A View From The Inside With AMY MCINTOSH From VILIFY

Interview by Kyra-Jade Coombs
Newcastle band Vilify have recently released their newest single
From the Inside and HEAVY took the chance to have a chat with
frontwoman Amy McIntosh to see what’s been happening and what’s on
the cards for the band.
If you haven’t had a listen already, From the Inside addresses
dealing with sexuality and how it’s dealt with on the
inside-out.
When I asked how the track has been received Amy said, “People have
come back saying they don’t really relate to this one… and I think
that’s probably why I had to write it”. Which is an interesting
point to address in today’s day and age.
We have found ourselves in a climate made up of generations trying
to navigate a space where humans can express themselves and truly
be who they are, and some people just don’t know how to act in such
situations.
Vilify released their EP Clarity in 2020, right in the shit storm
that was Covid and really had everything thrown at them that would
typically deter a band, but they managed to push through all
cancelled shows, uncertainties, and adversities to make it to where
they are today and honestly, that’s fucking hard. Opportunities
that were once there for them didn’t come to fruition or come back
again at all in some cases. It’s so cool to see a band withstand
the bullshit and turn it into something amazing.
One thing I’ve noticed about Amy is her openness and transparency
with mental health and I wanted to shine a spotlight on that. I
think it’s important to have people in our music community who will
be the voice for people who aren’t necessarily strong enough at the
time to speak and have that person say it’s okay, and we all have
our struggles.
Especially someone who has a platform to reach people and uses it
as a tool to share their struggles, even at times when they aren’t
100% in the right headspace either. It’s always nice to know that
you aren’t alone in your struggles, so I commend people who can do
this. Furthermore, we touched on stepping away from playing bass in
Vilify and being up the front of the band, allowing and trusting
your bandmates to step up and grow together, showing up to gigs in
a badass ‘uniforms’ and being a family unit together.
There’s nothing set in stone, but if you ask me it sounds like
these legends have an EP in the works that will hopefully be
blessing our ear holes sooner than later! Keep an eye on this
space. Don’t forget to check out From the Inside in the
meantime.
Enjoy folks!