We’re well into the zombie apocalypse and signs of life are slowly but surely there. Over the past few months our musical heroes have stepped up their game to keep us entertained during this very weird time in human history. One of the bands that were set to explode in 2020 before the global pandemic took off was a band from Minnesota called The Von Tramps.
We’ve been following them since their single 14B blew up. Needless to say, their last few songs have been creating quite the buzz, then Covid happened.
Instead of focusing on how this could have happened to them, they did what all great bands do; they focused their energies on what they could do to help. They did just that to help raise funds for those who lost their jobs and were struggling.
In addition to working with others, they’ve been waiting for the right time to release their next single. We caught up with lead singer Jenna Enemy to see what’s up with the band.
She said there’s a ton going on. They’re working on releasing a few more music videos during the lockdown. Enemy says they have several surprises in store for us. They’re also working on a new merch line in the next couple of weeks. They’re hoping to raise some funding through their online merch store for the next record that they’re writing now.
The VON TRAMPS
Lead singer Jenna Enemy has great pipes and plays a mean guitar, Chelsea Oxborough kills it on guitar, Krissandra Anfinson can slap that bass; and Kieran O’Donoghue provides the beat that brings it all together.
Enemy went on to say that like anything else in life, when you’re ready to take that next step, especially in the music biz, you need good representation, and that’s something else they’re working on. The Von Tramps definitely have the DIY spirit and that will never change according to Enemy. She went on to say they want to concentrate on music and find a good fit with someone that shares their sonic and long-term vision.
For now, their latest video is about to hit. It’s called Summer Nights and for those who love ALT Rock, and ska-punk, this is a very welcome tune.. you know, pandemic and all. It has a great two-tone feel with the traditional third wave elements fused with an ALT Rock overtone. Enemy’s vocals are impressive, Chrissie Hyde and Florence Welch would approve. The band is controlled electricity personified.
As for the music video we asked Jenna to tell us a little bit about it. She said first and foremost people need to know this is the first video without Hans their fierce dog and mascot. Due to scheduling conflicts Hans was not available. She knows she’ll get a ton of e-mails about that so she wants to address that now before it trends on the internet. Obviously, a good sense of humor is something the Von Tramps have and their lighthearted natures comes through in their music and videos.
As for the song, Chelsea worked alongside Jenna on the music, Enemy wrote the lyrics. Jenna went on to say she’s also a hopeless romantic and this song is about the most innocent time in a relationship. When couples first tell each other that they like each other. She wanted it to reflect what it feels like when you have your first crush. How it’s so innocent, nerve wracking, and express how we all have this whole anxious feeling of “I know what you’re going to say so please just say it already so I don’t have to!”
Enemy went on to say like everyone, she too has had her broken and when someone finally makes you feel like this again, it’s inspiring. This story is a retelling of that type of sweet story and I’m grateful for having experienced that feeling again. The video was filmed mainly in two locations in Minnesota and was directed by Taylor Scott Olson and Enemy. The video was edited in Los Angeles by Richard Louprasong.
As for the actors, that was very special for the band. They had many talented teen actors (from first time actors to seasoned pros!). Their youngest cast member was 9 years old at the time. The video stars Rocko Roberts and Ava Justin. Enemy said coaching them through the scenes was an awesome experience. The thing about their videos, they always have that Stan Lee cameo feel to them. Enemy explains they always have people who have always helped them and believed in them and put them in their videos. Case in point, Mel Garcia is their biggest fan and friend, he guest stars in this one.
The video was originally scheduled for a Fall release, but after careful deliberation, they decided on a Memorial Day weekend release. What a better way to release a song called Summer Nights. This was all decided before the Global Pandemic blew us all up. With what we’re going through, Memorial Day weekend works well for the release date. We all could use a break from life for a while, and the Von Tramps are going to help us out with that through their music.
