Band of the Day: Dario Distasi

Another multinational band today, based in the UK but with its origins all over the place…

Simple things first – where are you guys from?

Dario: I am a singer-songwriter from Italy. I moved to the UK in 2015, drawn by the Manchester music scene, which is absolutely amazing! Chris (lead guitars, backing vocals) is from Belfast; Damon (bass, backing vocals) moved to Manchester all the way from Australia a few years ago. Steve (drums) is from Salford – and proud!

How did you meet?

Dario: I met Chris (Taylor, owner and engineer at Noiseboy Studios) shortly after, when recording some of my demos. We work together very well, so I’m so happy he’s part of the band now!

Finally, I got in touch with Damon through an ad – he did immediately show interest in my music. He’s been good friends with Steve for a long time, and introduced me to him. They’re two amazingly talented musicians, and lovely guys!

How long have you been playing as a band?

Dario: We’ve been playing together since November 2018… Not much! As musicians, we have been part of many projects and played lots of gigs though.

Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?

Dario: What? That’s my name! Quite posh-sounding, I’ve been told! I’ve been writing songs for…ever, so it made perfect sense to me to put my name on this project.

What are your influences?

Dario: I would definitely mention Chris Cornell, he’s been among my main influences during the last decade. However, I grew up playing many genres and that definitely left a mark. I’ve been playing progressive, metal, as well as blues. In a way, guitar music put me on the map. That’s why some great solo instrumental music and not-so-obvious styles surely are part of my background.

Describe your music. What makes you unique?

Dario: I’ve been told what I do is thinking like a rock band who’s trying to be… a pop singer-songwriter. I guess that’s why you get the aggressiveness, raw guitar sounds together with clear structures and melodic vocal lines in my songs.

Do you have any particular lyrical themes?

Dario: There is a clear message behind the tracks on “Letting Go”. I am of course writing about relationships, but there’s more than that. For instance, “When The Lights Go Down” is about civil wars, and the need to escape from a world that is not the one you used to know anymore.

What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?

Dario: Loud. That’s mainly thanks to Steve, who’s the reason why I will be deaf very soon. Other than that, I’d say our aim is combining anthemic guitars with punchy drums to create a tempting sound. We’ve played about ten shows together, and they’ve all been special. We can’t wait for the next one!

What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?

Steve: Gig-wise, it was a pub gig. The smallest pub in the world, with more gear required than needed to play Wembley. Damo told this guy he had a funny accent, and he was asked if he was from the circus (circus was on across the road) he then proceeded to tell us all what we could do with certain bodily fluids.

What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?

Steve: So gear for me is Sabian Cymbals, Pearl Drums, Pro Mark sticks and Evans Heads.

Damon: Spector basses; Gallien Krueger amps.

Dario: My go-to guitar is a Tele. I love the sound, feel and looks of it. Amp-wise… I love a good Vox or Fender combo, as well as a Boogie for the heavier stuff.

What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?

We are playing UK gigs promoting the new EP Letting Go. The feedback we’re receiving both for our live performance and for our studio recordings/music videos is astonishing, this really is a great source of motivation!

What are your plans for 2019?

I’m writing new songs, which I am recording as soon as I’m happy with them – It’s a different approach to the one I used on Letting Go, and I like a lot as well. They are just demos for now, and I don’t know how I’m gonna use them yet!

If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting
and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!

Dario: Some very good local bands we’ve been happy to have onboard are Shape Of Water, Lester Verde and Shiva May Care: Check them out! All of us would LOVE opening for Alice In Chains – these guys are simply immense.

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