Interview with Michael “Vampire” Orlando of Vampires Everywhere!

Embodying all that is shock rock, Michael “Vampire” Orlando personifies all of the Alice Cooper’s and Marilyn Manson’s for this new generation. In an interview with the head vampire himself of Vampires Everywhere! at Pomona Warped Tour, we discuss the band’s new album and the root of all evil.

Do you have anything special in store for your set today?

Before we come on stage, we have our gimp come out with his ball gag and straight jacket, so look for the gimp.

Where is your gimp right now?

He’s walking around Warped selling CDs. That’s what a gimp does.

Selling CDs is definitely a gimp job.

[laughs] It is, isn’t it?

How do you guys choose what songs to play for Warped considering the short set time?

Well, we just came out with a new album, so we chose the newer stuff and what we would like to hear. We’re getting good fan responses so far.

Tell me about the new album.

We just recorded it. it comes out June 19^th. It’s called Hellbound and Heartless. We produced it all ourselves, which we are excited about, and it’s a darker, harder record.

Awesome. What are you plans after Warped Tour is done?

We have another tour in mind, but we haven’t announced that yet.

Do you know whereabouts you’ll be touring?

Pretty sure it’ll just be in the US.

Has Vampires Everywhere been on previous Warped Tours?

This is our first.

Well, congrats. I think you guys are definitely one of the bigger newcomers.

Thank you. That means a lot.

Have you had a chance to mingle with other bands here?

Yeah, actually, we are friends with a band called Vanna as well as Chelsea’s Grin. We’ve been partying with those two bands and I want to throw them a shout out. Taking Back Sunday and Motionless in White are also great.

How do you guys bide your time on these long ass tours?

Drinking and debauchery, mostly.

Is there any better way to spend your free time?

I don’t think so.

You guys probably have among the craziest fan base out here. What is some of the weirdest shit you’ve seen at your shows?

I once got a blood vial. Some fan just handed it to me. I see a lot of intricate tattoos of myself.

Now, I know you just came out with an album, but is there any lingering material for future releases?

This last album was kind of a bridge for things that are to come. We are excited for the next thing we are working on. People should expect the album that is out plus more. Basically, as loud and evil as I can get without sounding like a vacuum. We are trying to bring back a 80’s shock rock element to things and we can’t cut off someone’s head on stage so the next best thing is to throw a gimp up there.

From where does this evil inspiration come from?

I had a couple of muses for the last record. My fucked up head usually. I am dealing with a lot, especially living in LA.

There are a lot of fucked up muses in LA.

There are a lot of fucked up people in general, everywhere. The whole world was on my back for this record. Everyone who I thought believed in me at the time didn’t. It was one of those things where, the whole time I was writing this record I had the middle finger up going, you can sit on it whether you like it or not. That is where my inspiration for this last record came from.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with me. I’m excited to see your set and check out the new album.

Thanks. I’ll see you around Warped!