The Vamps: We’re not a boy band

The Vamps members (from left) James McVey, Tristan Evans, Connor Ball and Brad Simpson

Composed of four good-looking lads no older than 20, British group The Vamps is often compared to boy band One Direction. Bass player Connor Ball insists there are more differences than similarities between the two pop acts.

For starters, Ball doesn’t consider The Vamps a boy band. “We’re boys in a band,” he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a recent phone interview. “We play instruments … We’ve been compared to other artists, but we would rather focus on doing our own thing.”

The Vamps, which also include Brad Simpson (lead vocals), James McVey (guitar) and Tristan Evans (drums), likewise write much of its material. The band’s first 15-track album “Meet the Vamps” debuted at No. 2 in the UK charts.

The band, whose music is described as “pop-rock and indie,” is set to take stage at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Feb. 1. One of the best things about being a music artist, Ball said, is the opportunity to travel and meet people around the world.

“It’s just incredible… I’m excited to go to Manila. I’ve heard that the people are incredibly nice and passionate about music,” said the 18-year-old, whose dream gig is playing at Madison Square Garden in New York City, “with fans and loads of people we love.”

The Vamps was formed in 2012, with the aid of social networking site Facebook and video-sharing site YouTube. It has since amassed a considerable following, thanks to their early cover songs, and subsequent catchy hits like “Can We Dance,” “Wild Heart” and “Last Night.”

Having achieved fame this early, Ball said, “is really nice.” “But we don’t think about that too much—we just enjoy ourselves,” he said. “We’re excited to start all over again this year.”

Asked if he was enjoying all the attention from girls, he chuckled and said, “It’s lovely, I guess!”

Juan Karlos Labajo

The bassist added, “It’s great that a lot of people love our music, and that a lot of fans go out of their way to come and see us.”

Ball said he would love to collaborate with Ed Sheeran—who’s also coming to Manila this year—given the chance.

“He’s a great songwriter and he’s got his own style” he said of his fellow British artist.

Ball sees the band continuing to travel the world, making music. They have, in fact, started to work on their sophomore record. “You can expect new stuff and sound, but not drastically different from those in our first album,” he said.

Embarking on solo projects is out of the question, at least for now. “It’s not something we want to do at the moment. We want to be in the band and carry on,” Ball said.

“The Vamps: Live in Manila” is presented by MMI Live, Ovation Productions and Viva Live. For tickets, call SM Tickets at 4702222.

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‘Fusion’

Over 30 local artists and acts representing different styles and genres will take the stage in a music festival fittingly dubbed “Fusion.”

Big names top-billing the event, set on Jan. 30 at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds, include Sarah Geronimo, Gary Valenciano, Bamboo, Gloc-9, Joey Ayala, Noel Cabangon, Yeng Constantino, Christian Bautista, Ebe Dancel, Kamikazee, The Dawn, Sandwich and Parokya ni Edgar.

“The music festival is not just an event, but a movement that will hopefully inspire the next generation to continue patronizing and promoting OPM,” said project director Gladys Basinilio, also CEO of Carat Philippines, which is spearheading “Fusion 2015,” with the theme “Play as One.”

Boyce Avenue

Tickets are available at SM Tickets (4702222), TicketWorld (8919999) and TicketNet (9115555). Allan Policarpio

‘A Birthday Show’

“The Voice Kids” finalist Juan Karlos Labajo will have a show on Feb. 6, 8 p.m. at Teatrino Promenade. “Juan Karlos: A Birthday Show” tickets are available via TicketWorld (8919999 and www.ticketworld.com.ph).

‘Boyce Avenue Live in Manila’

Florida-based band Boyce Avenue will perform at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 14 and at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Feb. 15. The shows are mounted by Ovation Productions. For tickets, visit www.ticketnet.com.ph.