Jammerzine has an exclusive interview with Blitz Vega’s Kav Sandhu as well as today releasing the new debut album from Blitz Vega titled ‘Northern Gentleman’ via Future Sonic Records.
In this interview (video above), Kav shows the human side of ‘Northern Gentleman’ with the conception, writing, recording progress with his longtime friend and music partner Andy Rourke (bassist and co-founder of The Smiths) in what has become a precious timestamp, both musically and personally, in Kav’s life as well as something every fan will endear and keep as a beautiful farewell from Andy and a continuation of what Blitz Vega is.
And, in this interview, we talk with Kav about that enduring friendship and the impact Andy has, not just the obvious one in ‘Northern Gentleman’, but the even bigger one that he has had on his life and all of ours with his music. Consider ‘Northern Gentleman’ as not only a thank you and goodbye from Andy but a welcome companion for what is to come from Kav.
‘Northern Gentleman’
‘Northern Gentleman’ is much more than anyone planning to give a listen could ever expect. The sonic dynamics are diverse and the influence is abound with each track loving placed where it needs to be. Andy Rourke is prominent on every track as is Kav, both individually and collectively, with their stylistic differences and similarities weaving together in harmony and beautiful contrast.
‘Disconnected’ is the perfect opener, serving as an announcement of what is to come and what to, and not to, expect. Songs serving as paragraphs from a love letter sent from angels and originating from the heart of artists who proudly wear that heart on their sleeves.
About Blitz Vega
Titled in Andy’s honor who, as a Mancunian, was a “northern gentleman,” the 10-track album documents the duo’s time together: a record informed by their creative connection, their brotherhood and the spirit of pushing on in the face of overwhelming challenges of Andy’s illness amidst the pandemic lockdown. Yet, if you spin the record without knowing its context or back story, you’ll discover a record which, at varying turns, inspires with an escapist exuberance, hits hard with swaggering rock ‘n’ roll hooks, and offers unexpectedly unorthodox touches and classic sonic touchpoints further infused by an undercurrent of forward-thinking electronica.
Kav says that every song on Northern Gentleman tells a story and personally takes him back to a specific memory recording that song, the drive to the studio, that conversation or whatever was happening surrounding the recording session. He adds, “The songs on the album evoke not only the emotions of sadness for Andy’s death but also the happy memories that came with their personal friendship and musical collaboration. “I hear his voice in my head, replaying everything we talked about when we were recording the songs. I see his face smiling at me. On one of my last trips back to LA, I was driving to the studio and it felt like Andy was sitting there with me like he had been so many times before, talking about music, just excited to get this album made. So, all the songs mean the world to me.”
Written mostly during the pandemic, Kav recalls what it was like remaining creative during quarantine and lockdown. Forced to cancel touring plans (“We had to cancel three U.S. tours”), the band “locked ourselves away in the studio in LA. It was our happy zone,” Kav recalls. “We recorded and wrote so much music around this time. Before the pandemic, Andy’s illness would get better and would also come back so we were constantly dealing with circumstances that made moving the band forward difficult. But it’s what Andy, all the lads in the band, and I wanted to make work more than anything. So, we constantly adapted to the challenges in front of us. We never stopped making music, recording and writing.”
Committed to celebrating the album, Kav wants to also keep the promise he made to Andy to release and tour the album, no matter the circumstances. While the future of Blitz Vega post-Andy is a future Kav and band haven’t decided on yet, he is set on ensuring people can listen to the album Andy was making right until he passed – “he was so excited for people to hear it.” “I have no idea about writing new music as Blitz Vega,” Kav continues. “We are just taking one step at a time. We definitely want to go on tour. I promised this to Andy.” Sticking to that promise, Kav and the Blitz Vega live band – Asa Brown (keyboards / backing vocals), Rex Roulette (guitar), Greg Gent (guitar / backing vocals), Craig Eriksson (drums) and George Yelding (bass) – have been playing shows across the UK in 2024.
As Andy Rourke’s posthumous album, Northern Gentleman stands as a testament to the power and impact Andy Rourke had and continues to have.
Featured image by Lexi Bonin.
LINKS:
https://www.instagram.com/blitzvega
https://www.facebook.com/BlitzVegamusic/
https://x.com/blitzvegamusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/105ntCSZ0FDK2RPwUImU6R
