“I’M NOT STALKING YOU…I PROMISE…” VEERS FRONT MAN ANDREW JAMES AND WHY YOU NEED TO HAVE A VEERS EXPERIENCE

“ANDREW! I’M NOT STALKING YOU I PROMISE…”

…I yelled as i approached the backstage doors in Pittsburgh P.A. It was Post show around 10:30pm.

We had enjoyed an awesome Blue October concert and exited. Parked behind venue was the October bus and the road crew were loading equipment.

The opening act VEERS although tired but adrenaline fueled, were busy loading their own vehicles ready to move on for well-earned hotel rooms. “Hello mate!” responded a friendly familiar London accent.

Then out of the crisp night coming toward me, bedecked in trademark peacoat and charcoal Beenie, lead singer and front man, Andrew James approached with open arms. After a quick hug for both my wife and I, conversation commenced.

To say he is both gifted and humble is an understatement. The whole band are gifted. But it’s Andy i struck up a unexpected friendship with.

This wasn’t my first meeting with Andy. I had initially met him at the merchandise booth after the Blue October, Boise Idaho, show.
We were waiting in line for merch and autographs, when Andy appeared behind me on the stairway. After a quick hello, we both realized we had the same west London accent and mannerisms. A connection was made.

We hit it off immediately and spent a long time talking about both our childhoods growing up in London, our favorite football teams (he is a huge Manchester City supporter) and what it was like touring with Blue October. Then I saw him again in Cleveland.

After a scintillating set prior to Blue October’s appearance, I approached the stage, as Andy assisted in set change before Blue October were due on stage. “Andy…fellow bloke from Boise! Excellent show, I’m addicted to the new track…” With instant recognition, he came to the fore, shook my hand, and said “of course I remember you mate!” And even though he was pressed for time, he told me to meet him after the show at the merchandise booth.

BACKSTAGE PITTSBURGH

I did the same in Buffalo N.Y. a few weeks later. But as we stood in the chill air of Pittsburgh, after they had packed their vehicles and were ready for the off, we stood illuminated by the venue back stage door and I asked “How the hell did you up sticks and head to Los Angeles from Manchester…?” he grinned and explained…

He came here as a young lad and was a guitar player…and it was almost impossible to find a band that played the type of music he wanted to play. According to Andy, while a Manchester lad, he had visions of Los Angeles as an alternative music mecca, which wasn’t so. But he stuck on his path, refused to give up, and opportunity came knocking.

He met Arizona natives Nick Lanata (bass) and Spencer Schuck (guitar), Mark Fallavollita (keys/guitar) from Massachusetts and Chris Neff (drums) from Portland, Oregon. They started jamming together. It became quickly apparent, once they started to play together, they knew. The chemistry was there.

Initially, Andrew didn’t see himself as the lead singer. Guitar was his forte. However, once they heard his melodic talent, they all agreed, Andrew had the voice. he would be the voice of VEERS. And does he ever.

With his Bono, Oasis-esc tones, grizzled highs, and smooth lows, his voice to me, provides a melodic ride of which I can close my eyes and just drift away. The music an intoxicating classic punk drench, infused with British rock and alternative echoes. And trust me. It fucking works.

POWERFUL MELODIC STORM

VEERS released their debut album Universe Reversal (available in link at bottom) out on Merrill Artists (ECR Music Group), in September of 2022. It spat forth the band’s powerful melodic storm of British infused rock. It properly landed them in the serious realm of future alternative bands that will be here for a long time.

Sticking to his Brit style of music and songwriting, Andrew and his compadres have ensured they don’t bow to the almighty dollar over substance. This is a big part of their raw brilliance. Songs are written and performed from the soul. A reason Blue October I’m sure, selected them to open their tour. Blue October are about real emotion, so too are VEERS.

They stick to their roots and have faith in the future on their terms. And it’s working.

Touring with alternative legends Blue October they got noticed. At the Cleveland concert Blue October Manager Paul Nugent was stage front, a very rare occurrence. He had come from his base in Texas, obviously to see Blue, but he had his professional camera and took copious pics of Andrew and VEERS performance.

He was visibly moved and rocked to their musical avalanche. If you don’t move to their music, you need to get an MRI for to search for your soul. And who are these heroes?

THE BAND

Bassist Nick Lanata quietly plies his craft with no nonsense and class. Chris Neff thunders and shakes every venue with his drumsticks and leather. Mark Fallavollita supports the whole endeavor with striking keyboards and guitar licks.

And then there is Spencer. Guitarist virtuoso full of character and showmanship, Spencer Schuck. Spencer provides VEERS personality in spades. As he pours his soul into his god given talent, he makes sure the crowd is awash with joy, emotion, and escape. Truly gifted with the guitar, and his “shaker” his bright white smile balances the gritty superlative dark brilliance Andrew and the rest of the band supply.

You will need to attend a concert to see the “shaker”. Rumor has it, he keeps it in a silk lined lockbox.

After Pittsburg show, Spencer came over to Andy and I. “Can I steal this man from you…” Then he noticed my wife and I and gave us both genuine hugs. Humble, friendly, charismatic. I wouldn’t expect any less from this band.

With no unnecessary fanfare, VEERS kick off every show with rock thunder . Their sounds immediately kick you in the ass and keep kicking for the entire setlist. You can close your eyes and escape the world for that time and ride the soul stimulating heartfelt symphony that VEERS provide. It’s a lifetime event and a unique wonderful experience. And it’s just beginning.

Yes, they have plied their trade building a sizeable west coast fanbase, however, the opportunity to tour with greats Blue October has pushed them in front of the rolling tide. And they are surfing it to east coast – and I believe – eventual world success.

My personal favorite VEERS track is Belt The Sea. Watching it live is incredible. I also rattle the windows to my car regularly on my daily commute. Check the link at the end.

And if you haven’t listened to Blue October, for god’s sake do. It changed my life and I’m sure will yours.

TAKE AWAY…

Heed my word.
And I have Blue October running in my veins…
If you haven’t already…
DON’T miss an opportunity of a lifetime.
Check out VEERS, listen, be moved.
You won’t be sorry.

VEERS band members have been working hard on a new album. According to Andy, “It’s the most honest music we’ve made to date and without doubt the most meaningful to us and hopefully will mean something to you too. Making a record is harder than it’s sounds , especially with no label or outside funding.”

The lads need to continue to work day jobs as they reach for their dream. So after work, they utilize every available hour to get in the studio, rehearse, write, and record. Andy’s remarks with tongue in cheek, “if we were in it for money then I’m pretty sure we picked the wrong line of work…plumbers!….we should have been plumbers ..maybe my career adviser was right as a kid lol… That said ..we’re asking for some help ..which is somewhat out of our comfort zone, we’re trying to raise enough money to finish this album and release it, please click on this link below and check out more info on how you can help .

Thankyou to everyone who’s donated so far, it truly means a lot to us.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-veers-complete-their-most-ambitious-album

Andy also recently posted on their Instagram account the call to help a great bunch of guys and outstanding musicians get off the ground. In typical Andy style he writes, “Hello earth! We’re an LA-based indie band called VEERS, hoping you’ll take a moment to watch our funny (and very serious) video, (link below) and then check out our GOFUNDME campaign to help us complete our new album (Link is in our bio). Any contribution helps, including sharing our GFM link and story with anyone you think may want to get involved as well. Thank you so much for your consideration!”

I will head there. Right after i contact Andy and link him up to this article. You do the same!