subject of the VICIOUS NATURE itself, what is the meaning or significance of the band name? Is there anything in particular that inspired it?

AS: We were going to call ourselves “13th Fire”, but somehow we called ourselves “Vicious Nature”. I can’t remember who came up with it, but it seemed to fit.

MSBM: I think it’s fitting as well! Speaking of inspiration, who are your influences?

AS: We all have different influences. I don’t tend to listen to other bands much. I like older stuff.

MSBM: It’s to my understanding that VICIOUS NATURE has several EPs. Can you walk me through the music creation process?

AS: I write the music and then send it to the guys in the band. They do their thing, Matt Gore (our new singer) writes the words and melodys mostly. But I do help sometimes.

MSBM: And what inspires the band’s lyrical content?

AS: Matt tends to write the lyrics. He’s influenced by what’s going on in his life and the world in general.

MSBM: The most recent release is ‘Moment of Impact’. How has the band grown with this one? What sets it apart from the previous releases?

AS: ‘Moment’ is the first release with Matt singing. It’s a different animal now; we have more scope to try new keys. It’s been played all over the world, in many countries, and has had some awesome reviews and we are happy with it.

MSBM: VICIOUS NATURE has played shows throughout the UK and Europe. What is the Metal scene like in those areas and how does an audience react to your live performances?

AS: We have been lucky enough to play some great shows and headline our own shows in Europe. The last 2 shows in Belgium were great and sold out. We have played Bloodstock and other festivals in Great Britain and have headlined festivals in Europe. We always enjoy playing live.

MSBM: You guys obviously have a successful reach; which is so awesome! Speaking of that, the band has also had some radio play in the UK, Europe, and even the US! How did that come about and how did you guys react to this widespread airplay?

AS: We have been lucky enough to be on over 70 stations all over the world in many countries, including Kerrang, and have done many interviews with stations too. It helps spread the band’s music and growth.

MSBM: Wow, congratulations on that exposure and support! May it continue to grow! I’m sure that it will while bringing on more shows! With that being mentioned, where do you hope to play in the near future?

AS: We just love playing live. We will be going to Belgium, Holland, and Germany later in the year as well as Wales, Scotland, and many more gigs in England.

MSBM: Hell yeah! Good luck with those shows! What else can we expect from VICIOUS NATURE in this new year? And where can all info, updates, and music be found?

AS: We hope to go back into the studio in July to do more recording and just play as many shows as possible. The music can be found on all platforms. The band has a website, http://www.viciousnature.co.uk.

Follow VICIOUS NATURE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViciousNature?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Listen to VICIOUS NATURE on Spotify (or any other streaming platform): https://open.spotify.com/artist/3V13OgqR7NresOhpRIQnmc?si=f2pyeACORkS9sU3K9E0gJA

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