Sometimes to find an old school American rock sound... You've got to go to London! And find a band with an Italian front man! Alright, deVIence might be little off-center for your typical British rock back, but they're serving up pure rock 'n' roll. You can't complain about that. Check out a chat Tamara had with the voice of deVIence, Giovanno Spano.
Tamara Grant: Where are you originally from? Giovanno Spano: Born in Hertfordshire, raised in Ruislip, Middlesex. My father and his family originate from a town called Reggio Calabria in Italy, hence the name. Tamara: What is your opinion of the music scene there? Giovanno: I find that the music scene is ever evolving, giving opportunities to new artists to break through on the underground scene but there could be more room for diversity in the UK mainstream itself. I find that here we often get stuck to what is safe and don't take risks on what we put on our radio. I think we need to return to being the innovators we once were. There is always room for more real bands with real instruments and real songs to be on airwaves. Keep Rock n' Roll alive. Tamara: How did the band come together? Giovanno: I started writing songs of my own, and was writing with a guitarist who liked what I was doing a lot and suggested that I make a band. So I advertised as you do but that didn't come to much so, as you do, I asked the guy in the pub who’s in a band (Donnie), if he knows anyone in a band and was pointed in the direction of Beno (Bassist). He was formerly in band called Scarlet City, who had Jim in it, so that's how he became a part of the magic, and I found Olli through an electrician friend of mine hahaha, and the rest is history. Tamara: Who is the biggest troublemaker of all of the members? Giovanno: Everyone most certainly has their moments, but I would say Donnie, he can disappear without a trace and the search parties will be sent out only to find him talking to some random person in another bar down the road... Hilarious. Tamara: What is an embarrassing story that happened to you guys on tour? Giovanno: We once had a guitarist, who will remain unnamed, throw up in a huge producers hotel room. That was pretty hilarious but the one that stands out is Donnie again! We once met Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme and he was explaining that he was at Uni studying music, and he called him, ‘Nuni. I mean, I go to you’re in uni and you're Nuno hahaha.’
Tamara: What has been your favorite place to perform so far and why?
Giovanno: Whisky A Go Go on Sunset Boulevard where many legends have played before, birth place to Jim Morrison and The Doors. It was fever pitch and at capacity, and I think it was where I really realised this is all I've ever wanted to do, however every gig with the boys is pretty awesome no matter what the scenario. We always make the best out of a show no matter how many are in the crowd or what venue we are in.
Tamara: Any regrets?
Giovanno: None to date!
Tamara: How would you describe the sound of your band?
Giovanno: Real... It's music for music lovers, you can sing to it, dance to it, cry to it, get mad to it, I think it ticks all the boxes, personally, and that was what we were trying to achieve when writing it. Guys with real instruments playing real songs for the people.
Tamara: What is your favorite song to play from your debut album?
Giovanno: Depends on my mood, so I don't really have one. I connect with all of them on different levels and one can be my favourite one day, and then the next it could be completely different. My baby is ‘Easy, who doesn't love an epic ballad?
Tamara: What was the inspiration behind "Move"?
Giovanno: My girl is a dancer and I wanted to show her some love and that's how “Move” came about. A little ditty about how she makes me feel when I see her killing it on stage.
Tamara: What do you want your fans to know about you and your band?
Giovanno: That all the music we write is for them and about them, they're our inspiration. Writing music that they can all relate was always our focus, so they can be walking down the road and be inspired to do something with their lives even if it's just going out and having a fuckin’ good time. I would also like to thank them, and for those who don't know us, we're coming and it isn't just for a little while. We're sticking around so please spread as much love as you can, as we are forever grateful.
e. Rachel Rosell