VATTICA represents part of the new wave of rock; inspired by the authentic, infectious energy of the iconic, guitar-driven bands of the 90’s, re-imagined through the anthemic pop sensibilities and polarizing political landscape of today.

Please list your name.

My name is Alexander Millar of VATTICA. I’m a queer nonbinary songwriter, composer, performer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist.

For starters, what bands were you a part of prior to VATTICA?

Oh gosh, I’ve been in so many bands. No famous ones though.

What’s the origin of that name?

The name VATTICA is a cobbled-together word made up of syllables: the Old English word vat (faet), meaning vessel, and the Latin roots vatic/vatical (of or characteristic of a prophet or oracle), and ah (exclamation expressing surprise/irony).

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I think it’s the responsibility of each and every artist to make work that explores, confronts and addresses the issues of their time. While some folks might find that heavy, it’s actually quite freeing because it allows one to tackle most subjects. Capitalism is destroying our planet. White Supremacy is destroying everything. But also someone’s falling in love right now. Someone’s dreaming right now. Everything is happening all at once. So yes, my topics change according to what’s going on in my life and in the world, but at the same time they stay the same.

What artists are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

I find myself being much more inspired by activists than musicians at the moment. I follow a bunch on my Instagram, here’s some of them:

@theindigenousanarchist

@americahatesus

@workingclasshistory

@black.nutritionist

@feedthestreets_LA

@seedingsovereignty

@thelandbackbitch

@muchachafanzine

@cheyenneamenmusic

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to get into music?

Absolutely, it was Green Day. I love almost all styles of music today but back then they were everything to me. Also, I’ve always had a huge crush on Billie Joe Armstrong.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

I do a top secret series of exercises handed down to me by Cmdr. Worf from Star Trek. I also drink a lot of water.

What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

It depends what you mean by “highlight”. It was a highlight for me the first time I played with a band onstage. It was a highlight the first time I played The Roxy Theater in Los Angeles. It was a highlight when my band got signed. It was a highlight when we fought to get out of that contract and won. It was a highlight finding an audience that’s interested in me on TikTok. I try to stay in the present moment.

If you could tour with any musical act, past or present, who would they be and why?

Oh God, that’s such an impossible question. There have been so very many great artists. I’m gonna say Prince.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for having me. Everyone can go check out my new song and music video “Gasoline”, via my Tik Tok or YouTube channels.

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