VIC (band)

VIC are an Irish five-piece rock band from Dublin who have been described by Jackie Hayden of Hot Press Magazine as possessing a "pop sensibility which feels completely unique". They draw influences from, amongst others, fellow Irish acts Snow Patrol and U2.

Background

The band was formed in 2003 by lead singer/songwriter Dan Fox, Peter Wallace and Rob Meredith, who were all still at school in Wesley College, Dublin at the time. Richard Margetson and Billy Campbell later joined the group to complete the five piece in 2005.

The first years of the band were quietly spent writing music and trying to develop a unique style, however, in 2009 several important milestones in the band's career boosted their national popularity. These include having their music and most notably the song "Chasing Nothing" featured in US TV show "The Hills", winning a place in the final heats of the Jack Daniel's Set, being invited to perform live at the Adidas/Champion Sports "We Are Originals" launch party, playing several sold out dates in Dublin venues such as Tripod and The Village, being reviewed in Hot Press Magazine, and performing live on FM104. Vic were also selected as the feature artist for the new BT2 website.

The band have performed regularly in events organised by Irish universities. In September 2009 they played at UCD and Trinity College freshers' balls alongside Tinchy Stryder, Simian Mobile Disco and Fight Like Apes. They have been invited to perform at both colleges' summer balls in 2010, the Trinity Ball being Europe's largest private music event.

Along with growing popularity in Ireland in 2009 and 2010, fanbases in other countries have started developing, namely Japan and America. The band's large Japanese following has resulted in plans for the band to do A Tour of Japan in 2010.

2009 Line-up Change

At a concert in The Village on the 31st of July 2009, Rob Meredith and Peter Wallace announced their intention to leave the band. This was later confirmed in mid-August on the band's blog. The roles of Bassist and Keyboardist were filled by session musicians for the band's September and October dates. Following a show in Dublin's Mansion House in November, Ivan Campbell and Patrick Dexter were announced as new members of the band.

[[Image:VIC play tripod.jpg|right|thumb|200px|

VIC perform in Tripod music venue.
June 2009

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Members

  • Dan Fox - Lead Vocals, Guitar
  • Richard Margetson - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
  • Ivan Campbell - Piano, Synthesizer
  • Patrick Dexter - Bass, Backing Vocals
  • Billy Campbell - Drums, Glockenspiel

Music

After recording several demos of their songs, Vic were approached by Owen Lewis, the head engineer at Grouse Lodge Recording Studios. His impressive list of clientele includes Snow Patrol, R.E.M., Editors and many others. Lewis engineered and produced "Downfall", which has received positive reviews from Jackie Hayden of Hot Press Magazine and radio play on some Dublin radio stations (Spin 1038 and FM104).

The band's song, "Chasing Nothing", was played regularly by Larry Gogan on national radio station RTÉ 2fm during July and August and has been featured on MTV's "The Hills".