The Virgins are a downtown band with a danceable, retro sound — part bad-ass party boys, part endearing goofballs. So naturally, we love them. We caught up with singer Donald Cummings on tour in Europe and got the scoop on what it’s like to be the hottest band of the hour. Want to get up close and personal yourself? Enter our Sweepstakes
here for a chance to win a $1000 wardrobe styled by the band, and check out their new single “One Week of Danger” below.
You guys got together in 2004. How did you all meet?
I met Wade [Oates, guitar] in a bar called Sweet and Vicious on the night of the last game in the Red Sox-Yankees series. I had already known Nick [Zatin-Ackerman, bass] for a little while. We all got together to start a band and we ended up really becoming friends.
We’re curious about your name. Surely you’re not…you know…
Nah, as far as I know, none of us are. The name was in the back of my mind for years. I liked it because it’s fun and sexy, not too pretentious.
Your sound is often compared to The Strokes. Were they an influence for you?
Absolutely. I love their records. I've been to see them play four times. That's three more times than any band we haven't toured with. Except for A.R.E. Weapons; I've seen them play at least 20 times.
Where are you currently (as in right now, this very second, as you e-mail these answers)?
I'm still in bed. Couldn't sleep last night. I've got to get up now, or I'll be late for practice.
Which venue or city is most exciting to play?
We always have a lot of fun playing in California. San Francisco has been awesome and Los Angeles, too. My favorite place to play is New York, but we've had great experiences everywhere.
A lot of artists say that touring can be a drag at times. What’s the worst part about it?
Playing early shows. I like to play around 11:00 or midnight at the earliest. A lot of shows on tour start at 7:45.
Who has the most annoying habit you have to put up with on this tour?
We all have our touring habits. On long tours we've learned to stay out from under each others toes; we'll sort of co-exist in parallel universes until we get on stage. But on short trips or in places we've never been before we usually end up hanging together a lot.
How would you describe your style?
Smelly. I don't have a lot of clothes and I can't stand luggage. I travel with one or two T-shirts, a dress shirt, lots of underwear.
Who in the band is the most fashionable? In other words, who is most likely to insist on watching Project Runway?
There is someone in this band who watches project runway! It wouldn't be fair if I told you who.
Rugby hearts your look. How does Rugby fit your style?
Growing up in New York, Ralph Lauren rugbys were serious commodities. From 1990 to 1996 they were all you needed. I'd like to see you guys hire someone to go through your archives and bring out all the extreme ski series stuff. Then have a sale and give me first crack. What do you say?