Interviews: Shtevil

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Rock project, Shtevil. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

It’s what my best friend called me back in the day. We were listening to a lot of classic rock back then and every time the song “Voodoo” from Black Sabbath came on (the “Live Evil” version) Dio would sing “There’s EVIL there” and he turned it into “There’s SHTEVIL there!” Cause my name is Steven. I know it’s not the most commercial name out there but it stuck with me…

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

There’s a visceral feeling I get when I play my Les Paul through my Marshall JCM800. It’s unique, unpredictable and unforgiving. And it’s that sound that inspires me to write big songs.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

I've played there in rock & metal bands and ended up being a professional musician and songwriter for other artists. After writing a lot of pop tunes I wanted to do something that I missed in my life and write some classic rock/blues rock based songs. I had gotten to Wouter & Eric as these top session musicians and asked them to play on my record after making a click on stage doing some corporate gigs. We've been a well-oiled machine ever since. I call Wouter & Eric "The Million Men" cause they sound so big with just the two of them.

4. Each band member favourite band?

I’ve got a couple but when we we’re talking bands, Led Zeppelin hands down. Some of Eric’s favourite bands are “The Police”, “Parliament/Funkadelic”. Wouter has always been a sucker for The Replacements, Living Colour & Rollins Band

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

My style of songwriting is rooted in human behaviour, my own experiences and observations. Stuff you can keep talking about till the end of times I guess.

6. Where was your last gig?

At Trix in Antwerp opening up for Doyle Bramhall II

7. Where would you like to play?

Madison Square Garden, I’d like to play anywhere in these troubling times but if there’s a dream venue that’s the one! 8. Who would you like to support? Rival Sons, Black Crowes, Kanye West

9. Who not?

Hey If we can turn it up and play loud Rock and Roll music I’d open up for anyone that gives us the slot.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

When it’s a live TV event I’ve had some stage fright. But I’ve learned to take multiple deep breaths and tell myself to try and make this the most epic and explosive performance you’ve ever done and focus on that and not the expectations of other people.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Prince

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Someone was waiting outside the venue to ask me for a plectrum and an autograph cause he wasn’t gonna make it to the show that night but he told me his brother was coming and he would film the show for him haha.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Anyone that connects with my music connects with me in some sense. I’m a huge music freak and I feel that our fans are true music lovers as well and very particular.

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s cool you guys are giving a platform to so many music and different styles out there!

15. Something to add?

Since we won’t be going on tour anytime soon we’ll be dropping some live sessions of some songs on our YouTube channel, be sure to check them out! And thank you for the chat!