Bassist. Vocalist. Drummer. Craft beer enthusiast! This edition of Fistful of Questions goes to Gabriel Vicknair of Louisiana dark rock four-piece AMBASSADOR.
What is your full name?
Gabriel Ariel Vicknair
Do you have any aliases?
Gabe, but that’s really just a nickname or short name.
What bands are you actively involved with?
Only Ambassador.
What was the first instrument that you played?
Guitar
What was the name of the first band you were in?
Enhale (lol)
Tell me about one of your first musical memories?
I’ve always been into music, so I have tons of early memories. The first cassette I ever owned was Metallica’s And Justice for All. My dad bought it for me at the mall when I was around 10 years old. I remember the first experience of opening the plastic, and reading the lyrics while I listened with headphones in the back seat. It took me to another world, and certainly set a trajectory.
Tell me about the genesis of Ambassador.
Well, there are two parallel stories really. Dustin and I initially started jamming together in 2014 or so with me on drums. We wrote some cool stuff with really no intentions to play live. We would just play really drony stuff and geek out. That sort of slowed down and I happened to get a call from Jason who was looking for a singer. He had some visions of a ‘big-riff’ rock project, and thought my vocals would fit. We started jamming, but I was really missing the more drony stuff that Dustin and I were doing. I actually asked Jason if he would join the project that Dustin and I had going earlier, and he wasn’t interested at the time since he had a certain formula in mind for the new project. We began writing, tried out a few drummers and bassists, and soon convinced Ean to play drums. Jeremy, our former bassist, joined around the same time I believe. Once we began recording the first album, I brought up the idea of bringing Dustin into the band. I knew all along that Jason and Dustin would click musically, and I still personally wanted to push the band in a more atmospheric direction. Long story short, it worked out very well and I was able to have my ‘told you so’ moment. Cut to now, and we are writing as a complete unit with a unique sound. We retained some of the traditional rock elements of Jason’s initial vision, but were also able to incorporate the more dark and atmospheric elements that Dustin and I had created.
How long did it take you to write and record the new album?
We started writing the new album in the spring/summer of 2019, and recorded the instruments in September of 2019. The vocals hadn’t been written yet, but we went in very well rehearsed and recorded all of the instrument parts in a couple days. I then took the next few months to write melodies/lyrics and record my vocals. We were mixing by the New Year of 2020. Around a 6-7 month process of writing and recording alone.
What is your favorite thing about touring?
Really just hanging out and experiencing new places with the band mates. Our music is pretty serious, but we like to have a good time and get along quite well. It’s always a nervous rush to play for strange people at strange places. We enjoy the challenge of trying to prove and validate ourselves since we always feel like outsiders.
What is your least favorite thing about touring?
Being a relatively new band, I don’t know that we have toured enough to dislike any elements outside of poor sound and lackluster promoters.
Do you have a pre-show ritual?
Not really. I generally find an appropriate place to do some embarrassing vocal warm-ups, but we don’t huddle up or anything ritualistic. Just have a drink and talk out things that we need to focus on relative to the performance, then get to work.
Do you have a favorite venue to play at?
The Varsity Theatre in Baton Rouge is a 800 cap local venue that mainly hosts large touring acts, but will allow locally curated shows. Everyone works really hard to promote the shows, the production and artist's treatment is usually good, and the shows are typically a family gathering of sorts for the local rock/metal scene.
Is there a city that you love to hit while on tour?
Haven’t toured there yet, but I’m very fond of Denver for many reasons.
What band have you played with that has really impressed you with their live show?
We played a show with Kayo Dot when they were on a tour with Today is the Day. It was a very immersive and emotional heavy set that we didn’t expect and really loved.
If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?
I guess if I was to insert myself, I’d hope to bring something that wasn’t already there. I’ve always thought about doing vocals for some of my favorite instrumental bands. @Red Sparowes, hit me up.
Do you have any non-metal/rock musical inspirations?
I enjoy folk music, old country, Motown and some electronic stuff but most of it is along the lines of rock I guess. Come to think of it, we actually based the rhythm of one of the new songs off of a Trap music beat. You couldn’t tell in the end, but it was loosely inspired by the kick and snare timings and patterns believe it or not.
What is a non-metal/rock song that you'd like to do a cover of?
Always thought Suspicious Minds by Elvis could be done very carefully with a darker vibe. Again, not metal but you’d have to say rock I guess.
What advice would you give young musicians that are just starting out in the music business?
If you are looking to make a living, maybe reconsider or at least lower your expectations. Just focus on your craft and have fun making music. Practice self-awareness and learn to ask for criticism. Don’t look down on others. Develop relationships, be professional, be patient, and you’ll grow in time.
What is an absolute band killer?
In my experience, losing a member and not being able to find a suitable replacement can surely kill a project as it can take a long time and people lose interest and move on. Also, if you don’t have at least one member to handle the time and effort it takes to book shows, organize merch, marketing, etc., the project will never grow and eventually wither.
What’s the longest time you’ve gone without bathing?
Three days or so while camping I’m sure.
What are two things that people absolutely need to know about Louisiana?
My first thoughts were to defend our accents or political views, but our people and belief systems are so diverse that I can’t begin to speak for everyone. Regardless of who you are, we will still have a beer and share crawfish with you. Most of your preconceptions are probably true and we’re OK with it.
The year is 1997. Where are you at and what are you listening to?
I’m skipping school, listening to Deftones or Snot in my Jnco Jeans, and somehow my wallet chain has accidentally hooked my tongue ring.
Favorite Britney Spears song?
Psssh, as if I listen to Britney Spears…Toxic.
Soundgarden or Nirvana (if you had to pick one)?
Nirvana
Pancakes or Waffles?
Waffles
Favorite band t-shirt you own?
I have an Ancient River (ATX) shirt that I bought from them on tour through Baton Rouge. It is my only cut-sleeve shirt, and it is so comfortable that it makes me wanna cut all of my shirts. Cool graphics and well-worn. Doesn’t get better than that.
Favorite book?
Johnny Got His Gun
Favorite movie?
Probably the newer Planet of the Apes series.
Favorite album?
Tool’s Lateralus
Favorite meal?
Filet, green salad, french baguette, red wine
Thanks mucho to Gabriel for taking the time to answer my queries. Be sure to check out AMBASSADOR’S new album Care Vale which is available now digitally and on cd over on Bandcamp. It is nothing short of amazing. There’s also a cd/t-shirt bundle up for grabs (I’m always a sucker for a bundle).
Ps- They also have one of the sexiest videos I’ve ever laid eyes on…..
~El Pedo Caliente (aka Uncle Jameson from the Fistful of DOOM show)
https://ambassadortheband.bandcamp.com/album/care-vale
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