EMQ’s With WICKED SMILE
EMQ’s With WICKED SMILE
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Australian Heavy Rock band, Wicked Smile. huge thanks to their Guitarist, Stevie Janevski, 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 it’s Stevie Janevski, guitarist from Australian Heavy Rock band Wicked Smile.
Wicked Smile was formed in 2020. I started writing some songs and then contacted Danny Cecati (ex Pegazus & Eyefear) to demo up some of the material. As soon as Danny started singing I knew that this was going to be something special. We released the single ‘We Fall’ and received a fantastic response. We continued to write and record and released our debut album ‘Wait For The Night’, produced by my longtime friend Paul Laine (The Defiants). The reviews were amazing, some people (fans & press) called it Album Of The Year. The positive response brought lots of interest and we were offered some great tour slots. The band toured the United Kingdom in 2022 and supported bands such as H.E.A.T and Skid Row Australia wide. 2023 has proven to be just as busy. We will release a new EP titled ‘Night Time Riders’ on November 17th and we’ll tour the U.K. for a second time in November and December.
The band :
Danny Cecati – lead vocals
Dave Graham – guitars
Stevie Janevski – guitars
Tom Nugara – bass
Alex Rogowski – drums (U.K. Tour)
How did you come up with your band name?
I always liked the word ‘wicked’ and then wanted a ‘two part’ name like some of my fave bands eg. Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, etc. so Wicked Smile had a cool kind of ring to it.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
We are from Melbourne, Australia. I think we have the strongest scene in Australia. It’s a diverse scene with lots of great bands, eg. melodic rock, glam, hard rock, heavy metal, power metal, progressive metal, doom, death – we’ve got it. I think it’s a great scene, even if it is underground.
What is your latest release?
Our new 4 song ep is titled ‘Night Time Riders’ and it’s released on November 17th. We’ll be launching it with a headline show in Llandudno, UK with support from Cassidy Paris and Fugitive.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Many of our influences include bands like Rainbow, Judas Priest, Dio, Iron Maiden, Savatage, Icon, Wasp and Skid Row.
What first got you into music?
Good vocals and heavy guitars. Bands like Judas Priest come to mind. Rob Halford otherwise known as the Metal God for good reason. His voice floored me from the first time I heard it. The twin guitars attack of Tipton and Downing was also so ahead of its time. Amazing band!
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
I’d love to write with some of the guys from Skid Row. I think Bolan and Sabo wrote some very good songs. I’m really glad they’re getting a second run at things now with Gronwall fronting the band.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I did get a chance to play an acoustic show at Sweden Rock in the ELON Tent. That was great. But I’d love to play the main stage at Sweden Rock. It’s my favourite festival in the world …..and I’ve played or been to most around the world.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
After we played a show in Indonesia we received shirts as gifts. The problem was they were three sizes too small….and I’m not a big guy by any means.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thanks for your support. We always endeavour to meet our fans. We’re always happy to chat, take pictures and sign autographs.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Ronnie James Dio – my favourite singer. Rising and Heaven & Hell are two of my all-time favourite albums. R.I.P. the King of Rock & Roll.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love writing songs and performing live. I also love meeting our fans. There’s not much I really hate. I don’t like travelling on long flights, but I guess that’s how it is living in Australia. It’s something I have to do to get to play to our fans.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I think artists need to be compensated better for their digital music. Spotify & the like need to show more respect to songwriters and artists by paying them a lot better.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Rainbow Rising”
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?
I love vinyl for the package but I like CDs too as they’re a bit easier to look after. I was never really a fan of cassettes.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
I think our recent show in Sydney, Australia supporting Skid Row was amazing. We received a great response and we sold a bunch of merchandise.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
My other job is a Primary school teacher. I love teaching. It’s a very rewarding job.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Ronnie James Dio, Phil Lynott, Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen and Cozy Powell.
What’s next for the band?
We’re really excited to release our new EP and promote it on our upcoming UK Tour – which begins on the 17th of November.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
https://wickedsmileband.com/ (web)
https://store21429008.company.site/ (shop)
https://www.facebook.com/wickedsmileband/
https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmileband/
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?
mmmmm…..I dunno lol
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Check out our new video ‘Night Time Riders’ here :
Thanks for your support. Be sure to pick up a signed copy of our ep on our upcoming UK Tour.
Stevie & Wicked Smile
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.
