I had a chat to Ricky (otherwise known as MC ROCKA) from Devile about his band and his views on the NZ music scene among other things, here's what he had to say...

How long has Devile been together?

Devile was formed in mid 2011, in Alex's (lead guitar) garage. Alex, myself and our bro Matty from Dislocate spent a whole day decking the garage out in carpet just so we could practice. Walls, floor, roof, everything!

How did you come up with the name Devile? 

Meast (Bass) came up with it. I'm not sure how, but he suggested it and we were like "fuck yeah!"

How would you describe your music to people who have never heard you before?

Loud, abrasive, opinionated, not suitable for general public consumption and proud of it!

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Well it's hard to go past Metallica as they were the band that really got me started on the path of metal. But at this point I would have to say Chris Adler of L.O.G (as anyone who has heard me drum can attest to) and Vinnie Paul, coz I derive a LOT of shit from them, but Tomas Haake of Meshuggah has really fucked with the way I think about drumming and drum patterns, so I've gotta chuck him in there. Also Felix from Farming the Population. That bastard's only like 20, 21, and he is so fucking far past where I'm at with drum capability, it's frustrating! One day bro... one day.

What is your favourite gig you have played so far?

Every single gig I play is my favourite. Even if I play like ass, I still got to get up and have a go.

If you could play with any band in the world who would it be?

Any band who is willing to play on the same stage as me!

If you could play any venue in the world where would it be?

I'm not fussed. I've played in someone's shed. Any chance I get to gig I'm gonna take it!

How did you find the experience of playing at Beyond The Black?

Awesome. This year was not as big in terms of turn out as last year, but I still hold the event in high regards because of what it represents to me, so I had fun. Getting to MC the main stage was also fucking awesome, I love getting up and yelling at people through amplification! Plus getting to see a large chunk of the fucking champions I've met in the NZ metal scene all in one place at the same time was primo!

What are we going to see from Devile in 2013? 

Devile is planning on getting some recordings done, although Ryan (vocals) is fucking off to oz in late feb early March so we are gonna be looking for a replacement soon. Other than that, just gigging as much as we can, spreading the word and the sound.

What is the best part about being a musician?

The people. I've met so many fucken awesome people through music, and have learnt so much through them about discipline and effort, and what each of those gives you in return.

What's in your personal music collection?

Lots of Metal! And, surprisingly, Frank Sinatra. You just can't go past that big band stuff in terms of broad musicality.

Who is your favourite NZ band and why?

Well... any NZ band that is out there having a go gets my vote. In terms of the bigger bands, who can argue with Sinate, especially the stuff they are producing now, it's just fucking awesome.

Name an up and coming NZ band you think people should check out?

All of them. READER, go to shows, buy t-shirts, CDs, badges, patches, if you see/hear about an NZ band, just fucking support them. I could list 30 bands you should check out off the top of my head, but fuck that, do the research and find out for yourself! Most bands have something on Youtube, just start with one NZ band you know, and go from there.

What's the funniest thing you have seen at a gig/on tour?

The pile of Bourbon and Tui bottles and cans in the gutter outside our mates van when they traveled up to Palmy to see us at The Royal. People were walking past with a look of shock on their faces. Well, that's what we get for bringing Masterton bogans with us.

What's your most embarassing gig/tour moment?

Every time I don't play so well I come off stage feeling pretty shitty, but fortunately I haven't done too much on the road to be embarrassed about, yet!

What advice would you give to other aspiring musicians?

Just do it. It has this illusion of being difficult to do, but it's fucking not. Stop making excuses, if you wanna get out there and find a gig to play, you can. Even if it's your vocalists mates 21st in some shitty little hall in Masterton! Also, be nice to people. If someones a cunt to you then fair call return the favour, but if not, don't be that cunt. You will go a lot further if your respectful to people than if your a dick.

Where is your favourite place in NZ to be?

Home with my kids. I love hanging with the friends, getting pissed and high and playing shows and getting up to mischief, but I'm a family man at heart. My daughter lives with her mum and I usually only get to see her once a week, so whenever I have her round and she's horsing around with my son, being the big sister, there's not a single fucking place else I would rather be.

When not playing music, what else do you do in your spare time?

Work! I've got bills to pay and a family to provide for, so if I can be working, making that cash, that's what I'm doing.

When is your next release/what will it be?

Unknown at this stage!

How do you keep in contact with your fans?

Facebook. At this stage of the bands life almost all of our fans are our friends, so keeping in touch is pretty easy.

If you could create a rumour about Devile what would it be?

That the drummer is actually WAY better than he makes out, he just dumbs it right down so that heads in the crowd don't start exploding from his awesomeness! Sooo not true, but hell if that started circulating I'd be pretty damn stoked haha!

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