DYK (Did You Know) is a rock band consisting of JE Zerpa (writer / producer / drummer), and Oscar Fanega (bass guitar, backing vocals). There is also a newer member to the group, mysteriously named "The GHOST" (lead vocals). The band blends strong melodies, with intense lyrical themes, all held together by a powerful rhythm section. Today we are asking them 8 questions to get to know a little bit more about their songwriting process, band origins, and plans for the future.
1) Where did the band name DYK (Did You Know) come from?
We are living an era of misinformation. Apparently the things that matter the most are being ignored by a high percentage of people. However, in order for a band, product, brand to function, there must be some type of logic, trend behind it. The term "DYK" came from a widely used acronym over social networks (specially, text messaging, Instagram, etc.). Long story short, it's trendy. It also served as the perfect bridge in between our lyrics, bringing information to listeners, and keeping them wondering about what we are doing, and what we should be doing.
2) You call your vocalist "The GHOST", where does that alias originate, and why do we never see his face?
The GHOST is a representation of all the characters in our first CD It is always behind us, The Procrastinator, The Opportunist, All Criminals, Lies. They are either within ourselves or around us. The GHOST is that voice in our music. We will reveal his presence hopefully in our up-coming productions, more to come…
3) How did the members of DYK meet? Were you all living near Deerfield Beach Florida and decided to start collaboration on music? Or was it more of an online collaboration?
I was living in Deerfield Beach when we started this project, Oscar is near Barcelona, Spain. We met a long time ago, when we were just kids around 1974 (1975). After that was high school, then playing around bars and clubs. Around the 80’s we were able to connect. Out of many musicians and common friends, he was the only one humble enough to stay in the project. Persistence is more important than talent! Or, Show me, don’t tell me (Neil Pert)
4) Lots of bands want to be featured in Pitchfork, and playing the main-stages at music festivals, or have a top streaming song on Spotify... over the next 3 years, what are some of DYK's goals as a band?
We will continue producing music, the shows will come, that is for sure. The video production will follow depending on the response from social networks and followers, however, it is very important for bands and musicians to learn their place in the music market. The result from that will dictate what to do next. This business is a learning path right now, big labels will change their methodology hopefully or they will disappear completely, karma perhaps! Radio is not the same as it was 2 years ago.TV is moving and will move into Internet... basically, the music business is always adapting and transforming.
5) In your music video for "The Procrastinator" (featured below), what was the funnest or funniest thing that happened during the video shoot? Was it easy to record all the parts in one take or was it long process?
The creative process is fun from beginning to end. It is a huge sacrifice that will suck your brain inside out, and it will keep you awake 24/7, but it will also give you great satisfaction when you see all the pieces together as a whole. It doesn’t matter if it takes short or long time to do it, as long as the music is good!
6) All of your songs touch on thematic elements, specifically social and environmental justice. We're curious, what was the inspiration behind the lyrics to the chorus of "The Opportunist" : "I am, The one, In constant adaptation, Best friend, Pretend, No shame, Never stop to rest"?
Great question, and I'm actually very happy that you did your research… Thanks, I am a very straight forward type of person, sometimes, a bit bold on my remarks. I’ve been surrounded by what I call 'POLITICIANS', people that give you the biggest smile right in your face, only to find out later on, that they will stab you in your back. Be aware of the politicians!
7) Is there any top 40 pop or rock artists that you all like, that you might be embarrassed to admit?
There is nothing to be ashamed about good music, Oscar is a JAZZ guy, I am a bit more hard core. I came from Funk, Latin, Progressive, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, Disco, ranging from Iron Maiden to Jaco Pastorious, James Brown, Salsa. All are all great musicians/ make good music, believe it or not, some of the rhythm guitars from AC/DC has the salsa clave 2/3 or 3/2 in it, of course, rockers are not aware of that, but it is there. Some of the most awesome tunes from The Police are based on reggae, 'Full in the Rain' by Led Zeppelin and 'Roxanna' from Toto are based on a shuffle beat, widely used on JAZZ, rag time (1895-1918). <any Top 40’s compositions are still imitating James Brown grooves and vocal phrasing, composers takes all these into an account, music needs to groove! Rock, Metal, Salsa, Merengue, RAP, Reggaeton...They all must groove or it won't work.
8) Your first EP "World Without Face" featured 7 songs all written by JE Zerpa, and mastered by Steve Corrao at SAGE STUDIOS... how many songs were in consideration for the EP? Was there any that didn't make the cut?
7 is an important number in the world of design, and in the world of harmony. The 7 knows that nothing is exactly as it seems and that reality is often hidden behind illusion. 7 is the number of completeness and perfection, so, 7 is the number for our very first EP. Which bring to us a question for you: isn’t it better to have a 7 questions interview?....CHEERS
Watch the Official Music Video + Lyrics for "The Procrastinator" by DYK below:
5) In your music video for "The Procrastinator" (featured below), what was the funnest or funniest thing that happened during the video shoot? Was it easy to record all the parts in one take or was it long process?
