About to Pop: The Virgins

September 3, 2008

Filed under: Dance, Rock, Pop, About to Pop

Who: The Virgins
Album: ‘The Virgins’
Video: ‘Private Affair’
Hails From: New York, NY
For Fans Of: Talking Heads and David Bowie

Why They’re About to Pop: Donald Cumming, the 26-year-old singer for NYC new wave outfit the Virgins, got his “follow your heart” memo early in the game, dropping out of high school in his teens to pursue a life of partying and creating art. Cumming crashed on the couches of his friends, including famed photographer Ryan McGinley, who brought the singer together with guitarist Wade Oates during a modeling gig. Bassist Nick Zarin-Ackerman and drummer Erik Ratensperger finished the four-piece, who have since been featured an unprecedented five times on the CW’s ‘Gossip Girl’ in just one episode. The Virgins will be performing at the All Points West festival on August 9, and then embarking on a U.S. tour with Black Kids through October 13.

Three Questions with lead singer Donald Cumming:

What inspired the songs on your record?

The album is inspired by New York nightlife. The Virgins started with the idea that it would be nice to contribute something to a nightclub or celebration. I used to go out all the time, but I can’t DJ, I can’t promote and I’m definitely not qualified to bounce or bartend. I’ve always loved listening to music really loud and dancing, so the songs were made with that atmosphere in mind.

What’s your favorite song on the record?

My favorite song is the new version of ‘Love is Colder Than Death.’ I like the sax intro. It’s one of the songs that was on our EP that we recorded again for the album. We didn’t want to record any songs the same way twice, so all the EP songs were edited and rewritten for the album. Of all the new versions, this is my favorite because it has such a different feel. It’s much closer to an acoustic song now.

What are the most played songs on your iPod?

I don’t own an iPod, but my friend clicked the “most played” button on my iTunes and every single song was David Bowie.

Purchase the album on iTunes