The Key

As a band, a sound and an opportunity, Vacationer has been just as the name would suggest for frontman Kenny Vasoli. The suburban Philadelphia native is known for a pop-punk and progressive rock lineage, having formerly fronted The Starting Line and Person L. Then, as fans caught wind of Vasoli’s distinct vocals mixed with the electronic beats, chill vibes and sunny disposition of Vacationer, it became evident that he had taken a sojourn far away from his axe and angst with this new project. In March the band released its first LP, Gone, and spent much of the time since the release on the road. But Vasoli has always kept a place for Philadelphia in his heart. The band plays Underground Arts tomorrow, and after a string of club dates this fall (as well as a Starting Line anniversary tour through December) Vasoli told The Key he hopes to ring in the New Year by hosting local showcases to help nurture a new electronic scene in the area.

The Key: Vacationer has spent a lot of time on the road since the record came out, but it seems like over the summer you’ve had some time to play a few local shows. How does it feel to play for your hometown audience?

Kenny Vasoli: It feels really good. We’re pretty underplayed in Philly thus far so it’s nice to be able to get out there and make a little bit more of a presence. It’s pretty convenient being able to just go down the street and play some shows.

TK: You’re having two pretty popular local bands open up for the show. What do you think about the local Philly scene nowadays? Are there any other local bands that you like or might want to play with eventually?

KV: There are more and more Philly bands that seem to be coming to my attention that are really good. I saw Cold Fronts play last year down in Asbury Park and I like their stuff a lot. … Unfortunately, Algernon Cadwallader just broke up. They were probably my favorite local band up to that point. It wasn’t even a thing where we’d fit on the same bill together necessarily, but in the back of my mind I always wish we could have done more stuff together just to see them play more.

TK: How do you describe what a Vacationer show is like? As a band, do you guys try to recreate or re-envision your album live?

KV: I tell people that [our music] sort of walks the line between dance music and gaze music. As far as recreating the album, we do our best to have all of the elements of what’s in the record, and then just have it slightly more hyped up and go a little bit more dimensional with live instruments. I think it maybe has a little bit more bottom to it and seems a little more like dance music when you see it live. Continue reading →