PUBLISHED: 04-20-09

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With VitalLight

These days it seems like Chicago owes Iowa-first for helping President Barack Obama make it all the way to the top, them legalizng gay marriage and now, for spawning an electronic rock ‘n’ roll band who manage to combine an unlikely sound of contemporary rock meets retro electronics.

Originally hailing from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, members of VitalLight-vocalist Adam Novak, bassist and synthwiz Ryan Loftsgaarden, drummer Cody Witt and guitarist Mike Tracy-transplanted themselves into Chicago in 2007 and have quickly become a unique staple to the Midwest with their alternative-sounding guitars, ’80s-inspired synth sounds and booming vocals fit for both the smallest and largest of venues.
After having recorded a successful seven-song EP in Los Angeles, Turn On, VitalLight has decided to throw a new album in the mix with a set release date of early June.

The Chronicle talked with Novak about the recording process and the ups and downs of trying to become an established band in the city.

The Chronicle: How did you guys get started?

Adam Novak: We first formed in Iowa between Ryan and myself. We moved out here and started the band in Chicago. Part of the reason we moved here was because of school, but also because of this project we started. Cody and Mike kind of happened when we were here,  Cody and I met at Columbia and then Mike we knew from Iowa. So it all fell together recently, like within the last six or seven months. It’s definitely grown into something bigger now.

How would you explain your sound?
That’s one of the hardest questions. It’s kind of changed recently with the new members. It used to be more ambient rock music and now it has moved toward a faster rock sound. It still has the synths and the ambient vibe, but it’s a lot more aggressive in the guitar sense. So it’s like melodic rock music that has some electronic elements to it.

How hard has it been to establish yourself in Chicago?
It’s been a lot of work. It’s hard to tap into a lot of good venues, trying to book yourself and being completely independent. We recently booked shows at Cubby Bear, Double Door and Subterranean, and it’s pretty easy to book some clubs. Some venues have bad locations but they’re easy to book. We’ve gotten a decent following around Chicago but we can always draw a pretty big show in Iowa. It’s been difficult, but it’s starting to pay off with persistence.

How would you describe your new album?
It’s a big turn. When you add two guys with creative input into a band, things are bound to change and progress. There’s a different spin on it, but there’s still that similar style. It’s been very fun tracking and performing everything in the studio. We played the music live before we recorded it, so when we went into the studio the whole process was pretty quick and there was a great vibe between everyone. Our album should be coming out in early June, and we’ve decided to offer a free download of it on our website.

What has the recording process been like?
We were in the studio for a week for this one, and we recorded six songs. A lot of it is, you get better because you know your music and your style, you can move quicker in the studio. I noticed the second time around it was smoother. I love the atmosphere of recording, it’s like a different art form.

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