Full member change except for the vocalist

After capturing the hearts of music fans with the catchy song "Rich Girl," which was also featured in the popular drama "Gossip Girl," they debuted in 2009 with a self-titled album. Their sound was lo-fi and raw. It had a "disaffected" urban vibe, yet was also highly sophisticated and artistic. The Virgins, with their exquisite balance of these elements, were a rock band formed around frontman Donald Cumming, who grew up in New York's Tribeca.






With close friend Ryan McGinley, a rising photographer, and having worked as a model and actor before forming the band, Cumming's social circle helped them quickly gain traction among New York's models and celebrities. They even performed at Fuji Rock in Japan, but the grueling tour led to exhaustion and a hiatus. Just when it seemed they might fade away as a "one-hit wonder," welcome news arrived: they would release their long-awaited second album as the first artist on "Cult Records," a new label founded by Julian Casablancas of The Strokes. This news came with the surprise that all members except Cumming had been replaced.

What is the sound of the album "Strike Gently," which comes after a four-year break? And why did they choose "Cult Records" as their base for restarting? We spoke with Cumming.

—What kind of four years have you had?

Well, that's a tough question... Looking back on the past four years right now is really impossible. But I can say this: I've overcome the most difficult period mentally, and I've grown as a person and as a musician. I think you'll hear a new side to me on this album that wasn't there before.

—What prompted you to restart?

Music has been a part of my life since I was a child, and I continued to play even during the break. I formed a few bands, too, though not the kind aiming for a debut. Then, I went through some difficult personal times that really brought me down. Strangely, around the same time, I started being able to write songs again.

—Still, the full member change was quite a surprise. Where did you meet the current members?

They're all people who have been my friends and fellow musicians for years. Lately, we've been spending a lot of time together, covering country music just for fun. It was so enjoyable that when it came time to form The Virgins again, it felt natural to team up with them.

—This album is being released on "Cult Records," run by Julian Casablancas of The Strokes. How did you meet him, and how did you end up signing with the label?

A mutual friend apparently told Julian about our situation (including the fact that we didn't have a label). This was around the end of last summer. Most of the songs for the album were already recorded by then, but we had no plan for what came next. So, when Julian expressed interest in meeting, including the possibility of working together, I remember feeling excited, sensing that something interesting was about to begin. When we actually met, the vibe was great, and I was convinced that a unique experience awaited us, unlike anything a major label could offer.

Most songs recorded live

—Why did you choose the title "Strike Gently"?

I wanted a title that captured the overall mood of the album. I want people to interpret it however they like... but the phrase "strike gently" itself comes from a message written on the back of a paper matchbook.








—What do you see as the difference between your first album and this new one?

So much has happened since we released our first album, and I've had to change. With this album, I wanted to reflect my current state of mind, reached after going through those times. In that sense, I think it's a very personal work. Also, it captures the performances of the new members in a natural way. We recorded most of the songs live.

I think "Flashbacks, Memories, and Dreams" in particular really lets you feel that live energy. It's been so much fun to create music improvisationally like this. Realizing that was a great discovery for me, and I want to continue this approach going forward.

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Donald Cumming has re-emerged before us after a long, introspective journey. Having found a "spiritual home" with a trusted label and friends, what new path will he embark on? We look forward to what the new The Virgins will do next.