The Virgins Interview

The Virgins are four New Yorkers who make funk-influenced pop music. Drawing on hip hop, pop, classic rock and some cheesy 80s bands they look set for big things in 09.

WATCH AN EXCLUSIVE LIVE SESSION BY THE VIRGINS HERE

We talked to singer Donald on the line from the Big Apple who told us everything we need to know about the group.

MTV: How did you meet and when did the band form?

DONALD: We were formed in late 05 or early 06 after going to the same parties in downtown New York. Me and Wade met a couple of times and then Wade moved in with me and we started making music.

What music did you bond over?

We just talked about stuff that had excited us when we were growing up. One band we were both into was Squeeze- we used to cover 'Up The Junction'. We are both into Richard Hell, Johnny Thunders and all the classic New York City rock groups.

What kind of songs came first when you started writing?

When we first started we didnt have any equipment so we would do tracks on two acoustic guitars. Then Mick joined the group and we had a live band so we made it funkier.

We decided we wanted to make full-on Nile Rodgers influenced funk album- somewhere between Missy and the Stones with Chic and Duran Duran thrown in. We wanted to make a pop album that we actually liked so we used lots of influences.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I like Lizzy Truly and Amazing Baby from New York. We toured with Foals and they are great kids- their live shows are ridiculous!

Whats the first single were gonna get?

Its called Teen Lovers. Its about a high school romance and its in the style of Bobby Brown.

Is the album completed?

The record is done and its self-titled. It will be out in March. Its a mixture of songs but they are all reflective of New York. A lot of the songs were tested at parties so they are dancey for a reason. Its reflections of living in the City and celebrating things that are good.

Have you toured the UK yet? How did you find it?

We opened for The Rascals and Mark Ronson in the UK. That was really fun. Im excited to come back and play some more shows- UK crowds get psyched!

How does it feel to be tipped for big things?

Its a good feeling- its really exciting. Weve always been been fortunate to get good feedback.

What is coming up in early 2009 for the band?

Id like to make some new songs. We are gonna do some b-sides back in the studio soon. I wanna make another record already! Weve been writing a lot.

WATCH AN EXCLUSIVE LIVE SESSION BY THE VIRGINS HERE