My Denton Music interview: New Vintage’s Melissa McMillan

by Josh Hogan of My Denton Music

New Vintage, one of Denton's most exciting young bands will soon be fresh off the release of their first EP. Thursday, May 14 at The Boiler Room the group will release their self titled work as they look to gain on the very positive momentum they have received since the formation of the group.

The band itself is comprised of some of the most talented artists in the town. On lead guitar is Kelyn Crapp, one of my favorite guitarists I have ever heard live. Listening to the passion-coated sound that he produces on stage is nothing less than a pure treat, and it should be evident on the bands new album. Holding down lead vocals is Melissa McMillan. In a band filled with so many unique and individual styles, McMillan seems to tie it all together at the front of the stage with her sweet and sultry voice, and I actually had the chance to speak with her a little bit about the band and their upcoming release.

My Denton Music: New Vintage will release their first album this week, correct?

McMillan: Yea, its a self titled EP being released on the 14th

My Denton Music: Awesome, so how long have you guys been together as a band? I know a lot of the members of the band are with other projects as well, but how long has New Vintage been a unit?

McMillan: I want to say about a year. We really started to get together right before summer hit last year, so yeah, it's been about a year. We actually only came up with the name a few months ago though.

My Denton Music: So tell me a little bit about the EP and what fans should expect while listening to it.

McMillan: Well we recorded it over at Cooper's house. We actually got started on it a few months ago. Cooper did all the mixing and stuff and it sounds great, you know, he did a really great job. We expect fans to hear what we do in our live shows but more condensed. Just shorter versions of the songs, and there is a lot of vocal stuff on the songs that I obviously can't do live with overlapping and stuff like that. But overall it's just a mix of the live music we have been doing and really just exploring deeper into that. But basically we just wanted to get something out there, have a demo get bigger shows get down to Dallas. And obviously this is the best place to start, by getting this EP out.

My Denton Music: You guys have already received a ton of praise from the local musicians around here, like Oso Closo and Andrew Tinker. What has, from your perspective, been the response to what you guys are doing?

McMillan: Well it's obviously very flattering and very exciting to hear good things from amazing musicians and really good bands and I think that's the really cool thing about Denton is that everyone really kind of supports each other. I mean there are so many talented musicians around here, you would be hard pressed to find a bad band here. And you know we have a really good group of people in this band. We all really like and respect each other and we connect really well. And I am just really happy to be a part of this. And I think we are really lucky that we all kind of click and we are all digging the same vibe.

My Denton Music: What is the goal for the immediate future?

McMillan: the goal for the immediate future is to book some bigger show, get some more exposure, and definitely write some more music, then maybe come out with a longer EP in the future.

My Denton Music: Sounds great! Well Melissa, it was a pleasure talking with you. I will be at the show for the release, and have a great day.

McMillan: Ok, thanks again, take care.