PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF FOR US WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH YOU AND YOUR MUSIC AND TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
Hi, I am Papa B.™ the founder, bassist, and lead songwriter of the Delphi Ravens. The Delphi Ravens are an indie/alternative rock band founded in late 2019 by ASCAP songwriter Papa B.™ The band comes from the Pacific Northwest with its rich history of breakthrough music. Vocalist Kira delivers her dynamic vocals and co-writes many of the songs.
The band’s sound has been compared to many artists including Deftones, Evanescence, Fleetwood Mac, Heart, Foo Fighters, etc.
The Band says, “We aren't vanilla or chocolate, but a blend of unique musical flavors!”
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR NEW SINGLE?
Our latest single, Phobia, is all about fears people have. It has been called eerie and dark which is pretty accurate. The opening guitar chords are ‘creepy’ on purpose and set the tone for the rest of the song. And the smooth vocals on top of the sound really work well. We have a lot of fun playing it live – it sounds very close to the recording which is always a good thing.
WHAT INSPIRED THE SINGLE?
I was thinking about things people fear the most like public speaking, spiders, and so on. So, I did a little research for a bunch of fears = phobias and picked the ones I thought would work in the song. One thing many people do not catch is that each line in a verse corresponds to the same line in its chorus. Kira sings the type of ‘phobia’, and the guys follow with the actual word.
WHAT RECORD CHANGED YOUR LIFE AND WHY?
I’m not sure any one record changed my life but if I had to pick, I might say Tool’s Innoculum or Rush’ Clockwork Angels. I listen for unique ideas and riffs and even chord or time changes. Both bands have or had incredible drummers and as a bassist that really opens up possibilities for polymeters and polyrhythms. Right now, I listen to mostly new alternative songs from artists around the world.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE MUSIC VIDEO FILMED BY YOUR BAND OR ANOTHER ARTIST?
We do. I had an animè artist create our latest video for a song titled Always in the Way and it came out really cool: https://youtu.be/4NjnaY--gRU
WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING WHEN YOU'RE NOT MAKING MUSIC?
If the weather is decent, probably outside on my property (always something to do) or taking care of my chickens, or just relaxing on the deck and watching deer and wild turkeys wander by my home. Can’t beat it! Like to hike as well.
DO YOU GET NERVOUS PERFORMING LIVE, IF SO, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?
Actually, very little but always some nerves if a really big crowd. I learned how to deal with it when I was a keynote speaker for a couple of years. When it’s just you, 3,000 people, and 2 giants screens on each side, you learn to deal with it or just faint. Luckily, I avoided fainting, LOL.
HOW DID YOU FORM THE BAND?
Well, I thought it would never happen because it took so long, about a year. I went through dozens of auditions to find people who could play but, more importantly, get along without a lot of drama. Fortunately, I found them and really enjoy playing and recording with them.
HOW DO YOU WRITE? - DO YOU HAVE A KEY SONGWRITER, OR DO YOU ALL WORK TOGETHER?
I write about 2/3 of the lyrics and all the music except melodies which Kira (lead vocals) writes as well as the other lyrics. We collaborate together on a lot of aspects of each song. Normally, I have the tempo and chord sequences worked out (and bass line) and present those on a big easel and lined pad. We then start playing it and work out any adjustments needed and additions as well. Overall, it saves time to do it this way and works for us.
I encourage the band to give input and ideas for every song. I might have a desire to have a fill, guitar riff, between verses or something and ask our lead to create something within the key we are in if I don’t have a specific idea already worked out.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Life experiences are the biggest inspiration for both Kira and I although we do create a few songs based on other things we have strong feelings about. For example, our song Justify, is about animal cruelty of all kinds which I have a strong desire to see end.
WHAT IS NEXT?
We recorded 11 songs during the pandemic (and have 5 more for the studio) so we plan to release our first EP this year and our first album next year. We are now booking live gigs and will mix those in between recording and songwriting sessions. Touring is on hold until maybe late 2023.
PLEASE TELL US ANY SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS SO WE CAN SHARE.
First, we are on all major streaming platforms. And thanks for asking for the social links. Here you go, website first. https://delphiravens.com https://www.facebook.com/delphiravens https://www.instagram.com/delphiravens/ https://www.youtube.com/c/DelphiRavens https://twitter.com/DelphiRavens https://www.reverbnation.com/artist/delphiravens
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