Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (https://petesrocknewsandviews.com)
PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?
S: I’m a metalhead through and through. I create music that comes from the darker corners of my soul, often exploring themes like mental health or bullying. But it’s never just about the darkness — there’s always a spark of light and hope in everything I write. That contrast is what defines me as an artist.
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.
S: I’ve been singing since I was a kid. My dad’s a metalhead, so I grew up surrounded by heavy music — even though my mom was hoping I’d become more of a pop singer. In high school, I really dove into metal and formed my first band. Later, during university, STELLVRIS was born. That’s also when I realized I needed screaming to fully express myself — so I taught myself how to do it.
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?
S: I’m inspired by strong emotions — the kind that really shake something inside me. My lyrics often come from real struggles: mental health issues, bullying, and the growing frustration and aggression I see in society. I try to turn those dark feelings into something powerful and meaningful, so listeners can find strength and hope in it.
PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?
S: My biggest aspiration is to make music my full-time life — to be able to create, perform, and travel the world doing what I love. I want to use my music to reach and help as many people as possible, inspire them to take care of their mental health, and remind them that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a spark of hope.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
S: One of the proudest moments of my career was when we supported Megadeth in Bucharest, Romania. After the show, we got to meet the whole band — they complimented our set and wished us success in our musical journey. When someone from the Big Four says that to you, it truly hits different.
PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms in the age of the home studio. How is that going?
S: It’s definitely challenging. There’s so much music out there, and standing out takes a lot of work. We’re really lucky to have Andrea Toler-Wade, our manager and booking agent for the US. Thanks to her experience and connections, we’re moving forward fast — and I truly believe all this hard work will pay off in the end.
PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?
S: For our US shows, we work with Andrea Toler-Wade, and we’re confident she’ll help us bring STELLVRIS to the States next year. For Europe, we’ve recently started collaborating with Dragon Productions to book and promote our live shows across the continent.
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
S: I think it’s amazing how easily and quickly people can access music today. For fans, it’s a dream! For bands, it’s a bit more challenging—physical sales have dropped, and streaming platforms pay very little per stream. That’s why we focus heavily on touring and selling merch to connect with fans and keep our music sustainable.
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
S: There are so many amazing songs out there, but if I had to pick one, I’d love to have written something by Jinjer or Arch Enemy. Their songs are powerful, emotional, and technically impressive – a perfect blend of intensity and artistry that really resonates with me as a musician.
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
S: One aspect I find challenging in the music industry is the uneven access to opportunities. Sometimes it feels like your chances can be influenced by where you’re based. We’ve even received suggestions that relocating to another country, like Germany, could open more doors. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s also a reminder of how important perseverance and resourcefulness are for any artist.
PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?
S: At the moment, we’re fully focused on preparing everything for the release of our upcoming EP, ‘Shatter and Bloom,’ while also working on new material for our next full-length album.
PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?
S: You can learn more about us, stream our music, and check out our merch on our social media channels. Our merchandise is also available on Bandcamp for fans worldwide.
Stellvris links:
Band/Artist location – Prague, Czechia
Facebook – You Tube – Soundcloud – Bandcamp – Merch – Tidal –
Instagram – Apple – Spotify – Amazon – Deezer – LinkTree – TikTok – Last Fm –
Check our page for Stellvris
