Demi the Daredevil is an Austin, Texas based Art Pop/Dark Cabaret band, cross-knitting classical, emo, funk, electronica, and drama club theatrics. With that said, the band took the time to talk with us, about how they came to be, what music they make, how they got their namesake, and much, much, more.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Hi my name is Jeff and sing for an Austin Texas band Demi the Daredevil. It all started in our hometown El Paso. Our original lead singer Jovan(RIP) and Marc started playing guitar together, and a mutual friend of ours brought me into the mix. I started off on the drums in this band. We used to play in my grandmas garage. My mums garage. Marc's garage. Just about every garage in town.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
Demi is short for demigod, which is a half man half god. Marc and Jovan chose Demi the Daredevil over The Rootbeer KamiKazis.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
The band is based out of El Paso. The music scene was geared towards emo post-hardcore music if you will. A lot of the bands were trying to sound like Cursive and At the Drive In. I remember thinking the local band Yarborough was good. They might be finished now.
4. How would you describe your style?
Alternative Rock with a dark theatrical twist. We dabble in what people call "performance art" at our live shows. Think Queen meets Danny Elfman meets Michael Jackson.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
One thing people can expect is unexpected music. We don't want to make music that's expected because I've learned from experience that people are easily bored, including myself. We want to be surprised throughout the songs. They can also expect highly existential and internally conflicted lyrics, classically inspired melodies, and grooves like Janet Jackson. Ah see, Janet sounds much less expected than Michael. I'm soooooo unexpected. We've released a Self-titled full length album which was more power pop.
We've release two Eps, one is much more Broadway sounding, the other is back to a more experimental pop aesthetic.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Yes, many demos, and the next one being recorded is called "Change Me," mixed by Blue October's Matt Noveskey. We'll start releasing singles now, one song at a time. Partly out of impatience of sharing that next song that I always think is the strongest, and partly to keep our pallet fresh and keep people interested. I'm told it's like dating and people won't buy ice cream if you give the truck away for free?
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Yes. God yes, I hope we can promote effectively enough to help fund a proper tour. In the meantime, we are playing shows in the Texas area. Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, etc.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
Well, as far as the fans go, the plans are to create a following in select cities through our live show, and globally with the help of social media. As far as publishing, we're kind of banking on our producer John McCracken to get us a publishing deal for licensing opportunities. Everyone is on to that being a good source of income so it's competitive. So connections are important I think.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Oh, listen on Spotify. I think the tunes are in a format that's higher quality on Spotify than YouTube. Our recent release "Secret Schizoid" is on there. You can get our EP for $2 on our website,
www.demithedaredevil.com. That is our DYI location. Or the songs are .99 cents each on iTunes and Amazon.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Interesting question. Not to sound vain, because I am the singer, but probably the voice because it seems like it's the voice people cling to the most. It should help identify our music. Besides that, I suppose it being emotional in some way, it having expressed that particular emotion of that song effectively. Thanks for having us!
