Vinnie Ferra is an indie-folk musician who played at Pepperdine this past weekend during REELSTORIES Film Festival. The artist’s moody melodies and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord in the LA jungle. A tour of California Oregon and Washington is in the making. Follow tour dates and show times at www.vinnieferra.com. The album Man vs. Machine is available on all digital platforms including iTunes.
Who contacted you/how did you guys get in touch with the Pepperdine community?
“Brianna Baxter interned for my publicist. For the event she emailed him asking for an artist of his. They have people like Maroon 5 and other big names. As I’m new he just referred me. They then contacted my manager and that’s how it worked out. I don’t know anyone that goes here.”
Now you know me.
“Woohoo!”
How long ago was it that they contacted you?
“December. It came together really late though because of winter break and everyone going back home and stuff like that. We pulled it together pretty last minute. Two days ago I was supposed to have an electric guitar player and a cellist with me for the show. If you listen to the album it’s very string heavy. So this is like the broken-down version.”
I like it when a band simplifies.
“Well it does help us get better. There’s less clutter…Without the other guitar player there’s a lot less rhythm to depend on so we have to really step it up.”
How long have you guys been working at being a band?
“It’s actually never been a band before. It’s just always been me in the past. I write and compose all the parts. I played everything on the album by laying all the instruments over multiple recordings. Acoustic then bass then percussion etc. I’ve been playing with the whole live band since July. But tonight’s drummer and piano player are new-ish. This is their fourth show with me.”
Well it all came together really well. You guys got the encore. People were certainly hooting and hollering.
“Thank you!”
How old were you when you started to play music?
I started to play music from age six as soon as I could fully grasp the concept of an instrument. I was in love with music from birth. I picked up the bass and guitar and never turned back.
Nice! How long between playing your first live show and turning this into a career path?
My first real show solo was at the Knitting Factory in December of 2008. I’ve played in bands before all over LA. Then I set off to record my album in 2009.
And tonight we got free CDs. How lucky. Off to check out the films now?
“Oh yeah I’m curious about what’s going on here since I don’t know much about Pepperdine. I’m excited by Exit through the Gift Shop as well.”