Interview: Ventures (Written)

Manchester, UK metalcore band Ventures have been keeping busy since emerging on the scene in 2017. Their latest single, ‘Melt with Me’, is out now and they have just announced a UK tour with Virtue In Vain to take place at the end of October 2024. We spoke to bassist Jordan Etches and learned a little bit more about the band in this interview.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

We are Ventures. I’m Jordan the bass player. I joined at the start of this year. I’ve known the guys for years since we were teenagers growing up. It’s been great getting to play and write with my friends. Ventures as a whole started in 2017 as some friends missed playing live music and quickly snowballed into studio time and tours

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

It’s a mash of inspirations that are grounded by metalcore. There’s no one defining specific sound but we still have that notable Ventures style which I think makes us be recognised.

3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.

We have an upcoming tour in October with our friends in Virtue in Vain. The dates are as follows:

**TOUR DATES:**
**OCT 22** | THE SUNFLOWER LOUNGE | BIRMINGHAM
**OCT 23** | THE MUSICIAN | LEICESTER
**OCT 24** | AATMA | MANCHESTER
**OCT 26** | THE GRYPHON | BRISTOL

4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?

Having people know and genuinely enjoy the songs. People singing along and knowing what we’re doing because they genuinely like what the bands made is amazing and will never get old.

5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?

Previously I was in a band which was a completely different genre and had a completely different set-up and method. I’ve always had a love for heavier music but for one reason or another just simply not playing it. Learning the techniques and patterns was a big challenge for me but an enjoyable one. And as with all challenges the usual only way through is persistence, time and effort.

6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?

Honestly, on a personal level, I don’t. I’m dyslexic and I’ve struggled with social media since the days of MySpace. I have it to push what’s needed but I rarely use it. I’m still of the opinion if your music is good enough and you work hard enough it’ll find an audience. I know Richard is great with these things though and I’m so grateful to have someone who has the knowledge and experience to help in this aspect.

7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?

I try to look at the positives, I’m not focused on the industry or business and highlighting what’s not working.

8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?

Listen and follow, and share with people who you think might like it. Honestly, that’s what we want. We believe our music has an audience. We just want it to reach them.

9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?

Playing ridiculously rage-inducing video games (Dark Souls/Elden Ring). For some reason, this and heavy metal are how I find my zen. And food, I’m a big foodie, particularly spicy East Asian food.

10. Where can people find you?

Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook

Everything can also be found on our website.