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I N T E R V I E W
June 2004
Demonika Darkly


1. What type of band are you?
Demonika Darkly: We are an all girl goth band which uses violin, theremin, bass, lap top computer, live percussion at times, and soulfully melodic vocals. Demonika Darkly is the lead Dark Diva and live percussion, Devlyn Darkly is the programmer/composer of the lap top, backing vocals, violin, and theremin, and Dv8 Darkly provides the low driving bass guitar and composing of synth, and backing vocals.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.
Demonika Darkly: Devlyn and Demonika were sitting at Highland Grounds in Hollywood, eating vegetarian (the whole band is vegetarian) Chimichangas and watching our friend Kelly Mantle's band Mantle play, when we both looked at each other and said, "Why can't we be a band?" Next thing we know...we got Dv8 on board, and started creating music that made us happy and didn't sound like everything else out there. We started playing smaller places like a friend's art opening, and Highland Grounds in Hollywood...but quickly grew into places like The Knitting Factory for the KXLU 88.9 FM American Rock Idol Show, The Gig on Melrose a couple times, and Fais Do Do.
(include when you started and some shows you've played)

3. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
Demonika Darkly: Musical influences for us are The Cure, Nick Cave, Stevie Nicks, Soft Cell, DUB, Orbital, Janis Joplin, Justin Timberlake (we do a mean goth cover unplugged of Cry Me a River), Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Cat Stevens. Also...our producer Johnny from Ethyl Meatplow and Nitzer Ebb is a huge influence, and the Full Moon tends to me a huge influence on Demonika's lyric writing.

4. What are your dreams and goals?
Demonika Darkly: To continue ripping our chests open, and letting our souls flow out in our music. We are so happy...like proud mothers...when a new song is born...and when the 3 of us each put our parts together in developing a song...something special and unspoken happens...and we know the song is ready. Our next goal after completing our first EP Venus Blush...is to go out and play live more, and create some new songs, and get started on the LP.

5. Who writes the songs, what are they about?
Demonika Darkly: All three of us write the songs. Devlyn and Dv8 both start out on the computer writing separately...bring ideas to all three members. and then the members write their own parts to go along with it (bass, violin, theremin, and lyrics). the lyrics I (Demonika) write can range from a Vampire's love song (Blood at First Bite), to a child's nightmare (Carousel of Flame), to an anthem for the Full Moon (October Moon).

6. What's your opinion of George Bush?
Demonika Darkly: Nothing good. It is time for him to stop playing war, and step down and let a grown up take over...leave women's rights and artists alone too, you jerk~!

7. How do you promote your band and shows?
Demonika Darkly: Demonika does all the promoting...I use Friendster.com, My Space.com, our web site ( http://www.demonikaandthedarklings.com), as well as an e-mail list I have been collecting fans on since our very first show. I also drag the Darklings out with me to various goth clubs in the Los Angeles area to pass out flyers and talk up the shows. If there is a Demonika and the Darklings show coming up...you will undoubtably see Demonika outside the front door of Bar Sinister as people are leaving at 2am passing out flyers and saying "All girl goth band" with each one. You will probably see Devlyn giggling behind her, and Dv8 drinking the beer she snuck out of the club too.

8. Describe your show, visual and musically:
Demonika Darkly: Our shows are very interactive...we usually have people dancing near the front stage area, and Demonika will include the audience in the fun by little sayings in between the songs. We also have Demonika's High School friend Plastilina...an amazing drag queen/performer doing interpretive dance and passing out fruit salad at some of our gigs! Never a dull moment at a D&D show!

9. What do you think about downloading music online?
Demonika Darkly: We're fine with it...we all do it...let it continue...it is in fact a great way to promote...if they download you, and like you...they will soon end up at a show and tell their friends...

10. What's your outlook on the record industry today?
Demonika Darkly: It's fine...it's there...we have not yet found a need for it...we record everything thru Devlyn's beautiful G4 in our home studio, and Dv8 designed and redesigns our website, and Demonika promotes, manages, and books...so we really have everything all together at this point. It would be nice to have someone do all of that stuff so we could concentrate only on music and creating...but if the Universe has that in mind for us....it will come.

11. What's your claim to fame?
Demonika Darkly: I believe what is unique about our band is the instruments we use...instead of just being your basic bass, guitar, and drum band...we bring in instruments that most people wouldn't think of using, and we have rockin' violin solos instead of tired guitar solos!

12. Tell us a story about a day in your life.
Demonika Darkly: A day in Demonika and the Darklings' life consists of meeting at Devlyn's house, and talking about band business (new developments on gigs, new instruments or equipment, etc)...after that we will usually rehearse for a while to keep everything fresh, and then record and mix...sometimes for 12 hours straight with our producer. It always amazes us that we can do this for that long...yet...it really goes by in a snap...that is because music is our passion, and we love doing it. If we are playing a live show...that day will consist of Demonika drinking throat coat with a chaser of a shot of Tequila (my before show ritual) and the three of us driving to the gig together on cell phones with people calling us for last minute directions to the show (love that) and then once we get there...going into that space where nothing else matters but the music and letting it flow from us into the audience.

13. What inspires you to do what you do?
Demonika Darkly: The need to create, and touch people with what we create.

14. What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Demonika Darkly: Be nice to other bands...plain and simple...we always talk to the other bands that we are on a bill with, you never know who will be your next comrades...help each other along in this industry called music...the more gigs they get...the more gigs you will be asked to play, and the more opportunites you will have to grow as musicians. No one likes a band who thinks they are all that.

15. What are some of your pet peeves?
Demonika Darkly: Paying for a sound check, pay to play, or selling tickets to play...all of which we have never...and will never do.

16. How does music affect you and the world around you?
Demonika Darkly: My lyrics and singing keep me sane, and I believe the same happens for Dv8 and Devlyn. I know from interaction I have had with people around the US who have heard us on internet radio (http://www.cobwebsinthecloset.com), or thru our web site (http://demonikaandthedarklings.com)...they have all said that our music is soothing and makes them happy to be listening, and that the lyrics really speak to them...that is what makes us happy.

17. What's new in the recording of your music?
Demonika Darkly: We just bought new mics...they came in a set with a huge vocal mic (for my huge vocals...I can get loud!) and an instrument mic which really adds to the sound of the violin and bass. We are almost done with the EP...we just have 2 more songs to mix, and then all 5 need to be mastered and sent on their way to you!

18. What are the biggest obstacles for bands?
Demonika Darkly: Staying together and getting along I think. We have it easy because we are all girls...so we understand each other, and we were all great friends well before we started the band. Dv8 and Demonika have been friends for 10 years, and Devlyn and Demonika for 4. I (Demonika) grew up around a lot of bands, and even lived with a few in my early 20's...and all I remember is BAND DRAMA...this guy hates that guy because he wrote this song, but that song is being used, and the drummer dates her...but she likes the singer...MY GOD! Not that we don't have our problems here and there...but we are grown ups, and friends, and that is what gets us through it.

19. What's the best and worst thing about playing clubs?
Demonika Darkly: The best thing is the amount of people you get to bring your music to...the worst thing is the amount of people who are just there to get drunk, pick up on people, and couldn't care less about the live entertainment.

20. Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.
Demonika Darkly: We have Mr T's in Highland Park coming up on 6/14, and The Dangerous Curve coming up on 7/3...check our site out for directions/addresses. Mr T's is great...it's a hole in the wall with a lot of great talent that got it's start in those walls...Beck being one of them. The Dangerous Curve is in the Downtown LA Art District, and has been called "the next Studio 54" by the press. Go there to see great music,art and people with a wonderful vibe...bring friends...the more the scarier!


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