Interview: VRNS

VRNS is the solo project of punk / alternative rocker Luis Cortes.  Popularly known for upbeat and catchy songs, his previous act Tolidos, was an influencing band that spear-headed the alternative / punk scene in Mexico and is known as one of the most prominent bands from border city Ciudad Juarez.

After finding domestic and international fame with  Tolidos in Mexico and Latin America, Cortes never took a break from producing his solo work and this is how VRNS was born. He creates a fusion of his better knowledge of catchy post-punk choruses blended with progressive new-wave melodies. The outcome is a spellbinding wail of electro-pop that easily raises the bar.

The project is one of Mexico's newest and most prominent acts in the country's rising indie scene. Already having caught the attention of various mainstream and indie influencers and media, VRNS is paving way for a prosperous future in the scene and is an artist that should be heard of if given the chance.

Eduardo: Tell us about Viernes?

Luis Cortes: Well VRNS is a solo musical project you could say, but it takes the shape of a band in Live situations.It started out  a couple of years ago while I was living and producing bands in Monetrrey Mexico, I started making this songs and not knowing what I was going to do with them (because I couldn't incorporate these ideas into TOLIDOS they are both very different in their nature.)

 

E: How does the project develop to what it is now?

LC: The songs came to be because I started composing with my computer instead of using the guitar. So I had all of this different set of elements that I was using. It was a difficult decision  to take the risk of exposing this very different side of my music. And I dont regret it it is very fulfilling  for me.

E: What are your main influences?

LC: That's difficult...as a song writer I'm influenced by everything around my life. But to be very specific for this project I'm influenced by the night, by dreams, by partying , and ghosts. It's like another persona takes over, this character. And Musically I LOVE New Order. These songs are a mashup of things I love, from, Joy Division,New Order , Depeche Mode to MSTKFT, Toxic Avenger.

E: How do you see the project developing? Any particular directions you would like to follow?

As people have been discovering the project I get more excited to hear what the people like about it. As I commented before it is a very different musical project from TOLIDOS  so people's reaction to it is completely different. Some people dance to it, some people rock to it, and some just enjoy it not knowing what to do with it, it's that type of project. The direction is unexpected, I don't know where this will lead me, I'll just keep making music that I enjoy with hopes that other people will enjoy it as much as I am.

E: You recently released a new single, "Todo lo que no mataste", tell us about the song.

LC: "Todo lo que no mataste" is a song about cycles, of ghosts of things passed and the struggle to get closure. And all of this is reflected in the video for the song as well. Taking shape as the journey of this Girl character, traveling thru portals to different stages of her dreams.

E: What are 5 bands you could recommend off the top of your head?

LC: Coronel (Mexico), El Guincho (Spain), Alex Andwandter (Chile), Adrian Igual (Chile) and Ezekiel (Mexico)

E: If you could collaborate with any musician / artist of your choice, who would it be? and why? 

LC: I think Alex Andwanter would be a very fun and interesting colaboration, I really admire his work.

E: Any touring activity you'll be involved in? Or gigs you'll be forth playing?

LC: Yeah we will be playing various festivals and touring through Mexico.

 SXSW at Austin, TX.

 Neon Desert @ El Paso, TX.

You can check out our tour dates @ www.viernes.com.mx

Thank you very much!

Follow VRNS on twitter: @vrnsmx