EMQ’s With VONAVIBE
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Greek Heavy Modern Rock band, Vonavibe. Huge thanks to their Bassist/ Lead Vocalist, Dyon, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Hi, my name is Dyon, I play bass and lead vocals. Vonavibe started out in 2016 and have since released an EP, titled “Vol. I”, two singles through Panik Records, “Come Undone” and” Run ‘n’ Hide” and our latest release is our debut album “Bleed To Life”, through Eclipse Records. During the pandemic we also released an EP titled “Locked Up” which contained three cover songs, paying tribute to some of our favourite artists.
How did you come up with your band name?
The band was originally called Vice Versa. After we landed our first major label deal we realised we needed a name that would be unique. We already had the logo with the double VΛ so we started experimenting with vowels. Hence we discovered the word “Vona”, which means hope in Icelandic. Vonavibe means a sense of hope.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
The members are originally from Greece and Canada. Vonavibe are currently residing in Athens, Greece. Greece has been the home for musicians such as Gus G, Septic Flesh, Rotting Christ and if we go way back, the mighty Vangelis, Yanni, etc. It is safe to say that Greece is really big in music and new bands are emerging constantly with really interesting music!
What is your latest release?
Our latest release is our debut album, titled “Bleed To Life” and is out through Eclipse Records.
Who have been your greatest influences?
For me personally, I would say Metallica, Queen and The Rolling Stones have been the three pillars that got me into music. Sure, many bands came to my attention that I grew to love such as Oasis, The Cranberries, Tool, Nickelback (yes the band everyone loves to hate lol) but these bands were the ones that really got me into music.
What first got you into music?
My mother took me to a Rolling Stones concert when I was 12, my first gig ever. This was during the Bridges To Babylon Tour and the moment that huge screen lid up and laid my eyes on Keith Richards playing the first notes of ‘Satisfaction’, I knew what I wanted to do with my life.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Five Finger Death Punch and Halestorm. Ivan Moody and Lzzy Hale have such unique voices and the songwriting is second to none.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Top of my head, Download festival for sure! Having the chance to play in front of 120,000 people is simply mind blowing!
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
The occasional bra that gets tossed on the stage… lol.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
That positive things can come out from the most negative circumstances imaginable. Being positive is a state of mind. This is actually the meaning behind Vonavibe.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Freddie Mercury without a doubt.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
The freedom of it, being able to express yourself while doing what you love. I can honestly say there is nothing that I hate about being a musician. Even the long hours in the studio or all the hard work that goes into producing an album. I wouldn’t change any of that
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
That would be the way music is consumed. We have reached to a point that an album’s lifespan equals to a week. Every week hundreds of bands release new content through DSPs, making it literally impossible to keep up. I think it is safe to say that the music industry has been transformed into a fast food enterprise.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“The Black Album”. It is no accident that it is considered one of the most important albums, selling approximately 10,000 copies every week, 30 years after it was released!
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Vinyl would always be the top choice but it comes at a price. CD is the clear winner without a doubt sound wise but the undeniable truth is that downloads and DSPs in general have provided a practical way of listening to music. I still remember the days when we were carrying around those huge cases that could fit up to 100 CDs!
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
That would be Desestfest in Berlin. Monster Magnet was headlining that day and getting the chance to play in front of such a huge crowd, full of energy while enjoying the perks of a well planned production was truly a day to remember.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Chef and restaurateur in general! That is actually a profession I practiced for almost half my life. I was always amazed by what can be accomplished by a well trained team both back and front of the house, resulting in an unforgettable experience.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Lars Ulrich, Larry King, Howard Stern, Robert Redford and last and certainly not least my better half. Now that would be a night to remember.
What’s next for the band?
We have another single coming out mid July and we are preparing a few gigs coming September which include some European countries. Stay tuned!
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
You can find our music on every DSP known as well as Soundcloud! You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Vero and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@vonavibe
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/vonavibe/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Vonavibe
Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@vonavibe
Twitter – https://twitter.com/vonavibe
Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/vonavibe
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
A Roll is and will always be a Roll!!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you for your interest in our music, be kind to each other and hopefully we will see you out there!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.