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| Download : Email Interview with Devin of Download : April 19, 2006 |
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1. How did you hook up with Cyclone Records? We were playing a gig at a local bar, Blind Army (another band on the "on the verge" CD) was doing the show with us. Brad from Cyclone had previously been in contact with Blind Army and was actually coming out to see them. He introduced himself to me and we chatted a bit about the upcoming compilation releases and exchanged email addresses. He stayed for some of our show, and the next day emailed me saying he would like to include us on the Alberta Rock compilation if we were interested. The concept behind the compilation CDs is a great marketing and promotional tool, so we were in right away. From day one, Brad & Cyclone Records have been behind us (and all artists on the label) every step of the way. 2. How did recording for the Cyclone comps go? We have two songs on the CD. "Superhero" was already recorded, but that was not the first choice for our submission to the CD. I had already written "Remember The Days" (I think we even played it live that first night I met Brad), but it was not yet recorded. We knew right away that was the song we wanted to use. A quick call to my good friend Steve Dodd at SoundMind Productions and we set a recording date. Recording "Remember The Days" was definitely a smooth process. A few mixes and remixes later, and you have what you hear on the CD. Later Brad contacted me and asked if we would be interested in including a second song on the CD. Even though "Superhero" does not necessarily fit with the band direction today, it was the next logical choice at the time. 3. What’s up with the new album? Is there a set release date? What’s it called? A new album is definitely in the works. We already have 7 songs recorded. Probably get the final 3 finished up over the next couple months. Hopefully have a finished product out by the end of summer. So no official release date for our yet unnamed debut release. 4. Tell me about the songwriting behind the new release. All three of us come from different influences, which I think really helps the writing process. We have all been doing this for a while now and our styles definitely compliment each other. Most of the songs have developed in the same way. One of us comes in with an idea, or basic progression already written. Kind of a "hey guys, what do you think of this" and we all build upon that initial idea. A lot of it evolves as we jam it out, "Hey why don't we try this" or "what if we did this" until we get a finished song. The flip side is there are a couple songs that have emerged spontaneously out of rehearsals. Someone starts playing a riff and the other guys just kinda join in, and before you know it you have the basic framework for a song. I think one of the interesting dynamics with our band is that both myself and Jesse (guitar) take on lead vocal duties. As it sits right now, Jesse sings lead on two songs. 5. Tell me about the recording process of this year’s release. Where was it recorded/with who? Recording this year has been a great experience. I think part of the reason is working with good people. Steve Dodd of SoundMind Productions in Calgary, AB ( 6. What are your promo plans for this album? We have some good connections with local media (radio, newspaper, TV) so we will definitely get some good local promotion. Playing live and just getting out there in front of people is always a great promo tool. Brad @ Cyclone has developed an extensive online marketing network and is really leading the way in promoting his artists that way. I don't think there are any plans to tour or anything like that, but you never know what could happen down the road. 7. How important is it to you to be hands on about the non musical aspects of the band? (cd artwork, promo stuff) For me personally, it has always been an integral part of being a musician. Especially as an independent artist, you have a greater sense of accomplishment and pride in the final product when you have control over all aspects. That doesn't mean you can't accept help when it is offered. I think having Cyclone Records help promote us has been outstanding. Brad has obviously developed a much more extensive network of contacts that any one band could do on their own. 8. What drives you to keep Download strong? I think when you find a great group of like-minded musician's, where you all get along, have the same vision, and genuinely enjoy doing what you do...then it becomes real easy to keep that going strong. For me personally there is a quote by Abraham Maslow that essentially captures why I continue to play music. It says, "A musician must make his music, an artist must paint, a poet must write if he is ultimately to be at peace with himself." Even though I have a day job, and I don't make millions touring the world, playing music is a part of who I am. 9. Anything in the works we should know about? Just focusing on finishing recording and hopefully getting the album out over the next few months. We are also looking at adding a fourth member to the band. Either a second guitar player, or a bass player & I would sing & play rhythm guitar. We like to ask everyone this one: List any 5 songs in your most current (last listened to) playlist. 1) So She's Leaving - The Trews 2) Rockstar - Nickelback 3) Doesn't Remind Me - Audioslave 4) Better Off - Theory of a Deadman 5) Where Are You - Our Lady Peace |