Interview: Vampires Everywhere! vocalist Michael Vampire

By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

Before hitting the road to continue celebrating 15 years of their 2011 debut album—as part of an extensive tour that kicked off October last year—Vampires Everywhere! lead vocalist Michael Vampire took time out for this in-depth OOTB Interview.

Michael gets personal about evolving from his past, he discusses the band’s new album, he also talks about vampire movies, what’s next after this tour—including new music and new music videos—and he gives a special thanks to supporters.

Extensive question here to start! From your 2011 album Kiss The Sun Goodbye to your latest album released in 2025, The Devil Made Me Do It, what are some of the biggest changes you’ve made—musically through lyrics and sound, and, also, what are some of the biggest changes you’ve made personally in your life?

Let me start by saying I've changed so much over the years!

I used to have to worry about what my label would say and think about my vision. I used to worry so much about looking "perfect" on stage, and who I should or should not network with.

I was in a constant state of fear, and it really hindered my creative process and dampened my efforts to get better as a vocalist.

When you're put down to the point of shame, it's always very hard to climb back; however, I did climb back—like four times now! [laughs]

In 2012, I started becoming quite bitter and I had no choice but to let my ego take over. I needed confidence, even though it was fake. I needed to fight and take the bull by the horns in order to carry on.

It has been a literal nightmare, but It's what I do: I play music professionally! So, you have to take the good with the bad and really dig deep to fight for what you love.

I'm in such a better place now! I'm still insane and I'm still fighting, but it's all on my own terms. I feel that's the main reason why my songwriting has progressed and why I progressed so much vocally.

However, my lyrics have not changed much. I'm still a brooding vampire when it comes to past and current relationships. I still crave the feeling to release my demons through words and find a sense of calm.

I'm just happy I'm still able to do what I do after so many years and failed attempts. I am eternally grateful to my fans for helping me do that.

If somebody has not heard of Vampires Everywhere!, what song on your new album—The Devil Made Me Do It—would you have them listen to as an introduction to the band, and why that song?

Well, for me that's a no brainer: “Cry Little Sister.” That cover I did for my love of the 1987 film The Lost Boys still stands as a defining moment in my rock career!

I was absolutely terrified to record that song. So many things went through my head—“Am I good enough? Will I butcher my favorite movie's theme song?”

It was a giant relief when the song hit as hard as it did! We earned a Top 30 Billboard spot and even had the song appear in a TV show. I was and am so relieved that everyone loved it!

That being said, if you were to ask me one Vampires Everywhere! song to listen to at this moment, it would 100 percent be that song!

When did you first realize that music is what you want to do in your life and what was the moment that inspired you?

Well, I wanted to play professional ice hockey my whole life. I loved music but had no fire to play music; if you know what I mean.

It wasn't ‘till one hockey game when we opened up to "Dammit" by Blink-182, for our home ice "skate around" that I realized how much music actually influenced my life.

After that, I made it my passion to pursue bass guitar. Bass guitar led me to backup vocals and that led me to be a lead vocalist.

I can assure you, it was an arduous task at first! [laughs] I had no idea what I was doing.

But, the spark I had for music never went out and I fought to become a better musician and vocalist.

I am grateful for that moment, because it changed my life forever.

What are your all-time Top Two vampire films and why those particular movies?

The Lost Boys.

I saw this movie in the theater when I was young with my stepdad. I was already in love with vampires and this just made it worse. [laughs]

How could you not love the idea of being a badass immortal Motley Crue vampire! It sold me immediately and I knew one day it would be a major part of my life.

Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Till this day, this is the best representation of the original book. Gary Oldman next leveled the stereotype and really impressed me.

Everything in this movie is so beautiful! I must have watched this movie over 100 times. I mean, I saw it in theaters a long time ago. Dracula is supposed to be about love and obsession, and this movie hit both nails on the head.

After the current second leg of this tour, what are your next plans and goals, through the rest of the year?

Well, I would really love to hit the UK again this year. I absolutely love London and I cannot wait to have a real pint again.

I am also releasing three new singles and an EP this year. I am over the moon excited for y'all to hear what I've been up to. I think you will be surprised. I already shot two amazing music videos.

It’s gonna be a great year and we just got started!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Yes! I love my fans, friends, team and family that have stuck with me since the beginning. It was a hard road for me and you didn't give up on me.

Thank you for believing in me; it means the world to me!

Watch “Cry Little Sister”