Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (http://petesrocknewsandviews.com)
PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?
FF: Farewell Fortune is a project of mine, started in 2019, that incorporates many guest artists from the Maryland/DC/Virginia area. The music is based off several different genres including rock, EDM, and industrial. Tony Correlli of Deep End Studio composes and produces the music, while I am the lead vocalist and lyricist.
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.
FF: Hail from Sterling, Virginia and have always been intrigued with the process of making music. My band journey began in 2014 under the name Huffman, where an EP “Reign of Five” and LP “The World Awaits” were released. After attending a recording session with my friend and guest artist Tim Wallace, then with the band Of Broken, I decided to utilize my lyric writing skills and start down the path of recording.
PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?
FF: The main inspiration for my music is based off many different life experiences. Those experiences are written into many different songs of mine. Mental health awareness is a huge influence as I’ve dealt with individuals suffering from suicidal thoughts, depression, and other thought contortions. I aim to take the listener to a place they may be aware of or have seen, and allow those emotions to come through.
PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?
FF: My main aspiration is just to make music that I love. I’m also big into supporting other artists and watching them grow alongside me. I really enjoy hearing how people respond to the music. Even if one person finds my songs to be relatable, I have succeeded in what my intentions are.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
FF: Being included on the Charm City Sampler in Baltimore. Just being recognized amongst my peers is a huge accomplishment.
PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms
in the day of the home studio. How is that going?
FF: I have seen a huge increase in followers and likes in 2023 due to supporting so many fellow artists. Marketing these days is a very hit or miss prospect. Paying for ads can see many hits, but social media has a tendency to include bots that distort the true metrics. Lately I have focused on sharing my respect for other bands and have seen a huge movement started in bands supporting one another. That really makes me smile because I want everyone to feel like they have a voice.
PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?
FF: Right now we are concentrating on recording our second album “Chaos Serum”. That album will be released on April 14th. The first album “Decompose” was released on June 3rd, 2022. Once that second album is complete, I will start to look towards forming a road band.
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
FF: Streaming is not a lucrative avenue for artists. I think the model needs adjustment to give artists their fair share of the streaming profit. A ton of bands fund their own recording and marketing, not to mention the costs of touring. Most bands see significant losses and the streaming platforms are not incorporating those facts into their disbursements.
PD: What song do you wish you written and why?
FF: That’s an easy one haha. Pearl Jam “Alive” is an absolute monster. The emotion and story behind Eddie Vedder’s lyrics combined with that incredible lead solo by Mike McCready moves me still to this day.
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
FF: Seems to be too much competition from artists. Music used to be about just that, the song itself. Seems like people are concerned more about the accolades and less about the quality of what they’re putting out. There are tons of great 
unsigned bands out there that deserve to be heard. I do what I can to support my fellow artists, be it placing their music on my playlists, or listening to their YouTube channels. It doesn’t take much to press a button and take a listen.
PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?
FF: New album “Chaos Serum” is coming April 14th and will include 9 original songs and 1 cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child”. The nine original tunes were recorded over a two year period and have seen early positive feedback from listeners. “I, Arise”, and “Watch The Walls Fall” singles have already been released to all digital channels. “Mayhem” will be released as a single on February 25th.
PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?
FF: Visit our social media pages at the following addresses…
www.facebook.com/farewellfortune
www.instagram.com/farewellfortune
www.youtube.com/@farewellfortuneofficial
Farewell Fortune links:
Band/Artist location – Maryland/DC/Virginia
Facebook – You Tube – Twitter – Instagram –
Apple – Spotify – Amazon – Deezer –
Check our page for Farewell Fortune
