[Interview Number 62]
This time, we get to know DeBlocka. His track "Forever" is featured in the New Artist Spotlight Family of Playlists.
Link To New Artist Spotlight Playlists:
Okay, let’s get into the Ten questions for DeBlocka!
𝟭. Where are you from and what is your hobby?
Born, bred, reared and starved in Dublin Ireland. My hobbies are writing and recording music, travelling and I also play a mean game of chess.
𝟮. How did your get into music?
I was very lucky that I grew up living next door to Croke Park football stadium in Ireland. So when I was young i got see U2, Simple Minds, REM, Lloyd Cole and Commotions, The Waterboys, In Tua Nua, Christy Moore, Lou Reed (met him - funny story) and Neil Diamond play there in the 80's, so that set a good solid foundation.
Luck was involved again when I couldn't get a ticket to see Oasis in Dublin so I flew out to America to watch them there instead on a cold March night in Providence Rhode Island. After the gig I met up with the band and they were pretty blown away that this youngfella would fly half way around the world for their gig so they sorted me out for tickets for Dublin and also invited me to soundcheck. At the soundcheck in Dublin I watched Noel play Beatles covers on his acoustic guitar and the band run through a new song that I'd never heard before. They didn't have any lyrics or vocal melody for it but it had an amazing, unique strumming pattern, chord progression and a boat load of overdriven guitars. I was blown away by it. Needless to say I was on cloud nine coming out that soundcheck and on my walk home I came up with a vocal melody and some rough lyrics to what I'd heard. That weekend was epic and monumental as it gave me a good kick in the arse. I went out a couple of days later, bought a second hand acoustic guitar and thought myself how to play. Eventually I recorded a demo of my version of the unfinished Oasis song and sent it over to Noel in London. Sadly, I never heard anything back but I hear he's working on an album of unfinished Oasis songs at the moment, so you never know.
𝟯. Who are your biggest influences?
My first major Influence was U2, I got to see them on the Unforgettable Fire tour and that was an incredible gig in Dublin. It was a big event and i felt like a homecoming and a celebration. Following them opened many doors, gave me my love of music and travel and be fortunate meet many people and make great friends all over the world. And then Oasis - because they helped light the blue touch paper and gave me a different perspective to making music.
4. What are you goals in the music industry?
My goals are to make the best music I can make that resonate with the listener. My objective is to try and write guitar driven songs that are raw, honest and sometimes heart wrenching to chronicle and capture the universal truths of love, happiness , sadness, joy and melancholy.
5. If you could choose a location to perform at, what would it be?
I'd love to play Croke Park just because it holds a special place in my heart. But I also love the Sugar Club in Dublin. It's an awesome venue and it's where I first got up on stage and proved to myself I could sing and play guitar at the same time in front of an audience. I hope to do something there again in the future once were all over COVID
6. What is your all-time favorite song?
One of my favorite songs of all time is 21st Century Rip Off by a Swedish band called The Soundtrack Of Our Lives. I got into them after I saw them supporting Oasis. They became one of my all time favorite bands and they put on a hell of a stage show..The energy of that song is incredible. If you need a life stick that on your speakers and turn the volume up to 11 That's one song I wish I'd wrote.
7. Most embarrassing moment?
Oh God - there are so many that if I was to start you'd probably end up having the makings of a novel. I did have a big night out in Geronimo's shot bar in Tokyo and woke up in New Zealand the next morning. (technically, it was the New Zealand Embassy Apartments)
8. Proudest accomplishment?
Musically, finding ways to unlock creativity and not being afraid of failing and in the end finding that spark to write great songs that hopefully will stand the test of time and using Grand Theft Auto to make videos and visuals as a workaround during Covid. That has been a real eye opening experience. My last video for Not Afraid To Love Again had my character jumping off a construction crane, playing guitar in the Playboy Mansion and submerging a White Rolls Royce in a Swimming Pool. I promise you, you wont see Bono doing that!
9. What is something about you that might surprise someone who knows you the best?
I don't have a pilots license but when I was in my teens I did lots of time on simulators and got to the stage where I could actually take off and land. There was one session where I announced to virtual passengers at 33,000 feet that we were about to experience turbulence and to strap themselves in before rolling and inverting the aircraft before recovering it for a laugh. The instructor told me If I was ever going to go into the aviation business to let him know what I airline I was with so he could avoid flying with them. It's okay, I'm not a pilot in the real world so you're all safe !
𝟭𝟬. What is your dream collaboration?
Jimmy Page - I hadn't heard much Led Zeppelin until I picked up the BBC Session in Japan and after I listened to it I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. There are solos I have composed and would love to play but Im not a virtuoso like Page. I'd love to see and hear what he'd do to them.
Stream "Forever" now
and follow his socials
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeBlocka
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSecretRockN1
You will not be disappointed!
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