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?
We are a band of brothers, we’re tight knit, we love our craft and love making music. We live for it and we live for sharing it with other people.
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.
Ray (Guitar, Vocals) is originally from New Jersey, as a youth he was fascinated by some of the iconic guitar players in Rock & Metal and wanted to become a musician so he picked up a guitar and never put it down..
Joe (Lead Vocals, Bass) is originally from New York City, When he was younger he started playing Guitar Hero and he was fascinated by the great riffs and the concept of the guitar, he quickly reached the highest levels of the game but he was hungry for more so he decided to move on to the real thing . Within about a year he was playing the guitar & writing songs.
Afie (Drums) is originally from New York City, when he was young he was influenced by Classic Rock and Heavy Metal and fell in love with drums by watching some of the greats play. He took lessons briefly but he quickly self taught himself by playing by ear.
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?
We were all influenced by all genres of Rock & Metal. Classic, Thrash, Progressive, Speed, Death Metal, Punk…
Personal musical influences for Ray would be all of the famous Guitar greats but specifically Tony McAlpine. For Joe, Metallica & Megadeth. And for Afie his personal influential drummers are John Bonham, Stewart Copeland, Alex Van Halen, Vinny Appice…
The Power & ENERGY of Metal was a driving force for all of us to make music. We like to write about the Human experience, all the highs and lows, positive & negative life experiences, the good & the wicked…
PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?
To make music as long as we can and share our music with as many people as possible.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
Our Band and things we have accomplished up to now.
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?
We try our best, we are currently an independent band so it’s not an easy task and its a slow process. We pride ourselves on being professionals and hard workers so we’ll just keep at it. Maybe one day we’ll get our break and get signed to a major label, Ha Ha.
PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?
We have contacts at the local scene but also network with other bands and join them on shows and vice versa. Of course we’re always on the look out for new opportunities and venues to play. We are currently in the process of booking shows throughout the Northeast US and beyond so stay tuned…
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
It’s the new way of doing things, we think it’s a positive thing because you can reach a lot of people quickly on a global scale. As a matter of fact we will be on Spotify very soon.
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
Ray- PowerSlave by Iron Maiden, That song dictates Great writing abilities and strong lyrical content.
Joe- Hotel California, Everything from the vocals to Solos fit perfectly together.
Afie- Zombie Ritual by Death, because it’s Freakin Awesome!!
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
A lot of things! lol. Please don’t get us started, That would be an 8 hour interview by itself.
PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?
We’re always working on new material but our focus is on releasing a full length album and doing a new music video – very soon
PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?
Our music will be available to download through all major streaming sites in a few weeks. And we’re also working on a website & new merchandise. We’ll announce all on our FB page as it happens and we’re adding a few more Social Media platforms as well. For now you can go to:
facebook.com/rawpaindown
reverbnation.com/rawpaindownband
youtube.com/watch?v=yEjlqfM3kn4
Raw Pain Down links:
Band/Artist location – New Jersey/ New York
Facebook – You Tube – Soundcloud – Reverbnation –
Check our page for Raw Pain Down
