The Vingins | Q&A

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Your grandmother would think they're sexy.

by Jordan Minnick

(Editor's Note: This Q&A is part of a short series of interviews with bands playing upcoming Hear Nebraska benefit shows in Lincoln.)

The Vingins’ vocalist/guitarist Derek Ouston may have his music interests stuck in the '70s, but don’t let that leave you sour. Then again, with Ouston’s ear-ringing riffs and shrill vocals, he’d probably love nothing more than an initial cringe from his audience. With a rave review from last year’s Lincoln Calling, there suggests some sweet to this sour garage-pop trio. Impartial to Facebook and most modern music, Ouston discusses his Teen Dream revelation and more.


In three words, describe The Vingins.
Acid. Chic. Music.

Now, how would your grandmother describe The Vingins?

Umm … sexy.

Do you have any atypical pet peeves when it comes to playing shows?
I don’t like when I get shocked from the microphone — but I guess that’s not atypical. I don’t like it when people don’t stand.

How many Facebook friends is too many Facebook friends?
If you have a Facebook, then you have too many Facebook friends. (He later admits: “I know about it. I’ve been known to crawl Facebook a few times.”)

What are you listening to right now? Any bands or albums?

Yeah, right now I’m listening to Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin. And listening to Teen Dream by Beach House — it just came out, and that’s a really cool album.


That came out way last year.
O.K., so that’s when it came out? Cause I was like, ‘Oh, sweet band, Beach House,’ and everyone’s like, ‘Yeah dude, we’ve known about Beach House for awhile.’ I use to only listen to old music, and now I’m like half-and-half. That album’s awesome, though. I really like that album.

In your opinion, when does a band know they’ve arrived?
To like, heaven?

It’s however you want to take it.
A band knows when they’ve arrived when they don’t have to pay for drinks at shows.

 

Prior to hanging up, I tell him, “Thanks for playing our show.”
 
“Did I win anything?” he asks.
 
“What?" I say. "No, you didn’t win anything.”
 
“You said thanks for playing your show.”

Well played.

 

The Vingins play at the Zoo Bar this Friday, March 11, 9 p.m. with Little Brazil and The Photo Atlas. RSVP on Facebook. A portion of the proceeds benefits Hear Nebraska.

Jordan Minnick is Hear Nebraska's editorial intern. One of her first favorite bands was The Walkmen, probably because they were featured on the first season of "The O.C." She'll be interning this summer at The A.V. Club Austin. Contact her at jordanminnick@hearnebraska.org.