The Virginmarys Interview
Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views Interview with Ally Dickaty (The Virginmarys)
Macclesfield rockers The Virginmarys have announced their new EP ‘Sitting Ducks’ will be released 22nd September 2017.
The Virgimarys exploded onto the rock music scene in 2013 with their album King of Conflict, which debuted #3 on the Billboard New Artist Alternative Chart and #8 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. The band followed up with 2016’s Divides which, in addition to major press, was hailed by Apple Music, Spotify, Yahoo! Music, and more. We got the chance for a quick chat with Front-man Ally Dickaty at this exciting time in the bands career.
PD. What type of artist are you?
AD. We’re a full on rock band, with an honest, alternative sound and a strong punk influence.
We’re a full on rock band, with an honest, alternative sound and a strong punk influence
PD. Tell us the brief history of yourself.
AD. Macclesfield based. We’ve been together about 8 years, toured round the world.
2 critically acclaimed albums, and a series of EPs.
Our long term bass player left at the end of last year.
This year myself and Dan have decided to release an EP off our own back for the fans.
We’re a cult band, our fanbase is incredibly loyal and dedicated.
PD. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
AD’ Mine and Dan’s favourite band without question is the Beatles.
We’ve taken a lot of inspiration from bands of the 60’s, the Doors, Hendrix, Black Sabbath.
Non musical influence, Martin Luther King and Bill Hicks. Love, conviction and integrity.
PD. What are your dreams and goals?
AD. We have already achieved a lot of our dreams already, but I guess it would be to continue to make incredible music that will last the test of time and continue to make more and more fans.
PD. Who writes your songs, what are they about?
AD. I write the songs and then jam them out with Dan, we put them together from there.They can be about anything from a social commentary to love and heartbreak. They are always heart on sleeve and lay it all out there.
PD. How do you promote your band and shows?
AD. We use the socials, FB, Twitter, Instagram and work along side promoters.
PD. What do you think about downloading music online?
AD. Two sides of the coin. Its great for people to have access to everything, however it takes the romanticism out of going record shopping and its sad to see the shops closing down around you. Still, I much favour the idea of downloading music for a fee rather than streaming it, as the artist doesn’t really get anything from streaming.
Its great for people to have access to everything, however it takes the romanticism out of going record shopping and its sad to see the shops closing down around you.
PD. What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
AD. Very much in a transitionary period, I don’t believe anyone really knows where its going.
Its the same as many other business, cuts after cuts and positions having to be justified. Through this the artist is having to take on too many roles and its not sustainable to what people expect.
Everyone expects things for free and to be instant. Because of this you almost get disposable music that doesn’t mean anything, theres no substance in it.
PD. What song do you wish you’d written and why?
AD. About 80% of the Beatles songs, effortless genius, Everybody Knows by Leonard Cohen, lyrical masterpiece and a great tune.
PD. What are some of your pet peeves?
AD. People living there life by headlines on tabloids and not taking time to investigate and 
scratch the surface.
PD. What is your proudest moment in music?
AD. Playing Main Stage at Reading Festival last year and picking up an award at Classic Rock Awards for best breakthrough in front of Jimmy Page.
Playing Main Stage at Reading Festival last year and picking up an award at Classic Rock Awards for best breakthrough in front of Jimmy Page.
PD. Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.
AD. We’ll be looking at some shows to promote the EP later in the year.
You have to get down to see us live to get the true essence of the band. Its a spiritual experience.
The Virginmarys links:
Band location – Macclesfield England
Check out The Virginmarys page on our website
Find more info about The Virginmarys on their Website
Learn more about The Virginmarys on their Facebook page
Watch the latest The Virginmarys videos on their You Tube channel
Order The Virginmarys Sitting Ducks EP from Pledge Music
Listen to The Virginmarys music on their Soundcloud page
Listen to and buy The Virginmarys music on Bandcamp
Buy some The Virginmarys merch from their store
Find info and links for The Virginmarys on their Reverbnation page
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Buy The Virginmarys music on their Itunes page
Listen to The Virginmarys music on their Spotify page
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Find out more about The Virginmarys at Last Fm
