The best way to describe Fowls’ music is that it is a really good time. Fowls is a quartet from Rochester, NY consisting of Vadim Ovcharov (Vocals/Guitar), Ruben Vazquez (Vocals/Guitar), Aleksandar Nikolovski (Bass), and Ricardo Vazquez (Drums). Fowls’ sound is a perfect combination of Maps & Atlases mixed with early Minus the Bear with a splash of TTNG technicality. Upon stumbling across the bands latest release Into the Wild (Betty Elm Records) I was hooked. It’s probably safe to say that I played the LP at least 20 times during the month of January. Being as I was becoming fairly enamored with Fowls’ tunes I needed to know more about these dudes. So I got in touch with Vadim, Aleksander, and Ruben to get more info on the origin of the band, how the guys feel about Valentines Day, and what female pop star they would most like to take out on an ice cream date.
How did Fowls come to be?
Before Fowls formed, me and Vadim played in another band but we grew tired of the music we were playing at the time. In the beginning of 2011 we started experimenting with different sounds and we ended up writing a couple songs that we were really stoked about. We approached Aleks with these songs ,which he greeted with much enthusiasm. Throughout the summer me, Vadim and Aleks became more serious and dedicating more time to writing and compiling brand new songs. We didn’t have a drummer at the time but we wanted to start playing shows. Vadim came up with the idea of using programmed drums live. We played shows like this for about a year and eventually felt that we needed a real drummer. Ricardo joined up may of 2013 and since has collaborated with the band. (Ruben)
I noticed that both Ruben and Ricardo share the same last name, but I couldn’t find out if they were brothers, cousins or anything. Any relation? If so how does that effect the band’s dynamic?
Yes, Ricardo’s actually my older brother. We started writing music early in our childhood and continued to get more serious as we entered our teenage years. I think that Ricardo and I have a similar approach to writing music and in return helps produce a collective sound. (Ruben)
Is there any significance to the band’s name? How did you decide on Fowls?
Not really, we wanted a name that was simple and original. We were actually sitting in a pizza shop brainstorming ideas for a band name and Ruben mentioned Fowls, we ended up looking up the definition for it and one of them was a “spiritual bird.” We thought was pretty cool and stuck with it. (Vadim)
Explain what Fowls’ writing process is like.
Me and Ruben are the primary song writers. We usually record demos on Logic or Garageband and use those as blueprints. We’ll present them to the other members of the band and go from there. (Vadim)
I read that you recorded Into The Wild in 3 days, did the recording process feel rushed? Or did you have the songs pretty dialed in before going into the studio?
Going into the studio we were all pretty nervous as it was our first experience in a professional studio setting. The whole album was recorded live so we definitely had to challenge ourselves to play perfectly together. We had an awesome time and learned a lot about recording. (Aleks)
Do you have a favorite song off your album? I would have to stat that mine is currently “Yanaguana”.
Mine would have to be “Genoa”. I spent a lot of time on this song specifically and feel like the lyrical content of this song is very relevant to a lot of people. Its about growing up and facing whats ahead with a positive outlook. (Ruben)
On the last day at the studio we all sat down together to listen to the mixed versions of the songs for the first time. When I heard “These Words” / “Honeycomb” I definitely got a little emotional. I even got up to hug Ruben haha. I’d say “Honeycomb” is my favorite song though. I would say it defines the album. (Vadim)
I know that you guys cite Maps & Atlases as a big influence, what other bands would you say influenced the end result of Into The Wild?
Dear and the Headlights for vocals definitely. As for guitar playing my biggest influence was probably this band called NazcarNation which I don’t even really know much about. I just remember hearing a song by them that had this really unique sounding chord. It ended up changing the way I played guitar a lot and definitely effected the sound of the album. (Vadim)
What kind of experience could someone going to a Fowls show expect to walk away with?
We don’t want people to get bored. I see it all to much. Bands that play the same part for a minute straight. I feel like it drains the audiences energy. We are the “A.D.D. Generation” so we have find a way to keep people interested during the entire show. We didn’t intentionally want to be a “math” band. It just happened that way because we wanted to write our songs in a way that would get peoples attention and keep it. We want people coming to our shows to be guessing what comes next or wondering what we just did a few seconds ago. We don’t want to be predictable. (Vadim)
Have you had the chance to embark on any lengthy tours yet?
So far we’ve kept it pretty local. Besides Rochester we’ve played shows in Syracuse and Buffalo which were both awesome experiences. (Vadim)
If you could pick your dream tour, what bands would you include?
This is a tough one, but it would have to be Friendly Fires, Wild Beasts, and Bombay Bicycle Club. They are all such unique and innovative bands, and we definitely look up to them. (Ruben)
Valentines Day is around the corner, How do you feel about this holiday? Any disasters or memorable experiences from the past you might feel like sharing?
This one time my girlfriend dumped me right when I walked up to her door, I had flowers and reservations, the whole 9 yards. I was crushed, I wrote These words the very next day in a half hour. Just kidding, We all never had a really bad experience, nor really cared for the holiday, but we all do enjoy the discounted candy afterwards. (Ruben)
This is a question I have wanted to ask someone for a while.. What is your LEAST favorite record by your MOST favorite artist and why?
I don’t want to put any band on the spot, but it’s almost an inevitable thing. We are all constantly growing and trying to find a new sound, and sometimes you have to make compromises and risks. It’s all part of the process. (Ruben)
If you had to choose a pop star to go get ice cream with out of Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, or Katy Perry, who would you pick and why?
Haha. I’ve actually always said that if I had my own theme song it would be “Hot and Cold” by Katy Perry. We would be walking on on a beach eating ice cream while Katy is serenading me. I don’t think you can get more Relevant than that. I think we all agree that she’s the most attractive one as well. (Vadim)
What do you guys have planned for 2014?
We have been steadily working on a bunch of new songs, exploring more electronic elements to create a more expansive and eclectic sound. Also were working on getting some festival dates, and if things go well, maybe some sort of east coast tour. (Ruben)