Hailing from the artistic grounds of Newcastle, New South Wales, self-proclaimed ‘woozy guitar pop’ band, Vacations has emerged as a stunning collective in a new generation of Australian bands. Following the release of sophomore album, ‘Forever in Bloom’, Vacations ventures to new sonic plains with their newest album, ‘No Place Like Home’.

The 10-track project, produced by lead singer, Campbell Burns, and John Velasquez (Zella Day, Broods), combine with bandmates – Jake Johnson, Nate Delizzotti, and Joseph Van Lier – to deliver 10 shimmering tracks brimming with indie-pop hooks and introspective sensitivity. Partially inspired by a post-pandemic tour of North America, the project engages in nuanced discussions surrounding mental health, personal growth, and sexuality.

Read the interview below…

How would you describe the overall journey and dynamic of Vacations as a band, and how has that journey influenced the music you create together?

We’re like brothers; I think it’s a relationship that’s only possible by being in a band together. We’ve gone through so much, and we’ve seen each other in every possible state, in different places all around the world. We’ll spend months together, and then won’t see each other for even longer, and then we’re back together again every day on the road.

I think that relationship informs my writing process, especially conceptually and lyrically. No Place Like Home is essentially our “American” album, because so much of it has been influenced by our time touring the USA. I pull from my own personal experiences, but then what we go through collectively as a group. That could be our own relationships, or navigating the music industry, or anything in-between.

Can you share the inspirations and influences behind the new album?

I knew I was going through a difficult time with my own writing, I was struggling to express myself. Keep in mind, this was during the pandemic, the George Floyd protests, and our own TikTok virality. I was having a hard time making sense of anything, the world felt bleak. We were finally able to tour the US after years and years of anticipation. As the world opened up again, everything became exciting again. Those first few shows left such an impression. Finally, being able to see all our fans and the energy they gave back to us was the spark I needed to continue. From that first tour onwards, everything just flowed out of me. I re-discovered my purpose with music and gave myself a new voice.

The album heavily pulls from my experiences with mental health as well and, particularly, my diagnosis with Pure OCD and coming to terms with that. I spent three years in therapy and learned a lot about myself during that time. I owe everything I am today to my therapist.

How do these themes interweave with the musical narrative and sound of ‘No Place Like Home’?

If you listen closely, you’ll hear field recordings of our time in the USA. I used my iPhone to record different moments constantly, treating it as a camera to capture anything I could. You can hear me walking around MoMA while a teacher is talking to her class about colour theory, or before I board a flight at the airport. There’s all of us at a diner before a show or singing in an elevator. There are so many different recordings layered through all these songs. They’re layered, processed, chopped, and twisted; they become almost dream-like. I think anyone can hear these and reflect on their own memories.

Lyrically, the album heavily details my journey with Pure OCD and the music industry, as well as my own personal relationships. I think this album is more direct in that sense, I always used to write in a vague manner to appeal to everyone, but I’m trying to be more personal and blunt these days.

As a band, what message or feelings do you hope listeners take away from ‘No Place Like Home’?

That it gets easier, no matter how difficult it might be in this moment.

Can you share more about working with John Velasquez and how this collaboration influenced the creative direction of the album?

I love John. He’s become one of my closest friends and a mentor. We’re both very similar in our approach with production and song writing, in that emotion is first and foremost. You could achieve the highest possible fidelity possible, but if there’s no heart and soul, then what’s the point?

We leaned into that notion as much as possible. We were playing philosopher/psychologist, constantly asking ourselves (and the band) questions, and trying to delve into the emotion and feeling as much as possible. I think it’s one thing to have a chorus that “slaps”, but you should be able to dig deeper, go as far as you can, rather than remain in shallow waters. That’s how you create music that people will resonate with, and music you’ll be proud of.

I think it also helps when you both use Logic Pro, and you can play hot-seat while you’re engineering, mixing, and producing.

You toured a lot in 2023; can you share some of your highlights from the tour, your favourite cities, and your favourite spots?

Webster Hall in New York City. I love NYC so much, I dream about moving there almost every other day, I won’t be surprised if I do at this rate. I think it’s always been a bucket list for me to perform there, and to do so in such a prestigious, sold-out venue means the world to me.

How did your experiences on the road inform the song writing process, and do any moments stand out as significant inspirations for the album?

I think the long-distance relationships I was in while being on the road are, sadly, stand out moments for me.

On a more positive note, the experiences of traveling the world with your best friends. We’re so incredibly grateful to do what we do, and I think it’ll always take us by surprise to see fans dance, sing the words back, make us gifts… etc. You get the idea.

We’re kicking off 2024 now, what can fans anticipate from Vacations in 2024?

Action figures. I’m not kidding.