“Wide Awake” is the first single off VHS Collection’s first full-length record, which will arrive in Spring of 2017. The band recorded “Wide Awake” in Brixton London in January during a two-week session with producer Chris Zane (Passion Pit, St. Lucia, Friendly Fires).
VHS describes the track as “Dark Disco Rock” and says that the track signals a refined direction for the band in its energy, lyrical themes, and sound choices. Many of the signature themes and sounds from previous releases show up here including: New York City, desperation, arpeggiated synths and funky basslines. But this track goes deeper with a massive guitar hook, pumped up energy, and even darker lyrical themes than before.
“Wide Awake” is a party anthem, laced with dark undertones. It is a tragic love story, about the madness, obsession, anxiety, and fear that can come with a relationship and the dichotomy between being trapped and being set free by being with someone else. “Wide Awake” tells the story of a man who moves to the city and feels lost. His life is saved by a girl he falls in love with, but then that love turns to a mad obsession which keeps him up all night and eventually destroys his sanity.”
– Conor Cook, VHS Collection
“Wide Awake does it all for us. It screams, whispers, yelps, shreds and breaks out the funk. Its both intimate and chaotic. The theme is one we have danced around a lot in our earlier music, madness and separation both dark and celebratory. This tune is a signature blend of all VHS elements. Big guitar. Big synths. Beeping arpeggiators and dramatic characterized vocals. It feels very much our own, but also has a few nods to some of our favorite artists.”
– James Bohannon, VHS Collection
2016 saw VHS Collection put two independently released singles on the Spotify Viral Charts (“Lean” #8; “Waiting on the Summer” #14). The band also performed at major festivals last year including slots at Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, in addition to sold out shows on both coasts. VHS released its 2nd EP StereoHype last September which has been streamed over 4 million times to date.
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ANNOUNCED TOUR DATES
2/1 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
2/9 – Washington, DC – DC9
2/10 – Philadelphia, PA – Milkboy
2/11 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
3/3 – Okeechobee, FL – Okeechobee Music Festival
3/10 – Austin, TX – SXSW
6/3 – Bunbury Music Festival