Creative Spotlight: Episode #165 – Eveline Verdegaal of White Clouds and Gunfire

There’s something wonderfully reassuring about White Clouds & Gunfire. Each of their songs is short, punchy and full of unbridled optimism. Their sound builds upon the foundations of Pop Punk delivering a potent mix of catchy hooks and melodic vocals that have gained them widespread notoriety across the U.K 2012 has been a banner year, seeing the band tour with such heavyweights as OPM, Army of Freshmen, Sonic Boom Six, and Example, as well as releasing a new E.P and Music Video. Clearly world domination is imminent. We had a chance to catch up with the band’s female vocalist Eveline Verdegaal to discuss their sound, their influence and why they thought it would be a good idea to do a photo shoot in the snow!

Can you tell us a little bit about how White Clouds & Gunfire got started?

Eveline: The band first started about five years ago but the current line-up has only been together for not even a year. Ben (As We Climb) is our newest recruit and it’s all going really well. We seem to feed off each other’s energy and complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s exciting to be part of something where every day teaches you something new or challenges your ability as a musician. On top of this, I get to do it with my best friends.

Where did the name White Clouds & Gunfire come from?

Eveline: It comes from a line in the Musical “South Pacific”. One of the characters mistakes the gunfire smoke from the naval battles, for clouds on the horizon. We like it because the name suggests the combination of calm (white clouds) and obtrusiveness (gunfire) which kind of describes us. A lot of the time we get underestimated or misjudged, especially as I’m only 4ft 9” – it’s always nice when you can prove people wrong with what you can do as a performer and totally surprise them with the energy we have on stage.

2012 has seen the release of a new E.P, Music Video and a country wide tour. How have you found these past few months?

Eveline: Busy!! Not only do we have band responsibilities such as practice, song writing, video shoots, photo shoots, running the merchandise store and contacting promoters etc. But we all have full times jobs too. It doesn’t leave you much of a social life and it’s definitely a balancing act which we’re all still trying to master.

With the band featured on numerous blogs, gaining a fan base of thousands and even making an appearance in Kerrang!! Magazine, this new found exposure must have left an impression? How have you found it?

We are all completely overwhelmed by all of the comments and messages we have received from fans since we’ve had more exposure. And it’s not just from the UK, but from around the world. I don’t think it will ever feel “normal” for people ask to have their picture taken with me at a show or ask for an autograph and I would never want it to. It’s amazing to feel that recognition from our fans & know that they’re enjoying our music as much as we enjoy making it.

Your new E.P “Zero to Hero” has a real positive outlook on life! Can you tell us what inspired you and the band to put together such a feel good record?

Eveline: Yeah, I guess the common theme of the EP, is taking control of your life and giving you the strength and encouragement to do the things you wish for. I have always been fortunate to have a really strong support network behind me whilst I was growing up, whether it be from my family or my friends. Everyone has a past, and everyone has their demons, it’s what makes us who we are today and we should celebrate that.

As a singer/songwriter can you tell us about some of your influences as an artist?

Eveline: My life gives me plenty of inspiration for our songs. Truly, I’ve been through it all & not all of it I’ve been able to completely admit to or confront head on. Song writing gives me a way to be completely honest and try and face my demons. The only way I can truly feel like our songs are sincere and relatable, is if I can feel every word I’m singing in them.

How do you set yourself apart from other female led punk bands? Is there a lot of stiff competition since bands like Paramore have broken through?

Eveline: We always get compared to bands like Paramore, but we kind of expect that to happen. It’s not a bad thing, I love Paramore. Hopefully, as we get more well-known, we can start to carve our own little place in the music scene. We don’t try to be like anyone else, just the best versions of ourselves.

A recent photo shoot for the band took place in the freezing snow with only swimwear, how did that come about?

Eveline: So it’s December, it’s a Sunday morning, it’s snowing outside and I’m still bed. My phone rings and its Woodsy asking me if I’m feeling adventurous….

I have to say, at first, it did take me a bit of convincing to do the shoot. Firstly, I really hate the cold & being in a bikini for all to see made me nervous. I am a girl after all, I have insecurities and I didn’t want to put myself in an open position to criticism. Do you know what though, who cares, it was a wicked idea, it was completely different to anything any one had done before and the end result was awesome! It’s a total reflection of what we are like individually and as a band. Anyone who’s ever come across us or knows us, would probably back that up. Life is too short, have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously.

What does 2013 hold for White Clouds & Gunfire? Have you started work on a new album yet?

Eveline: We’re actually going into the studio in October to record the first 3 tracks for the new album. We have only ever released 3 or 4 track EP’s so the thought of getting an album done is a bit daunting. Totally enjoying the challenge and being able to show off a variety of different musical styles and influences. Hopefully we can show people what we’re capable off.

You’re in a Kung-Fu movie, what’s your weapon of choice?

Eveline: Chop sticks – if they’re good enough for Mr Miyagi, then they’re good enough for me.

Want to stay up to date on all of White Clouds & Gunfire’s Tour, Music, and News? Follow their cookie crumb trail below:

Band Twitter: https://twitter.com/wcag_uk
Band Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wcagf
Band Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WhiteCloudsGunfire