Lancaster, Pennsylvania based Alternative Post-Grunge band Versus Machine released the single “Red Queen” taken from upcoming album “II” due out on February 27, 2025.
Purchase and Stream the track on Bandcamp:
We are runnig this exclsuive premiere, how would you describe this track?
“I think is sort of a journey. It’s a composition of two totally different ideas and emotions, melded into one. The first half of the song is lyrical, depicting a world under attack (a perception based on non-authentic narratives and misinformation on the internet). We try to look ahead to the future, but there’s so much unrest and uncertainty. The only relief is to reminisce on the past, through physical photographs and memories.
The second half is instrumental and the word ‘choke’ is essentially an explosion of emotion and inner turmoil coming to a head. The backwards half-time drum beat and the section where the rhythm section and guitar riff dissociate is the final piece where everything is chaos. And then all of a sudden, there is a parallel line again and the train comes to rest.“
A solid and elaborate sound, how does the creative process of your music take place?
“The creative process has changed significantly over the last few years. I would say, for the most part, a song will start out with some sort of guitar idea. Brian will usually follow with some sort of drum style that he hears under the guitar, and then ultimately, Michael chooses the “texture.” His bass playing is so important for this type of music, because he can completely fill the open space between the guitar and the drums, and make our trio sound like an orchestra. The writing has become extremely collaborative, but the instruments and tone really dictate where the song is going to go. Typically, lyrics are the last piece of the puzzle, and very much abstract and open to individual interpretation.“
Does this single anticipate a new album you have planned in the near future?
“This single DOES come before a much anticipated album, coming in late February. Actually, it’s the first of 3 singles, that I think really showcase a couple of different compositional styles that you’ll find on the record. The record is called Versus Machine: II – a 12-track, 70-minute acid trip (I don’t do drugs, but they’re pretty cool).“
A mixture of Alternative, Grunge and Space Rock, how does this new work differ from previous ones?
“Our first record, to me, really was influenced by a specific period of time in music (the ’90s), in which there were all kinds of new approaches to rhythms, distortions, etc. I fed off of that, as far as a lot of the guitar riffs and song structures.
This record sort of inadvertently became complicated, in the best way possible. The writing process was much more collaborative, and we could sometimes spend hours or entire practices trying to get down a certain riff over a weird time signature, or figuring out harmonies, etc. I do think, for me, the newer songs come from more of a place of self-awareness, confidence, direction. A darker and more complex inner-being. But it very much was a collaborative affair, and we certainly explored more limitations and widened the scope of what we thought we could do musically.“
Many of our readers and your fans wonder if there will be a chance to hear your music live, do you have plans in this regard for the near future?
“The people will be able to hear us live, if they come to the fucking shows! But seriously, we love playing – and we’ve become a bit selective on shows. Not that we’re anybody at all, but the challenge of networking and trying to find some slightly bigger rooms, with some slightly bigger bands, as opposed to playing the same dive bar 20 times a year, is much more appealing to us now. We’ve got jobs and families, etc. But we do have a small tour planned for the beginning of 2025, and we’re going to get as far as the Carolinas, I believe. We’ll post the official show dates on our Instagram and Facebook very soon.“
I thank the band for this premiere and wish them all the best for the continuation of their artistic career.
VERSUS MACHINE LIVE 2025:
01/30 – Cincinnati, OH – The Comet
01/31 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Government Center
02/06 – Winston-Salem, NC – The Den
02/07 – Durham, NC – Rubies 5 Points
02/08 – Newark, DE – Tire Shop
Versus Machine Biography:
Versus Machine is an innovative and genre-blending Rock band whose members bring together years of experience from diverse musical backgrounds. The band’s core is made up of singer/guitarist Stephen Tilley, bassist Michael James Stipe and drummer Brian Doherty, with the group’s formation rooted in both past musical connections and newfound collaborations.
Stephen Tilley and Brian Doherty grew up together, forming a deep musical bond during their early years. Although they spent nearly a decade apart from playing together, their shared passion for music never faded. In 2021, Doherty reached out to Tilley, reigniting their creative partnership and rekindling a sense of musical chemistry that had been dormant for years. Their reunion marked the beginning of something fresh and exciting, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become Versus Machine.
To bring their musical vision to life, Doherty and Tilley enlisted Michael James Stipe, a bassist known for his work with the band Babel Map. Stipe, with his distinct style and musical sensibilities, quickly became a key member of the group. It was Stipe who coined the band’s name, Versus Machine, a title that encapsulated the band’s blend of raw energy, modern aggression, and intricate songwriting.
In 2022, Versus Machine recorded their debut album at Noisy Little Critter Studios with renowned producer Mike Bardzik. The album marked the band’s arrival, showcasing their ability to fuse elements of Post-Grunge, Alternative Rock and Psychedelia with an infectious energy and emotional depth. The record quickly gained attention from both fans and critics for its bold sound and honest, often introspective lyrics.
Following the success of their first album, Versus Machine continued to evolve. In 2024, they recorded their highly anticipated follow-up LP, set for release in February 2025. The new album is shaping up to be an even more ambitious project, blending hard-hitting rhythms, complex melodies, and daring sonic experimentation. The band’s sound has matured, and the new record promises to push boundaries even further, establishing them as one of the most exciting acts in the modern Rock scene.
In addition to their work as Versus Machine, Tilley has been involved in several high-profile musical collaborations. He has worked with Kellii Scott, the acclaimed drummer of “Failure,” on two EPs. The second of these EPs is also slated for release in 2025, further cementing Tilley’s place in the Alternative Rock landscape.
Meanwhile, bassist Michael James Stipe and drummer Brian Doherty have garnered recognition for their contributions to Babel Map’s new album, “Teeth,” which was produced by Kurt Ballou of Converge. The duo’s work on the album earned them a prominent feature on the front page of Bandcamp.com, highlighting their growing influence in the underground and alternative music scenes. Doherty and Stipe are also slated to work with Martin “Youth” Glover in 2025 on their 4th album with their band Northern Gloom.
With the release of their follow-up album on the horizon, Versus Machine is poised to expand their fanbase and continue making waves in the rock world. Their combination of relentless drive, musical innovation, and heartfelt lyrics has already established them as one of the most promising and dynamic bands in the genre today. As they prepare to take the stage once again in 2025, all eyes are on Versus Machine, eager to see where their bold musical vision will take them next.
Pre-Order the album on Bandcamp: https://versusmachine.bandcamp.com/album/ii
Tracklist:
01. Pterodactyl
02. Runaway
03. Blanket
04. Interlude I
05. Gimmick
06. Seafoam
07. Acid Rain
8. Interlude II
9. Red Queen
10. Time Machine
11. Going Home
12. Creatures
Credits:
Mike Bardzik / Production and Engineering
Versus Machine / Production
Steve Tilley / Guitar and Vocals
Michael James Stipe / Bass and Vocals
Brian Doherty / Drums and Misc Percussion
