Voodoo Terror Tribe or VTT have declared as this year being “their year” and why wouldn’t it be? The band’s latest addition “Symptoms Of Sin” and music video “Victim” are just the icy on the cake for these adrenaline junkies and they will surly become a heavy duty addition to the already very pop rock/metal franchise that has increased since the very beginning. VTT’s guitarist Emir Erkal spoke to me via email discussing VTT’s formation, latest album, video and upcoming whereabouts as to what’s in-store for the 2010 term.
1. First things first, band name, what does VTT symbolize and it’s meaning behind the name?
Emir Erkal (guitar): VTT, is still “Voodoo Terror Tribe”, but the acronym better represents our new approach, and is iconic in its own way. While in a way we’re a tribe, the terms “terror, terrific, or terrible” don’t usually apply. It is also easier to spell, and makes for better graffiti. Not to mention it’s secular!
2. What about the band's origins, where is the band form, why did you form and what is your purpose?
Emir: I can say we’re from New Jersey now, but everybody’s coming from different origins. T-Bone is Sicilian-originated, Gil is a California born, Primer is really from New Jersey and I’m originally from Istanbul, Turkey. We formed to make art of Rock and Metal and show our art to everyone who’s interested and make some difference in the world of art…and of course to dominate at the end, but only with our art!
3. VTT is connected to the various social networks, (MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter). Do each of the individual band members have their personal accounts or do you rotate in checking all of the band's online lifestyle?
Emir: Yes, of course. And everyone has individual accounts for these networks as well and we check them everyday and update them every week or even more…
MySpace: www.myspace.com/vttrocks
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/vttrocks
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1004106066#/pages/VTT/117240007401?ref=ts
YOU TUBE: www.youtube.com/voodooterrortribe
iTUNES: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-victim/id331834613?i=331835084&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
CD BABY: www.cdbaby.com/vtt
REVERBNATION: www.reverbnation.com/vttrocks
4. How about your video for "The Victim?" What's the concept behind that, who thought up the idea, who directed, and are you satisfied with how it came out in the ending process?
Emir: Actually, it was supposed to have animation showing the story behind it, but the animation couldn’t make it to the video. Maybe we could release it with some other video later. The concept is that a very kind-hearted guy being dumped by the girl he loves and left by everything else, as well and then he goes crazy and he’s questioning why this is happening to a great person like him, why he’s the victim… We and our good friend / director “Shottie” (Shotwell Productions) came up with the ideas together and we really like the outcome.
5. "Symptoms of Sin," is the band's third release, how does it compare to your previous works, what is the lyrical theme and concept behind this creation?
Emir: I can easily say that this is our best work so far. Being produced by Billy Graziadei (Biohazard) is one of the reasons it’s that good and something we’re proud of. The concept in general is similar to the song “The Victim”, but it’s more like showing the person who was abandoned by everything, crazy imagination, even including a ghost of a pet goat who is his only friend now…
6. Do you have any personal favorites off the album?
Emir: “You’re My Punishment” and “Wake of the White Devil”.
7. 2010 you will have been a band for five years, what are your thoughts on that? Do you plan on celebrating in any way or you could care less?
Emir: It’s been even longer with some line-up changes, but this is the best line-up. We’d love to celebrate, but I’d rather do that for a more remarkable success which will happen this year, so we could think about some celebration by the end of this year maybe.
8. How can a fan of the band purchase this album?
Emir: Very simple, if you want the physical CD, go to www.vttrocks.com/shop.html and buy it online where you’ll get free stuff, also. And if you want to just download it, go to iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, CD Baby, etc…
9. Can you get it at your shows?
Emir: Definitely, together with our other merch, such as t-shirts, tanks, baby dolls, VTT dolls, stickers.
10. How can a fan of VTT join your street team?
Emir: Go to www.vttrocks.com/contact.html and send us your info there.
11. What bands do you admire?
Emir: Manowar, WASP, The Cure, Machine Head, Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Kreator, Iron Maiden there are just too many to name!
12. Who are some of the guitarists you admire?
Emir: Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Phil Demmel (Machine Head), Mille Petroza (Kreator).
13. A young fan comes up to you and tells you your music has moved them and they want to become a musician like you. What advice would you give them?
Emir: First of all, that would be awesome and one of the best things to hear from anyone. Second, I would recommend to them not to try to become a musician like me, unless their parents are rich or they know someone famous or popular in music business and industry. Otherwise, it’s one of the hardest roads to success and happiness… Of course this doesn’t mean that my parents are rich, or that I know people in the music industry (well, I know now after all these years of working hard and struggling). I’m just trying to say that you could reach success quicker by working this hard at something else in life…but on the other hand, no one can stop anyone else’s passion for anything!
14. What does the future hold for VTT, will we be seeing you on tour in the New Year?
Emir: Like I mentioned above, 2010 will be our year and we’ll be rocking and touring more than ever this year, since we just signed up with a new, better, bigger booking agent. We have already some local shows scheduled around NY-NJ area, one of which including opening for mighty W.A.S.P. on Mar 12 in New Jersey and then we’ll do some shows with the one and only BIOHAZARD and then a 20-25 date US tour will follow in May and some European and even a Japan tour late summer…
15. Do you have anything to say to the fans of VTT?
Emir: Thank you all out there for your support and please keep that up, especially while we’re on the road. We will stop at your town sometime this year, so keep an eye out for VTT and we will show appreciation with a great new album by the end of the year.
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