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Devon Graves Tribe (Deadsoul Tribe interview)

Devon Graves Tribe (Deadsoul Tribe interview)
BANDS : Deadsoul Tribe

 I know that at the time when Psychotic Waltz split up, the band was not very popular in your home country, USA, even though is was getting some success in Europe. Is this the reason why you moved to Europe and how are things different now, for Deadsoul Tribe?

Its not really the reason I came, but it was a weighing factor in my decision. Things have changed in a foreseeable way simply that I am reasonably local to my opportunities.

Metal Blade re-released last year the Psychotic Waltz discography. When was the last time you listened to Psychotic Waltz and what do you think now about these records?

I listened to them, though not fully when the release was sent to me. I start to listen but my performance is generally full of flaws that I just cant stand the sound of. I was however reminded of that groups astounding abilities, especially on the first album. Now that I am the lead guitarist and central composer, I have a new appreciation for the lengths Dan and Brian went in their arrangements.

Deadsoul Tribe started as your own project back in 1999, you have always been the main songwriter, are the other band members just mere executants of your music?

More or less.. With exception to Adel, the drummer. He has a hand in some of the riffs from time to time as well as own stylistic contributions to his drumming. But the other guys are more involved with the band as a live entity. Roland in particular plays a big part in organising most of the logistics of a trip or an event. Things like merchandise and where to get t shirts printed, design layout of these things. He and his girlfriend created the band website www.deadsoultribe.com so he is a very important part. It makes no difference to either him or I who writes the parts. I do it myself because it is simply part of the writing process. Once it is laid out, there is no reason to re record it. Roland is always happy with the lines I make, so creative input has never been an issue.

The name "Deadsoul Tribe" has a very negative denotation to it, and so is the mood on the band's albums, always dark and distressing. Where do all this trouble and sorrow come from?

It is a reflection of these dark times, yet with the intention of bringing in the light. You see, darkness does not exist. It is not an existence, it is the absence of existence.. The absence of light. When you bring in the light, the darkness is gone.

You say that everything you write has a message. Is your music just a means to express this message; is the message more important than the music, and, finally, what is this message?

The music first and foremost is for its own sake. Its purpose is to communicate emotion. The lyrics must be suited to this emotion for this to work properly. The subjects vary, but they dwell in the realms of human suffering. The point to this is to, in each case, offer some kind of answer by where the suffering can end.

Back in the days when you started with Psychotic Waltz you were playing progressive metal, but today with Deadsoul Tribe you have a different approach on music, is it still metal you are playing? Do you feel "at home" amongst metal bands?

Well, I still identify with what was originally called Heavy Metal, like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, however I am not so sure how comfortable even those bands were with that label. I think it bears some resemblance to the heavy aspects of their style, but seems to miss the lighter, softer side of these bands. For example it might be Metal because I play distorted guitar chords across bombastic rhythms, but is it still metal when the only instrument is a grand piano? Or an acoustic piece with a flute solo? To me, this is just my personal brand of Rock Music.

You have released four albums so far, which one do you think has got the best reactions from the public and was the big step forward for the band?

It seems to increase a bit with each release, though it is a bit soon to tell with this one. I think the major turning point was A Murder of Crows. This one showed the most dramatic sway in public opinion to my favour, though it appears to have shown an upward trend with each release. The early indication is that this may again be the case.

How important is the response you get from the fans, do their reactions influence your music or are you rather playing the music you enjoy without caring about anyone's opinion?

I write music that hopefully will please people. Hopefully as many as possible. My only method however is to write the kind of music that I would like to hear. If I can please myself, then I feel this might have a chance of pleasing someone else.

Unfortunately, I never got the chance to see Deadsoul Tribe playing live, but I heard people saying that your shows are special, are the live appearances the best moments of this band? Do you like playing live or do you feel better in the studio?

It is definitely more fulfilling to play live. Playing a concert and recording an album are two completely different feelings and undertakings. Recording is very personal and with the exception of tracking Adel, is an absolute solitary process. I have the opportunity to journey into the infinite space of my own imagination, and create this journey for you to experience. It can take me anywhere I want to go and all I have to do is dream it up (then perform it!).

Performance is much more gratifying. You can deliver the piece personally and see first hand its affect on the hearts of people. The exchange of energy is something that cannot be described. Absolutely elating.

InsideOut is quite an important music label, which means that they are succeeding in making a profitable business from music. How does that affect the band and are you satisfied with their services so far?

I feel it is a mutually beneficial cooperation. They have been very good to me so far, and I try to give my best for them. Our aim is upwards!

Please share a thought with Romanian metalfans.

I hope we can come and play for you. I promise indeed something special.

 

 

Multumesc lui Sake pentru intermediere

Autor: Klawz
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   December 23, 2005  | 0 Comments  | 7668 Views « BACK

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