artists » Marc Walloch of Company of Thieves

Marc Walloch is best known as the lead guitarist of the break out alternative rock band Company of Thieves. When their Ordinary Riches album dropped in 2009, it quickly gained popularity on the back of the single “Oscar Wilde,” the music world’s first taste of the group’s eclectic and enchanting sound. Since then Marc and lead vocalist Genevieve Schatz have continued to create a series of delightfully compelling tracks and release a sophomore album, Running From A Gamble, which was released in May of 2011.

Their combination of indie artfulness, straight-up rock, and tastes of Americana pack a promising punch for the up and coming group who are heading out on tour later this summer.

VOX was able to catch up with Marc to talk about the band, writing, upcoming shows and of course, gear.

VOX: How did you start playing music?
Marc Walloch: When I was three, I was obsessed with Raffi. I used to spend all day watching and imitating his videos. Then I saw the Beach Boys sing “Kokomo” on Sesame Street…but I didn’t really get into playing and finding my own rock ‘n’ roll bands until the 3rd and 4th grade.

VOX: As I understand it, the band got together around the college years and you guys dropped out and made your first record…you and Genevieve seem to be very close and as she put it on the band website, you “saved each other.” Can you talk about that time when things were starting to come together for you?
MW: We were very young and a chapter of our early life just ended and we were looking for a new home. Genevieve is very much home to me. She is the only person I have ever met that is insanely passionate and determined like me. We bonded on that early on and it felt great to have an equal in a time where we almost felt lost on how to move forward. I remember so many late nights writing and recording songs together, watching movies, and listening to music. Those times are what created the heart of the band.

VOX: That’s great. You guys create instantly-likeable tunes that maintain an original character and depth, still highlighting your guitar chops and Genevieve’s incredible voice…how does that writing process usually happen for you?
MW: We don’t really have one process. We like to challenge ourselves and try to come up with songs differently from song to song. Sometimes I have a chord progression that I like and she’ll sing to it, sometimes she has a melody that I write chords around, other times I have a melody and chords and then we work on that together. “Look Both Ways” was started by Genevieve playing some piano chords that caught my attention and I changed some chord substitutions around and then wrote the other parts around that. Once we have the blue print of the songs, we jam on it with the band and make some changes to the arrangements, flow, sounds, etc. Chris (Faller, drums) really helped shape the songs to be as good as possible.

VOX: Are there any recent live performances that stick out in your mind?
MW: It’s hard to think of any one show…we play every night so there are always little discoveries we make, night to night. One show that felt great and went perfectly was the Bowery Ballroom in NYC. New York is a very supportive city to us and we always sell out that room with great people and it feels like we are all hanging out with friends, singing songs together. It’s nice when the room is great, the sound is great, and you are able to just put on an entertaining event for people for the night. Life is hard and we need that hour just as much as they do.

VOX: So let’s talk about gear…what drew you to the Virage?
MW: I’ve always been a huge fan of VOX amps (AC30 and AC15) but wasn’t sure how great the guitars would be. So when I got the opportunity to play the Virage, I was excited to try it out. I was pleasantly surprised!

VOX: What are your favorite features? What separates it from other guitars you’ve played
MW: By far their pickups! They are the only guitars I’ve ever seen that allow you to change each pick up to a single coil, [soap bar-style], or humbucker. Instead of changing guitars all the time, you can just flip a switch!

VOX: And you play AC30 and AC15 amps…how did you get into them?
MW: I first starting using an AC30 in the studio recording our first album, and it became my favorite sound. It’s very versatile. I later fell in love with the Heritage hand-wired AC15. I like the way lower-wattage amps break up. You get a certain “Neil Young-like” crunch but can still have clarity.

VOX: Is there anything else you’d like us to mention?
MW: Everyone should check out the new album, Running From A Gamble! We will be touring at the end of August and to keep an eye out for new dates!

VOX: Is there a general quote about the Virage or VOX in general you’d like to leave us with?
MW: Nothing says “home” like a VOX behind me on stage and the sound and feel of a gorgeous Virage in my hands.

VOX: Thanks, Marc!

For more info on Marc and Company of Thieves, visit www.companyofthieves.net