John Patrick is a man of many talents. He is not only the man behind the drums for the indie rock band Virginia Coalition (or VaCo as they’re known by their fans), but he’s also the man behind the wheel.
Patrick gave a phone interview while driving himself and his band to the next show on their tour.
Besides the risky driving maneuver, Patrick said of the tour thus far, “It’s been absolutely exhilarating, the shows have been through the roof and we’re getting to go to parts of the country we’ve never been to before.”
Patrick and band mates (all of whom met and started the band in high school) Andrew Poliakoff, Paul Ottinger and Jarrett Nicolay are on the road in support of their 2004 release Ok to Go. A band known for their high energy shows are out to give it all they’ve got.
“I think on this tour we’ll get to see the full potential this album has to give,” Patrick said about bringing Ok to Go on the road, “Our fans have been really happy with the new stuff, so that’s been exciting for us.”
With the fans lined up, VaCo has been heading cross country with Philly native G. Love, which for Patrick is an experience in of itself. “I listened to G. Love throughout high school and was always a huge fan, so the fact that I’m on tour with him is kind of like a dream come true,” Patrick said.
Though G. Love won’t be on the bill for VaCo’s 12th Philly appearance, they are looking forward to their return to the city.
“We absolutely love playing the TLA and really dig the area it’s in. I think we’re most excited about getting to hang out on South Street,” Patrick said.
“Getting your band heard is really hard these days as is with all the corporate radio domination,” Patrick continued. But he finds hope in the new forum that is satellite radio.
“Smaller or unsigned bands could really get their start on satellite radio. With how many different stations satellite radio provides, it could really help rising artists.”
Radio woes aside, the band has learned to never lose their direction in what they’re doing. With, of course, a little help from their friends. VaCo have been friends with the band Sister Hazel.
“They gave us the indispensable advice that as a musician you have to remember to just be yourself and have fun with what you do no matter what. We’ve never forgotten that,” Patrick said.
Aly Semigran can be reached at ams@temple.edu.
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