Interviews: John DeMena

Introducing John DeMena, the Hard Rock artist from the USA known for his electrifying performances and powerful vocals. Follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/johndemena to stay updated on his music and shows.

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

The band name is a combination of my name and last name. I always liked how it sounded and thought it was the right type of name for a solo artist like me.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I have been always influenced by rock music both when I was growing up and during my formative years as I was learning and defining my artistic voice and songwriter style.

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

I’ve known several of the musicians who played on this album for years as they played in other friend projects, jam sessions, and shows in the LA scene, so when it came to recording the music for this album, the musical connection and chemistry were already there. For the current live lineup, I am also playing with some members I have known for years and some other new ones I met through friends or other projects that I’m excited to play with.

4. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Most of the music and lyrics I write come from personal stories, those around me, and the desire to expand artistically without limiting myself artistically or sonically. I’d say for this album I always kept an eye looking inwards, which led me to write a lot of introspective music and lyrics, and another looking at the streets and modern society.

5. Where was your last gig?

The last gig was a cool series of short sets we did for the Monster Energy Supercross championship at the fan zone outside Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. It was very cool playing such a unique gig and being around the riders and the fans.

6. Where would you like to act?

I’d love to tour Europe in a few years as I grew up over there and has always been a dream for any rock or metal musician. Whom would you like to feature with? Well, the list is endless. You know, there are so many artists and musicians that inspire me and think could sound great on future collaboration, etc. But if all starts aligned one day, I’d love to collaborate with flamenco singer Silvia Perez Cruz. She’s one of my favorite singers in the world and her voice is just something else.

7. Whom not?

I don’t think in terms of who to and who not to collaborate with. The song is always the boss. If collaboration is right musically and integrity-wise for the song, then it’s right.

8. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I did, especially during my earliest performances, auditions, etc. My advice is to focus on the music and the collective of the project instead of on yourself and your insecurities will dissipate or ease as the music will be the one driving the bus and not your head.

9. What bands have inspired you the most?

Well, I am a very eclectic music fan and songwriter. I truly find inspiration and something to learn from every genre, but I’d say, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Pantera, Rammstein, NIN, Alice in Chains, Tool, and Bowie seem to be at the top of my music pyramid.

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

The weirdest thing must be the time someone asked me to sing a wooden piece of a stage that collapse during a festival we played. Several people grabbed pieces of such stage after it got broken to pieces and one approached the band and asked me to sign it.

11. What do you think of your fans?

I think they’re awesome and they are the most important asset an artist has because fans and people who enjoy your art and find your music helpful or meaningful in their lives make it all worth it.

12. What do you think of our site?

I think the site is super cool and found the sections and content quite entertaining. The selection of bands, genres, and music is killer. The fact you also have a section about the countries you have featured is indeed awesome. It’s a great way to discover bands from countries folks don’t normally get music news from these days. Congrats, it’s a very unique and cool concept.