Scotland's finest, VUKOVI, are back with their fourth studio album MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN, which was released via SharpTone Records on January 24th. Hailing from Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, VUKOVI are Janine Shilstone and Hamish Reilly. Just before all of the madness surrounding the new release kicked off, Janine was able to spare some time to speak to Music Scene Media.
MSM: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer a few questions for us, I know that things must be super hectic with the album launch (I genuinely cannot wait to listen to the whole thing when it drops) so close so I'll jump straight into the questions:
Things are gearing up for you guys at the moment, you had mega success with Nula that just seemed to grow so much momentum as the cycle went on, you were doing festivals all over the place; out supporting Baby Metal at one point; and alongside your mega UK/EU tour, then heading out on a co-headline stint with Calva Louise across the US. Now that My God Has Got A Gun is so close to release, have you had a chance to reflect and set any goals ahead of this new cycle?
Thank you! We’re trying to enjoy ourselves and live in the moment more. We don’t know what’s in store for us and have spent so many years putting so much energy into over analyzing the future and forgetting to look up once in a while.
MSM: I understand that a chunk of the new album was recorded whilst you were out on that US tour, can you share any insights into what that process was like, how you were able to juggle your tour commitments with getting the new album locked down?
I wouldn’t recommend doing both at the same time, it was exhausting but also one of the best experiences of my life. We had our incredible tour manager and manager making sure everything went to plan safely and efficiently. We made the decision to step outside our comfort zone and we’re immensely proud of that.
MSM: If you're able to, I'd love to get a little bit of insight into the writing process for the new album, where you guys were at during that process, any particular moments that stand out to you and as a follow up what you hope you've been able to be convey through this record?
I (Janine) was going through some pretty intense therapy at the time and I think this record is the scribblings of a mad man at times. We wanted to isolate ourselves during the writing process to give our most authentic selves. There is a concept to the album but that is something I want the listener to figure out for themselves and have their own perspective on it.
MSM: With the last record Nula being that kind of full concept album that I know you guys had wanted to put out for a while; what we've heard from the singles that have been released so far, the new material, firstly absolutely slaps, and secondly it's undeniably "VUKOVI" but you can see that it is starting to pull in slightly different direction. For the remainder of the record that we are yet to hear, is there an overarching narrative or particular themes or a particular direction in sound that you guys took the record in?
It sounds cliché but we went with our instincts in these songs and embraced what came out of us. It's definitely a more primal album and I think the music has a lot more space but not losing its intensity and power.
MSM: This is probably like asking your parents to pick their favourite child, but is there one track on the new album that stands out to you as like "yeh this is the one, this is the one that I'm most proud of"?
I’d personally say Bladed or Cowboy. They always hit a chord with me when I hear them now
MSM: Clearly 2025 is going to be a massive year for you guys, I for one cannot wait to catch you on the UK leg of the upcoming tour. Your fan base, which is more of a community at this point than anything else, undoubtedly they will be treated to the unmatched energy that you guys always bring to the stage but is there anything in particular that you are excited for the fans to experience with you on this tour?
Being part of our journey and sharing some unhinged chaotic energy for an hour or so!
MSM: Final question, and a little out of left field, obviously Janine, Hamish, the two of you are an absolute force and VUKOVI does not need any other input in any way. But hypothetically if you had to add one member to the band but you were only allowed to choose a cartoon character, who would that be and what role would you have them fill?
The green power puff girl on bass.
Fans on this side of the pond won't have to wait long before they get the chance to get the live version of some of the new material into their ear holes as VUKOVI embark on their MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN EU/UK 2025 tour. From mid February to the start of March, the 15 date tour sees them stop off in seven countries, with support from unpeople and Artio.
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