The PVRIS Trio On Empowering LGBTQ Youth

Everything is happening at once for PVRIS right now; tour support with the legendary Muse and Thirty Seconds To Mars, popping down to Oz to support The Amity Affliction in between - all while preparing for the release of second record All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell. 

Lead guitarist/keyboardist Alex Babinski reflects on the three years since their 2014 debut White Noise ("What didn't change!?"). Their ages ranged from 19 to 20 when writing their debut record, but the band members are now in their early-to-mid 20s. And there's a lot going on behind closed doors during touring life that people don't witness. "So much has changed with us just as people," frontwoman Lyndsey Gunnulfsen (aka Lynn Gunn) expresses, before adding, "For us, it's very gradual, but maybe from an outside perspective [the change is] very abrupt." 

Known to have a very dark aesthetic, often taking on metaphors of ghosts and possession when describing Gunn's struggles with mental health, PVRIS' latest LP takes a more mature stance on issues from the past. "Emotionally, it's definitely just as heavy as White Noise," Gunn reflects on their previous work, which she describes as "kids stuff" and observes time has brought her out from behind the metaphors. "This record is a lot more transparent… this is coming from myself and only myself and taking ownership of the shit in [my] head," she adds. 

The band's latest single What's Wrong had fans worried that the album was taking on a mainstream vibe because of its poppy production. "It's drenched in cynicism and irony," Gunn smirks, revealing that, on the contrary, the album is "actually really fucking dark" lyrically, and stating that it's up to fans to individually interpret the new material to develop "their own personal connection".

So how do these young guns survive touring non-stop across crazy time zones? "Food", Babinski states without hesitation. Gunn claims she really hasn't figured it out yet, but offers, "I'm awful at keeping in touch on the road. I'll text my parents maybe once every two weeks."

She then asserts that PVRIS have always been heavily involved in working with the LGBTQ community. As such, the trio are particularly passionate about their latest endeavours with Ally Coalition. "They set us up in Nashville to go meet up at a youth centre for LGBTQ youth," Gunn explains. As an openly gay woman, Gunn's appreciation for the organisation speaks volumes. "I never had that when I was coming out and, figuring out my sexuality. I never had anybody to look up to," she bemoans. 

"There are kids that don't have a voice and are not comfortable being who they truly are," MacDonald laments. "Us having that platform and being able to let them know that we're here for them is a cool thing."

The last two Aussie appearances being support slots, the band have started to get a good vibe for Australian audiences. So, would a headline tour be on the cards soon? "Hopefully next time we're over here!" Gunn smiles. We'll take that as a yes.