This spring, US rockers Pvris will come to Australia for the first time ever, so we caught up with front woman Lynn ‘Gunn’ Gunnulfsen who is, in her own words, “buggin’ out” to finally meet all their Australian fans. “I can’t believe we’ll be seeing everyone soon and we’re bringing one of our favourite bands with us, Circa Survive. We grew up listening to them, so it’s pretty cool we’ll be on tour with them in Australia. I was just saying to the guys the other day how lucky we are!”
In the last 12 months Pvris signed to Rise/Velocity Records and released their debut album White Noise, with Gunn making history as the first and only female lead of a band on the label. “I know that comes with expectations, but I’m up for it,” she says confidently. “When we were shopping around and looking into different labels they were at the top of our list because we knew a couple of bands that had worked with them and they had nothing but good things to say.
“They’re also super hands off when it comes to the writing and recording process,” Gunn explains. “They don’t get involved and let you do whatever you want, but they support and back you 100 per cent. That was really appealing to us because we know that a lot of record labels will try to influence what you’re doing or your sound – they want to step in and tamper with it, and there are some things that shouldn’t be tampered with! That, and they’re a pretty well-known label in the scene we’re in and they’re very happening right now. We’re more than happy to be a part of the family.
“I feel like right now we’re where we should be. The chemistry and the dynamic with the band is perfect right now – and it felt so good to finally release White Noise,” Gunn smiles. “We had the record done for almost a year before we put it out. It felt like holding in a big secret and we were just waiting to share it. It has opened up so many opportunities for us – it’s the thing to blame for everything that’s happening to us now.”
Now that Pvris have found a home at the label, the three-piece from Lowell, Massachusetts seem to be unstoppable. They’ve spent the last two months touring around the world and recently caught the attention of the good folk at Alternative Press Magazine, earning them a nomination in no less than four categories: Breakthrough Band, Song of the Year for ‘My House’ and Best Music Video for ‘St Patrick’, with Gunn being singled out in contention for the title of Best Vocalist.
In the usually male dominated category, this year Gunn will have to beat out Paramore’s Hayley Williams to take out the honours. “I couldn’t believe it when I found out who I was up against. All the singers are incredible, but Hayley is the one person I credit for sparking something in me. I first saw Paramore play when I was in Middle School and I suddenly thought ‘Oh shit! I wanna do that!’” she laughs. “She’s definitely a trailblazer and maybe one day someone will say that about me, who knows?”
When & Where: 170 Russell, Melbourne – September 20 (18+) & 21 (U18)
Written by Natalie Rogers