Interview with Despite's Timmy Leng
Hey readers! Kitty here, this is our interview with Despite! Thanks so much to the guys in Despite, for agreeing to this interview! This interview is copyrighted, so if you want to use it for a certain purpose, please ask to use it via Twitter if you want, state your purpose for it. Despite has all rights to this interview.
Thanks so much, and enjoy!
// Kitty Schnell // Music Lately Founder //
-Who are all of the band members? And what do they do in the band?
Hi there! This is Timmy Leng and I'm gonna give you the run down of this band.
Despite consists of:
Peter Tuthill (Vocals), Andrè Gonzales (Guitar), Mathias Dagerhed (Bass), Oscar Nilsson (Drums), Timmy Leng (Guitar)
-What's the origin of your band name, Despite? Have you changed the band's name before?
Well actually we had two name changes over the years, "Becoming" and "d-Spite". The first one we had to change because of legal rights. There was a band who called us up if I remember it correctly and more or less threatened to sue us. And "d-spite" was just stupid so "Despite" it is!
-What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
My main goal with the music I play is more or less to just play what the brain wants, and to let the listener decide what to call it. There's always a certain thought behind every riff from all of us. In my opinion it's simply good live music, that I think that most people can relate to.
My influences are really weird. I get my inspiration from music that's not to metal. Like Foo Fighters, Tegan and Sara, Geir Jenssen, Old school funk/pop etc. And not to forget everyday moments in life. On the metal side I started listening to Sepultura and Metallica when I grew up and from there explored more into the rest of the metal scene.
-How old were you when you started this band?
I was 18 and started out with the drums to begin with.
-How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
Well, this lineup is somewhat fresh. Past member have moved on etc. The one I've known the longest in this lineup is Oscar, 4 years and counting.
We found Mathias through an ad on the internet and he has now been a member for 3 years.
I've known of André for some time since I'm a fan of his other band "By Night", but it wasn't until 2011 we contacted him and asked for his talent.
Peter is the newest member, it's only been like 1-2 months since he joined the ranks now. I'm really confident with this new lineup. It really feels like this is IT!
-When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
The band was formed 1998. It was me and the former bassist Fredrik who just played around with a bunch of covers and finally got the "brilliant" idea of giving it some more effort than just playing covers.
-Do you have a record label? If so, what is it?
This upcoming EP is actually the first one we do as an unsigned band, but I'm not too worried. Something good will show up. We are aiming for the major league this time!
-What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
At the moment I use ESP and André plays Schecter guitars. I have an endorsement deal with Woodo guitars as well. I like my guitars simple, not too much going on with it, preferably matte finish.
-Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
We have done a bunch of shows over the years. Mostly around the Gothenburg area, and the the last two years further up in Sweden and also Finland. We've had the opportunity to play at a bunch of places since the start, but I guess we were too picky back in the days. The coming years our goal is to tear it up all around the globe.
I think I speak for all of us when I say that "all gigs are good", cause you learn something new every time and even if we are having a bad day, or just having a blast on stage, we do what we are supposed to do, and that's all that matters, no matter the gig.
And on the gig and touring side right now.. Well, we are busy preparing for the recording of the upcoming EP so we can't accept any gigs even if we wanted to.
-Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list for your shows?
"Crehate" and "Rain" are songs that seem to end up on the old set list. Then we try to blend it some more. For some reason those are the two songs that most people want to hear as for now.
-Who writes your songs? Is it a group effort?
I wrote the majority of the old stuff, and I still contribute to this day. Oscar has also been involved in the arrangements on the album "Clenched". On this upcoming album André and Peter write and arrange a lot too. Which is great! It gives the band a more versatile approach and sound.
-What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
For me, with the songs/lyrics I write is all personal. I dont write about "Cutting the throts of goats" etc.. I respect the art, I respect the human mind. I guess I just like to make people think.
-Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
Well, nowadays it's mostly writing at home and showing up at rehearsal and showing the other guys the riffs, or send it to them over the internet.
-What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
It's all based on what goes on around us at the time. We have a set of two days every week where we practice as a minimum.
-How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
A lot! We have a wider range now and we don't hold back any ideas. At a younger age you really wanted to fit into a certain category, but now it's soo much more open minded.
-What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
The biggest challenge for me was during the period of 2006-2007. Life wasn't all that good back then, and the music as always kept me going. So far music has never mean't "Challenge" for me as in a struggle. It just saves me everytime.
-What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Once again, I think that iI speak for all of us when I say that we want to make a living out of writing and playing music, pay the bills and enjoy life. I'm not seeking fame nor fortune. I just wanna do what we do, and be able to do that for an extended period of time. There's too much focus on money etc nowadays, and I think that the message really loses quality from that. If it happens it happens, but there's too many moments that go by that you'll never get back if you stay in that state of mind.
-What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
"Do it, dare it, live it!!"
-How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard your music before?
Honest, energetic, heavy, and mean't to be seen live!
-How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Yeah, as of now we have 3 songs that you can listen to at www.despiteofficial.com. There will be more over time, and our entire catalog can be found on Spotify and on iTunes.
-Website links in which other people can find your music, or more information for your band?
www.despiteofficial.com
http://www.facebook.com/despitesweden
http://soundcloud.com/despiteofficial
http://www.youtube.com/DespiteOfficial
-Would you ever do an interview like this with us again?
Of course, anytime!
-Would you like to do more fun/funny questions in another interview?
Even more so! ;)
-Any last words?
We hope to see all you guys on the road! Where ever whenever, and stay tuned for our upcoming EP release!
Live life & stay safe! \m/
-Thanks so much for agreeing to this interview!
No problem!
Cheers!
-Timmy Leng-
-Despite-