INTERVIEWS: Wayne Houchin of Vain Galen Chats to Mucka!

What was the last album you purchased?

Can’t remember the last album I actually bought to be honest! I use Google play, and the last album I actually downloaded was Prosperina’s new album Harness-Minus. Love it! They have that whole, stoner, post rock, techy thing going on.

If your music could be used in an advert on TV, what would you most like it to be advertising?

Breakfast cereal! The thought of some Vain Galen blasting out, as some cartoon animal stomps about all over some poor little kids breakfast makes me smile!

If you were to do a cover of a song, what would it be and why?

Something a little different, like Steal Away by Jimmy Hughes. This was the first hit out of the famous Muscle Shoals studios. Not the normal kind of track that a heavy, post-hardcore band would do, but I would love to blast it with some chugging, minor chords and a screaming vocal! Actually, might just give it a try!!

Dead or alive, which band would you most like to co-headline with?

Helmet! No hesitation. Massive influence on me musically. Page Hamilton (basically, he is Helmet!) was a revelation when I first came across him in the late 80’s. The discordant, noise element was amazing, couple that with the massive stop/start precision riffs, and you had something unlike anything else. You could hear where it came from, Killing Joke and wire, but he heavy’d it up and out came Helmet! It would be an absolute dream to play with them. I would happily die afterwards!!!

What has been the most memorable moment in your musical career so far?

Difficult one. One of my old bands Substance, played with L7 at the Old Trout in Windsor, back in 97. That was a big, big night. Another even older band, Need, played a the legendary Marquee club back in the early 90’s. Getting on that stage was something when you can’t help but think about who had played there. Metallica, Maiden, Faith No More, Kiss, Quo, Marillion and so many more!

If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

The need for instant returns on investment of the labels. There used to be a time when a band/artist could be signed and developed over a couple of albums. This does not seem to be possible any more. There’s no money in single and album sales due to the shift in music consumption through streaming, but the labels have not moved with this to find revenue from live sales fully. Its great for the listener, but a difficult situation for the labels and especially the bands/artists! Not sure what the answer is, but it seem like it is only going to get worse!