Vicious Vicious is Actually Pretty Chill

By Chloe Rawlinson

Local Music Journalist

Erik Applewick, a Minnesota native, has been making feel-good music since the mid-90s. Contrary to the band’s name, Applewick’s music is anything but. With the use of synth piano, fuzzy vocals, and peppy drums, it’s clear that the only thing “vicious” about the band is its insane production. After a little conversation with Applewick, I found that he is just as laidback as the music he puts out.  

Applewick got his start playing with and producing for several bands, soaking up experience wherever he could find it. Luckily, around the time that Vicious Vicious released their sophomore album, Don’t Look So Surprised, he produced Tapes ‘n Tapes’ hit album The Loon. After Tapes ‘n Tapes’ bassist left, Applewick began performing with the band worldwide, most notably at Lollapalooza, Coachella, and various Late Night shows.  

“At this point, I’m just writing and recording because its what I love doing. I really don’t give two sh*ts about getting recognition or notoriety at this point. I just want the songs to be heard, and that I can remain largely unknown,” Applewick said.  

In February of this year, Vicious Vicious released their seventh album, I Think We’ve Got a Situation, which is chock-full of potential summer classics. The production is incredibly upbeat, including my personal favorite, “Last of the Magicians.” According to Applewick, Tame Impala has been a significant inspiration, which I can totally see. 

“In 2014, after hearing Tame Impala’s Currents, I was ready to quit making music because Kevin Parker was doing everything I wanted to do, but like 50 times better. I got over it, [I’m] still a fan,” Applewick said. 

While I’ve described his music as being pretty synth forward, Applewick doesn’t really have a concept as to what genre his music falls into. He runs completely on his own creative juices, which I think serves him well. His music still has a great, singular sound, if his decades of experience haven’t already made that obvious. 

“When I write songs, I just sit down at a blank Ableton session and start going with no premeditation. Whatever happens that day happens. Some songs are more dancey, some are more or less pop, some feature more guitars and others more synths. Most importantly, the bass has to have some ‘hips and shoulders’ action to it,” Applewick said. “Conversely, I hate writing lyrics but force myself into it.”  

Despite his music coming straight from in-the-moment creative flows, Applewick  has found that taking time in nature helps the process along.  

“A warm, sunny day is very inspiring to me. A warm, sunny day with some perfectly ripe watermelon is even more so. A warm sunny day on a patio with some friends is the best,” Applewick said.  

When he isn’t writing or producing, Applewick spends his time like any other regular Joe, listening to podcasts and taking long walks. 

“I am like an 80 year-old man. I love me some Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History. I don’t love the use of the word ‘hardcore’ in this context, but to be fair, he started that podcast in like 2004 or something,” Applewick said. “I love that each episode is like 3-4 hours long. I love that he goes really into depth [on each subject]. He has a great voice for it too, and that certainly helps.” 

Though he’s gotten his fill from touring, Applewick is in no way finished with making music, putting together even more demos for two separate projects.