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?
UV: I’m a 26yo multi-instrumentalist songwriter and Under Victoria is a solo black metal project that was written, performed, recorded and released by myself.
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.
UV: I’m from Melbourne, Australia. I’ve been playing music my whole life in different bands in various genres of music.
My main purpose in music is to write. Iv’e been writing for other artists and projects ever since I left high school.
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?
UV: Many things inspire me, including other music, nature, fiction/films and personal experiences. I generally write about my life experiences, including feelings of heartache and modern anxieties.
PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?
UV: My aspirations are to be able to create a body of work that I’m proud of, and that other people can listen to and enjoy, just as I have from my favourite artists.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
UV: My proudest moment was when I wrote a piece of music for my grandfather. It moved my family beyond what I could have ever imagined, and that has stayed with me ever since.
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?
UV: I find promoting difficult. I treat it as an afterthought, even though I shouldn’t. I’m focusing on letting my work be heard more now, than ever before.
PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?
UV: I play live a lot, I promote on social media and through other bands, however not with this project currently as it is a solo project.
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
UV: I’ve been doing it my whole life so I don’t have much to compare with, although I much prefer physical media in every way.
I love being able to hold an album, and put it on the player with all the artwork, it’s great.
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
UV: This is weird because it’s very different from all the music I usually play, however one of the most perfect songs in my opinion are Con the Partiro by Andrea Bocelli, and a song I wish I wrote would probably be Don’t Look Back by Boston!
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
UV: The only thing I don’t like about the music industry at the moment is it’s reliance on online trends. I get that it’s a business, however I believe a lot of talented artists are creating amazing, moving stuff and they’re overlooked due to not having a viral trend connected to their image.
PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?
UV: I’m working on multiple musical projects, including a follow up to this first Under Victoria release.
PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?
UV: There is no merchandise at the moment, however I aim to have a limited physical release of this music out very soon.
I also have Instagram, where I keep anyone interested up to date with art, soon to be released new music and photos.
Cheers!
Under Victoria links:
Band/Artist location – Melbourne, Australia
Bandcamp – Apple – Spotify – Amazon – Deezer –
Check our page for Under Victoria
