interview with DNA
Have any of you played in other bands? I used to play in the NYC metal band Stretcher. We were a power/prog band with killer vocals.
How is it that you started playing music? I started playing trumpet first at age 9, I took up guitar at age 13 and haven't looked back since! I was of course heavily into hard rock, but I was also interested in Jazz and Classical music as a teenager as well. I actually studied Jazz in college.
What are your names? / Who plays what? Just me, Dana deChaby. I played all the guitar and bass parts and the drums were done with Toontrack EZ Drummer
Did you make music even when you were young? I've been playing guitar since age 13, and I've always written music. However, I don't think I really found myself as a composer until the last 10 years or so.
Where are you from? I'm from McLean Virginia, it's a suburb of Washington DC. I moved to NYC at age 18 and I've been here ever since.
What year did the band form? I've been doing this solo project since 2010
What's your style of genre? I would call it instrumental progressive metal. Or maybe metal/fusion
What inspires you? Musically I'm inspired by great music. Most often these days I'm inspired by classical music I'm always discovering. There is so much incredible music from the history of western music, it's impossible to listen to it all. Sometimes I get into a metal kick, and I listen to new bands that inspire me. Lately I've been listening to a lot of John Coltrane, he was a huge influence to me. It's great to go back to music that inspired you when you were younger with more experienced ears. If you know what I mean.
How have you developed since you started with the music? I think I have. Technically on the guitar I'm always trying to improve. A lot of what I do with my practicing is simply maintaining my technique to be honest. I DO feel that I've made major breakthroughs in composing and harmony just in the last 5 years. This has been mainly from listening and studying to composers such as: Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, Bartok, Shostakovich and many others.
Do you have other interests of work outside the band? Unfortunately, I'm heavily interested in US politics. It's a constant source of anxiety these days. I like sports as well. Mostly music though.
Are you looking for a booking agency, and what are your thoughts around that? It would be nice to have someone book shows for me, as long as they were some what profitable. There seem to be less and less performing opportunities near me, so a booking agent would be a plus.
Are you looking for a label, and what are your thoughts around that? Ideally yes, it would be nice to have a label that focused on this type of music support me and throw some promotional weight behind my music. However, it is possible to do everything yourself now. From recording, mixing and distribution.
What made you decide to make this music? It's the kind of music I would want to listen to.
Do you compose in a certain environment? I generally come up with "seed" ideas when I'm practicing. Once I have enough of these, I go to my computer and start recording them and compose as I go. Often times, I'll have outlines of the songs in mind, so the composing process is rather quick.
Where can people buy your merchandise? My music is available to download on all the major platforms. iTunes, Amazon music, Spotify etc...
What do you think about people downloading music instead of buying records now a days? I do it, it's easy and cheap. I can't really complain if people do the same. I do feel that the demise of the long form release, the CD or LP, has shortened peoples attention spans for listening.
How do you think the music industry have changed because of this? Well, it's made the release of music much less profitable, if at all. It seems that the only way to make any money is from touring. Licensing and film scoring are two avenues I'd like to explore in the future to make a living.
What do you think of my work? I think what you're doing is great! You're providing a large audience for new music. I wish there were more like you!
How do you think and know that this interview will help you in the music business? I hope it gives me some exposure outside my normal channels. Social media etc... We shall see!
Do you have any role models or idols? I have many. Tony MacApine I've looked up to for many years. He's such a fantastic player and composer, I've learned a lot from him. Steve Vai as well. I've been heavily influenced by what Tosin Abasi and John Browne have been doing with instrumental heavy music. I LOVE Derek Sherinian, the keyboard player from Sons of Apollo and formerly Planet X and Dream Theater. He plays keys like a guitarist! Heavy too. Also all the classical composers I mentioned. Bach, Beethoven, Shostakovich being the main ones.
Why do you think that they exist? Idols? They become our idols because they speak to us. Music is so abstract and mysterious. When you hear something that inspires you, you want to find out why. You want to learn how they did what they did. That's how you develop your own voice.
Is it easier to find inspiration from older bands, or bands that are more active today? It's all the same. I would say it's easier to discover old music, especially classical music, because of all the streaming services, Spotify, Youtube etc. On a whim you can search and discover entire catalogs of an artist.
What have been your biggest obstacles? Lack of time.Also, I have a problem with self doubt. Although I have a pretty healthy ego, it can be a struggle having faith that what you're doing is going to going to be understood by everybody. I think this is common with most artists.
What advice would you give other bands or artists? Learn to code, or go to business school! No, just kidding. Do what you love, never give up. And buy Apple stock.
How do you get psyched for a gig? I usually drink two beers and have a third ready for on stage. Almost like a world class athlete.
Do you have any new material? I do. My most recent album, Dark Matter, was just released. It's a nine track all instrumental album featuring seven string guitar and some brutal riffing. There are also a few acoustic touches on there I'me very proud of.
It's available on iTunes etc...YOu can get the links on my site.
What are your web sites?
https://www.facebook.com/DNAGUITAR7
https://twitter.com/DNAGUITAR7
https://www.youtube.com/user/dnaguitar7
How can people reach you? You can email me through my site, or contact me through facebook or twitter.
What are your plans for the future? I want to do a bunch of shows with my band for this most recent release. After that I think I'm going to do an EP about the apocalypse. Coming soon! The EP I mean, hopefully not the apocalypse.
Do you have something to add? Just thanks for the interview Robex. Stay frosty my friend!