Vandal has been challenging expectations since late-2014 when her debut single, White Flag, garnered immediate attention from triple j and beyond. Not only has she disregarded the expectation for female musicians to fit into various predefined stereotypes, but she produces music that does little to conform to any one genre. This is reflected in the diversity present on her debut EP, End of Time, which she surprised fans with last Friday.
“It’s a reminder that whenever I get comfortable in a particular sound, that’s the time when I need to challenge myself to flip it,” she says. “I just like to keep it interesting, because when I’m inspired that’s probably when it’s better for everybody else. I’m influenced by those different sounds and don’t feel restricted. There are some heavier moments, there are some lush electronic moments, there are some hip hop moments and that is how it goes.”
Vandal’s answers are eloquent and intelligent, demonstrating the same passion and clarity of purpose that underpins her entire career. She called in producer Kidnot to work on White Flag, and the pair have remained collaborators ever since, writing and performing everything on End of Time.
“We actually played in a cover band together years and years ago,” says Vandal. “Then he was telling me that he wrote his own beats and played me some songs and I played him some of mine.
“It’s a great blend of both of our backgrounds. He comes from punk hardcore and hip hop, so that’s kind of where it intersects; hip hop, soul and jazz. There was definitely the love of heavier music on both sides, and when it came together we pushed each other in different directions.”
The attention given to that initial single meant Vandal was able to assemble a strong management, PR and booking team. However, she’s remained keenly hands on with the creative side of things.
“I’m very particular about how I want the guitar sound to be, or a particular drum sound and that sort of stuff, so I’m pretty involved,” she says. “Same with editing, I’ve started getting in to try and edit my own videos. It just helps to have a bit of background knowledge. Even if you hand it to the pros, at the end of the day it’s just nice to know how it all works.”
Along with the more obvious references to skater punk subculture in her logos and EP artwork, elements of Vandal’s Sri Lankan background can be seen in the recent video for End of Time.
“I think it’s had a huge influence, probably unknowingly up until now. Music is really strong in our culture and singing and dancing is a huge part of it. I learnt a bit of that when I was little. I’d go to watch those sorts of performances, but at the time I thought, ‘Wow this is so uncool.’ It was around me all the time and I must have been absorbing it somehow.”
Born to Sri Lankan parents in South Africa, the family made the move to Melbourne when Ecca was four years old. She clearly identifies strongly with her family background.
“I’m really proud of that culture and I love it. South Indian music itself is an amazing craft. I haven’t even scratched the surface of it, but I would love to dedicate some time to learn some proper South Indian vocals. They can be melodic and rhythmic as well, with all the ragas and chanting. The whole style of Carnatic music is very intricate and you really need to dedicate years to even master a tiny bit of it. I’d feel a bit like a hack doing it because I haven’t dedicated enough time, but I really want to explore more and I would love to integrate that into my music – at some point.”
Last year Vandal and Kidnot recruited a drummer and guitarist in order to convey the dynamic energy of their tracks live. Since then the band have been turning heads, touring the country supporting the likes of Gang of Youths and The Prodigy, as well hitting up major festivals such as Splendour in the Grass. In February and March, Vandal and company will undertake their first national headline tour, giving fans a chance to hear the new EP live.
“I’m really excited about that. It’s going to be a busy year with some new music coming out, so stay tuned.”
BY ALEX WATTS
