RealSoundsOK: Violent Divine Q&A

Your name:

My name is Divine - Mike Divine and the band name is Violent Divine. We often get the question how we picked the band name and what we mean by it. I think one of the toughest things about being in a band is to come up with a name that isn't too corny - even though some people have that opinion about Violent Divine, but that's ok. Just as long as they don't ignore us ;) The story behind the name is a bit weird however. We found an online blog written by a British, er, escort professional, named Violet Divine. That band name was however already taken by some rap act, if I remember correctly. So after a few pints we decided to go with Violent Divine. Of course it's also a great name since we can include it in lyrics, referring to Divine things or Violent things and have a bit of play with words. Interestingly, some people take offense by that, while others see the humour.

Where are you from?

We're from a small Swedish town called Norrköping... well most of us that is. Oscar is from somewhere up north in the great outdoors. Somewhere.

Name of band:

Violent Divine.

Who else is in your band?

Besides me, who do the vocal parts, it's S.J Divine doing all things guitars, Oscar Divine is responsible for the bass and Simon Divine is banging the drums and whatnot.

How would you describe yourselves?

As a band we try to put all of our energy into the songs and the live performance. It's supposed to leave you gasping for air. As individuals, well I guess we are all insane in four different ways. I am the manic primadonna (but also a nice guy), S.J is the angry guitarist who will stop at nothing to release his bottled up energy, like training some weird form of karate or riding his dirt bike, Oscar is the secretive weirdo of the band. It's like you never know what's on his mind or what will come out of his mouth next. Strangely enough, for a basist, he's the band's ladies-man. Simon has some not yet discovered three letter diagnose. I guess that's why he's behind the drums, doing sports, being a hard working student of things normal people can't possibly understand.

Who are your main influences musically?

We have lots of individual musical influences. For me personally I pick up stuff from the 70s glam era, 70's punk, 80's glam, 80s British New wave of Heavy Metal as well as modern rock like Mudvayne, Five Finger Death Punch. But I also love Manic Street Preachers, Radiohead, Garbage and loads of indie/alternative stuff. I know S.J and Simon are into progressive stuff like Dream Theatre and Oscar is the thrash-freak, constantly namedropping bands I never heard of.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Well that's a tough question. Of course we'd love to be able to be on stage as much as possible, release new music when we want to. Luckily the DIY-way to do things makes it all so much easier, at least in my opinion. You no longer have to sit on your ass and wait for a label to do absolutely nothing. OK, I admit a star on Hollywood Boulevard wouldn't hurt, or maybe a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, but that'll have to wait I guess ;)

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

I can think of three highlights actually. Doing gigs in the UK with brothers in arms New Generation Superstars, the Roko Naktys Festival in Lithuania was a blast both times we played there, and of course the Mama Trash Fest in Helsinki, Finland, is always great. That's like doing a show for the family.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

I (don't) remember a show in Lahti, Finland. I accidentally had too much of some Finnish liquer and just simply couldn't perform at all. Luckily there was only two people in the crowd. Unfortunately I met these two guys on the boat ferry back to Sweden and they carefully explained to me how much I sucked. They were right. The numer of people in the crowd isn't important. I give 100% plus for any size of audience.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Personally I'd pick Blackheart because it's a great mix of heavy guitar riffs, a great melody and catchy chorus - and the lyrics are dark enough.

Where can we listen to it?

https://soundcloud.com/violentdivine/violentdivineblackheart