Interviews: Derev

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Rock band Derev from Canada. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it or come out just like that?

While we were working on the first release, every evening, for around a week, Michel [Drums] and I [Armando: guitars] would meet up with a list of names and see what the other thought about them. When I mentioned “Derev”, it caught Michel’s attention, and he wanted to know what it meant. “Derev” is an Armenian word meaning “leaf”. We both wanted the name of the band to be unique, yet short and simple. “Derev” seemed to check all those boxes; it refers to our Armenian heritage, and it symbolizes new life, hope, and nature, which resonated with us.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We discovered progressive rock and metal when we were just starting to dive deeper into Music as we were learning to play our instruments. The genre doesn’t seem to have a restricted sound and doesn’t limit instrumentation, song structure, or style, and this really appealed to us. Most of our biggest influences and favorite bands are from this genre. Opeth, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, and Riverside were the bands that taught us how to play and how to write. It’s natural that we would gravitate towards progressive music.

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

Yes. Michel and I met in high school in Kuwait around 2010. Once we found out that we both loved Rock music, we started jamming and hanging out all the time. It wasn’t long after that that we knew we wanted to pursue music together. However, forming a band in Kuwait wasn’t feasible, and once we moved to different countries to continue our studies, the idea of the band was on hold. It wasn’t until Michel moved to Canada in 2018 that we decided to officially start the project. We met the rest of the guys Mike [Vocals], Stan [Bass], and Ran [Keys] in 2024 and they were a part of the band soon after.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Michel - Porcupine Tree

Armando - Opeth

Mike - Thrice

Stan - Linkin Park

Ran - Muse

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

A lot of our lyrics are inspired by our own experiences. Music is a platform for us to share our thoughts and ideas about what’s going on in the world; aside from that, the music we listen to is definitely a big factor. Hearing a new song, going to a concert, or seeing a performance on social media can inspire us. Beyond that, it can be a movie, a painting, or even an interesting topic covered on a podcast.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was April 12th, 2025. We played a show hosted by KRONIKNOISE in Brantford, ON, along with We Are Human and Jupiter Hollow. We played in a humble bar that you’d never guess would host a metal show if you saw it by day. It was a killer show, and the bands were amazing!

7. Where would you like to act?

That’s a long list. We haven’t had the opportunity to play outside Canada yet. So the short answer is - the rest of the world. But in particular, playing in Armenia and England would be special for sure.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Steven Wilson is a top choice. Another would be Serj Tankian. Outside the prog world, I’ve been listening to a lot of Michael Kiwanuka lately, and would love to work with him.

9. Whom not?

Cardi B

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

I definitely have. Especially when first starting out, it’s common to have stage fright. I remember the 2nd ever show Derev played was opening for Swallow the Sun. This was huge for us because no one had heard of us yet. I was really excited about it, but at the same time, a little nervous, because there was a huge crowd at the venue for our set and I had never played for that many people. This might be the most boring tip, but it’s true… You just have to keep doing it. Get used to playing in front of people. You can start by playing in front of your friends and family at home. The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Knowing your material well really helps. Try to be aware of your body and notice where you’re tensing up, and try to relax. And finally, deep breaths.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Opeth, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Riverside, System of a Down

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

Early in the band’s career and before we had made any sort of a name for ourselves, the day before a show in Toronto, we got a message from a fan asking for our setlist. I replied, saying that we’ll be playing songs from our first record. But this fan wanted to know exactly which songs we were planning on playing, which I thought was odd. In any case, I told him our setlist for the show. During the show, I kept seeing this one person in the crowd really enjoying the songs, and he was probably the only one singing along to almost every song. After the show, I knew I had to meet what seemed like our first true fan. Once I talked to him, I found out it was he who had asked for the setlist, because he had just discovered us and wanted to get familiar with our music before the show. In hindsight, it makes perfect sense. We’re still friends with him and see him at all our Toronto shows. Big shoutout to you, Camillo.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We love our fans! As you can tell from the answer to the previous question, some of our fans are really into the music, and they take it all in: the music, the lyrics, and the artwork. But the beauty of our fanbase is that it’s so diverse. There are the musicians who really appreciate the intricacies of our performances, the tones, the mix, and the songwriting. On the other hand, some people listen to the overall song and connect with the mood or the lyrics. Either way, they have been pivotal to the success we’ve had so far. Every form of support that they give us goes a long way.

14. What do you think of our site?

I went through a few interviews to get an idea of the format. And I have to say, I really like the Track-by-Track breakdown. I think it gives a unique insight that most publications don’t offer. It’s really cool! But my favorite thing has to be the mouse pointer \m/

15. Something to add?

We’re about to head out on a Western Canada tour starting May 2nd. We’re going all the way from Toronto to Vancouver, BC. So if you’re reading this and live anywhere between those two, I encourage you to come experience Derev live. We can’t wait to meet you! Thank you, Breathing The Core.