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Damiera

Experimentally quiet and progressively loud are Damiera.
By: Gian Erguiza - - September 24th, 2008 - 4:18 pm PST



'Quiet Mouth Loud Hands' is an exceptional record that absolutely exceeds their previous effort, M(US)IC, making it easily their best effort to date. The album is laced with great melodies, diversity and undeniable hooks that bands these days seem to lack. Having just wrapped up successful tour dates with Fear Before, Damiera is truly one of the more technical talented bands out on the market today. Vocalist/guitarist David Raymond talks to Frantik about 'Quiet Mouth Loud Hands' and a preview of what's to come for Damiera.

Hey Dave! What’s going on and what’s new in the world of Damiera? What are you guys up to?

Currently we're making a new live show and about to go on tour with Fear Before the March of Flames this month.

The new album is one of the best releases to come out in 08’. I can hear so much growth and so much more passion than the last album and it’s great! Did you guys do something different for this album this time around and what influenced or shaped the style and sound of the album?

We didn't want to play into the "tech band" corner any more than we already have, so we shelved a lot of the trickiness that M(US)IC had in order to make room for more melody driven songs. Expect a hybrid of both album styles in the music to come.

By listening closely to “Quiet Mouth Loud Hands,” I can hear that the recording was done with a lot of love and care. How long did it take you guys to put everything together and was the recording process more of a pain in the butt or a heavenly bliss or a little bit of both?

The entire writing process and production was done in 5 non-stop months. The only "pain" of it, was trying to decide when an idea was finished so we could move on. The time constraints ultimately made that call for us.

Now, there are a few select tracks off the new album that are stand outs, “Teacher Preacher,” “Blinding Sir Bluest,” are two of them but which one speaks to you guys the most as far as the message of the song or the song structure/arrangement?

The title track, "Quiet Mouth Loud Hands". It's a sum of what's to come from the record, lyrically and musically. I haven't stopped tapping the drum beat with my hands since we wrote it.

Nice! Are you guys thinking about doing a live DVD of one of your shows anytime soon? I bet our fans would love it!

Actually, we might be...but in the coming seasons. We will be making more live material for the internet.

I was reading on your myspace about the current situation facing bands with gas prices going sky high, leaving indie bands no choice but to either cut their tour short or no tour at all. I actually know a couple of bands that have canned touring plans because of the economic slope. In your guys’ opinion, what does a band these days have to do to stay alive and is there an answer to our economic slope in you guys’ opinion?

Downsize and stop asking for help. Asking for gas money these days is useless because we're all suffering the effects of the fuel hike. Bands should consider downsizing their caravans, and backlines AND ticket prices. The Fear Before run that we're about to do is focused on low ticket prices. I hate asking people to come see us play for 12 dollars... so no more, if we can help it.

Detour! Since global warming seems to be a real threat and not a joke, are you guys going green anytime soon or do you guys practice being green? Go green?

We're fairly savvy, green. We don't consume or use all that much stuff.. in fact, we recycle everything we can. As far as "going green", I know that Equal Vision has been spearheading that by doing biodegradable packaging (ie. The Color Fred)

Damiera loves _________________.

CHEAP SHOWS.

"Damiera owes everything to the time people have given. We're not an easy band to fall in love with - it takes time...but those who find something in us to love seem to make this band a small part of them. That's pretty incredible to me."

You guys hosted a chat recently on Absolutepunk.net. What was the most interesting question you guys got and what question were you guys hoping that fans would or would not ask?

That was the most fast paced conversation I've ever been a part of, and at this point, I recall most of it as a blur. I do remember it being kind, and thoughtful, however.

I’ve talked to a lot of bands that say that the road is not for them and I’ve talked to some that actually are more comfortable being out on the road rather than being home. What is it for you guys and do you guys have any pet peeves while out on the road?

Not one.

Alright, you guys have been to a quite a few places now so you guys must have a zillion fan stories under your belt. What’s the most interesting or strangest fan story that you guys have? Weird stories?

I'm taken back by the immense distances that some kids have driven to come watch us play.. It's really flooring because even if no one from the town we're playing in had come to see us play, there is usually people from far out of town in attendance.

That's awesome! Let’s get this one over with. Who is the myspace whore in the band that gets to answer all of the questions and how do you guys handle the ‘nasty’ messages, if any?

I handle the myspace (Dave Raymond). Its easier to keep track of it that way. As far as the "nasty" messages, we have yet to receive them. I don't think we've rubbed enough people the wrong way (yet).

Your fans must adore you. I believe it’s vice versa for you guys. How do you guys interact, keep up with your fans and as of right now, how much do you guys owe to your fans?

Its not vice versa. If we were idly playing to people without noting their response, or taking their words in, this would all be worthless. Its only self fulfilling while the music is being made - so when you're out sharing it, performing it, its for everyone. Damiera owes everything to the time people have given. We're not an easy band to fall in love with - it takes time...but those who find something in us to love seem to make this band a small part of them. That's pretty incredible to me.

Any additional comments or shout-outs?

If all of your friends like something, find something else to like. They already found that one cool thing.

Dave, you're the man! Thanks and see you guys out on tour!



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