When thinking on the adoration and hype-stirring powers possessed by British boybands, the mind fails to comprehend. But after spending 10 minutes in the presence of The Vamps, all of the above becomes instantly understandable.

Having made their beginnings on streaming platforms almost a decade ago, the wildly-adored 4-piece collective made a name for themselves thanks to their glimmering pop sound and undeniable charming persona. And now, almost 10 years on from their explosive formation, Bradley Simpson, Tristan Evans, James McVey and Connor Ball proved that they are still planted firmly on an upwards trajectory as they embarked on a post-COVID touring of their mature-sounding and soul-baring album, Cherry Blossom.

When speaking on the sound of their latest release, band vocalist Brad divulged, “With each album, we have kind of pushed ourselves a bit more, and we have really tried to integrate all of the live elements that we have honed in over the past seven years touring. I think we have refined our sound as a live band, so trying to capture that on an album is something that we felt we hadn’t done before. So, I think that really influenced the sound of this.”

And, Brad’s statement is nothing short of an understatement. Whilst gracing prestigious stages and venues across the country during their triumphant 10-show-long tour, the band served up an array of impressively energetic performances as adoring fans were treated to infectious reworks on classic tracks such as “Cecilia” and “Wild Heart”, whilst also being invited to bop along and rock out too Cherry Blossom’s most celebrated tracks.

Underneath the apt scenes of a cherry blossom-toned sky whilst casually hanging about backstage at the Eventim Apollo, Brad, Tristan, James and Connor took some time out of their hectic tour schedule to candidly chat to Wonderland about the evolution of their sound, how their individuality informs the band’s vibe and what the future holds for each of them. Head below to enjoy our interview with The Vamps…

Let’s get straight into it! How are you guys? How are you doing?
James: Good!
Tristan: Very good!
Brad: Good, excited for the show!

Yeah, are you excited about the show?
Brad: Very excited! This is actually the first big London venue we played during our first theatre tour!

So it is almost as if you are returning home! How has life been in terms of COVID? How does it feel to be back touring with lots of people around?
Tristan: It has been weird, obviously, for everyone. But, for us, because we were touring so much and that was all we knew, this was the first time that we were kind of forced to stop. But that was quite nice, in a way. We chilled for a bit; we have got so much energy now to get back on stage, and to be on tour here is incredible. It is almost a bit surreal being back!

I can imagine! So, for those who don’t know, can you talk us through how you met and how you started as a band?
James: We met ten years ago! Ten years ago next month is when I met Brad.

Crazy! And, how did you guys meet?
James: Tinder.
Brad: He wined and dined me a bit.
James: Yeah, him and his mum picked me up from the station. No, we met through YouTube mainly and Facebook.
Brad: Socials mainly! We met Connor off of the back of that, and we got signed off of the back of that and built our fanbase from there.

Amazing! And, congratulations on tonight! It is quite a prestigious venue to play in. How are you feeling about being at a venue like the Apollo?
Tristan: It’s a vibe! There is a lot of history and culture to it. And, we have played here before, so it is really special. Weirdly, I was born here in Hammersmith –
James: You see that staircase there?
Brad: On the left?
Tristan: Yeah, my mum used to work here about 30 years ago, and she popped me out in the staircase over there.
James: Really?!
Tristan: No haha, I was born in Hammersmith, though.

I was so confused as to if you were being serious or not! Well, we are obviously on the Cherry Blossom tour. The album is great, by the way! Can you talk us through the sound a bit? I feel like it is quite a mature sound for you guys and quite different from what you have put out before!
Everyone: Thank you!
Brad: Yeah, with each album, we have kind of pushed ourselves a bit more, and we have really tried to integrate all of the live elements that we have honed in over the past seven years touring. I think we have refined our sound as a live band, so trying to capture that on an album is something that we felt we hadn’t done before. So, I think that really influenced the sound of this.
James: It is weird actually. We actually started this album years ago, really!
Tristan: Two and half years ago?
Brad: Maybe even four?
James: It is really hard to remember the infancy stages of it. But, I think that even though this album sounds very different to our first, in a way, it kind of harps back to that for me because I think that there are a lot of instruments on this album, especially in comparison to our second album which was slightly more DJ and dance-heavy. So, I feel like, in a way, our sound has come full circle.

And, you are halfway through the tour, right?
Brad: Just over halfway!

Just over! Have you had any highlights so far? Maybe any stories that you think people would love to hear?
Brad: All the shows have been good, really, really good. Liverpool was very sweaty! But, it has been really good. Genuinely, I know it sounds really cliche, but to be back on stage is such a good feeling. Seeing people back in the room altogether and just doing what we love, as Tris said, it’s very surreal at first. But then, everyone just got back into it. This is a shorter tour for us, though. We usually do 15 dates, maybe?

And, how many dates are you doing this time around?
Brad: This is 10 dates!
Tristan: Or, usually it would be a world tour, but we can’t do that right now. But, eventually!

Is that on the cards, potentially?
Brad: We have got some stuff planned for next year. We have some stuff for Europe, and then we are supporting a band called Picture This in Ireland next year, which will be good fun!

Amazing! And, track wise, do you have a favourite one to perform from any of your albums?
Tristan: I like “Somebody To You”.
James: “Chemicals” is pretty cool, that is off the new album, and that has a guitar riff in it which is fun. “Cecilia” has also been reworked for this tour, which is pretty cool!
Connor: Tonight we have extra lights as well because it is a big London show. The ones with those lights and lasers are going to be really cool!

We are in for a show! So, we did speak a bit about how your ten year anniversary is coming up, which is quite a milestone! What do you think has kept you guys going this long?
Brad: Just staying in a big contract, really.
Connor: And, alcohol. Contracts and Alcohol: the new album!
James: It’s pushy parents, for me.
Brad: No, it’s true friendship!

Also, can we speak about your outfits and band aesthetic? I feel like most bands go for a cohesive look but yours is very individual, do you think your outfits play into your own styles?
Tristan: I think we all have different and individual fashion senses that tap into The Vamps, and I think that is what makes us special. I think, with the music and the fashion, we have all got very different styles and we are just this weird collaboration of freaks that have come together!

Freaks, I love that! Well, what is next? What are you looking forward to?
Tristan: I mean, we have a couple of cool things in the pipeline that we might announce soon. And then, really just taking it easy with corona. Hopefully, that eases off and we can get back to normal soon so we can get back on the road even more! But, I think it is just taking life as it is and just chilling!
James: I am getting married next month!
Brad: It is going to be big!

No way, congratulation! Have you got your stag planned?
James: Quite traditionally, my stag do is the night before the wedding!

Crazy, are you not going to be hungover?
James: No, it is going to be a nice meal!
Brad: He will be hungover!

Finally, I feel like you are always getting interviewed, but is there anything that you want people to know that no one has asked you about before?
Brad: I think people know a lot. But, maybe just sending people love and all of the best. Thanks to all of the people following us, thank you for all of the support and stick with us. We have a lot more exciting things to come. And, stay safe!
James: And, buy some merch!