Doomed Confessionary: Jason Hartman (Vanishing Kids)
Madison, Wisconsin based psychedelic doom/gothic metal band Vanishing Kids has returned with their sixth studio album, »Miracle Of Death«, out on October 13th, 2023 via Aural Music.
»Miracle Of Death« is a deep celebration of life, death, love, loss, and many places in between. Nikki Drohomyreky (vocals, organ, synthesizers), Jason Hartman (guitars) and Jerry Sofran (bass) join forces with the excellent Nick Johnson on drums (Jex Thoth, Ossuary, Zola Jesus) to bring this glorious blend of genres, styles, moods, and a unique brand of beautiful heaviness all their own.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Vanishing Kids is an ever evolving artistic and emotional outlet for us. We’ve been around for 23 years now and our sound is always in flux. In 2023 we have elements of acid rock, psych/ shoegaze, doom, goth and more. We wear our passion and emotion on our sleeves.
What was the biggest challenge for the band this year?
A fun challenge was just becoming a live band again. Covid made us dormant for a while and then the recording process for the new album »Miracle Of Death« released this year on Aural Music. We played our first shows in 4 years this last month and it feels great!
What can you be most proud of this year?
Most proud of our new album of course! It really came together and is a reflection of the last several years for us in musical form.
What was your biggest regret?
No regrets!
What was the best concert/tour this year and why?
Coven/Lucifer would’ve been the best but I was too exhausted from out tour to attend. I saw Coven about a year ago and it was transcending!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I think the renewed interest in guitar based rock music and the continually rising interest in old formats like vinyl and cassettes is surprising. Definitely welcomed by me though! I know it’s never really gone away but seems like the old ways remain (Blood Ceremony reference intended) and only get stronger!
Where can we see you live next year (concerts/tours)?
We are looking into more touring possibilities but nothing is announced yet.
What are your plans for the next year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
We’d love to get to Europe next year.
Do you already know what are you doing on New Year’s Eve?
Ha NYE has been family dance party the last several years!
How can people best support your band?
Buy the records, watch the videos, come to the shows! Bandcamp etc.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for listening! Pave your own path. Be original, set yourself apart. Try harder. Don’t give up. Be emotional. Work together. Show us something real.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well