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:
Meet Kat Stein, the "Wonder Woman" of the Philly music scene. Kat is the keyboardist for alternative rock band Sonnder, and also plays keys and bass lady for soulful singer - songwriter Keely Sibilia. When she's not performing you can find her behind the bar at local Italian Market venue Connie's Ric Rac, She is also a full time nanny, music teacher, and human rights activist with a wicked sense of humor.
How do you take your coffee, tea? (or hey, whiskey!) Okay get ready for a long answer. Coffee: if I’m at Dunkin (no thanks yikes), black iced coffee with mocha. Pretty much anywhere else it’s cream and sugar BUT if I’m at Starbucks it’s almost always a tall soy caramel macchiato with an extra shot of espresso because who follows rules amirite??? Tea: just tea plz Whiskey: yes.
- Sounds like you're channeling your' inner Pat Benatar at Starbucks, and the bar. "Hit Me With Your Best Shot".
In this ever changing political climate, do you feel inspired to write, or do you feel overwhelmed?
I felt overwhelmed for about a month, then I became inspired. My friend Gianna Lozzi and I recently started a band/project called Someone’s Daughters. We are organizing a series of fundraisers called United Anonymous in which we round up performers, visual artists, sponsors, and pretty much anything else you can think of to raise money for different causes. Our first event is March 25th at Connie’s Ric Rac and it is titled “United Anonymous for Planned Parenthood.” Very excited to be doing something to stand up for what I believe, and to be playing (and soon, writing) with someone new! - Wow, that's amazing! (Check out the event page, and poster below the interview)
Who were your 3 biggest musical influences in high school?
Oh jeeze. Fall Out Boy, John Mayer, and The Rocket Summer.
- high school was all about the feelings, and a young handsome John Mayer. high fives!
Who are your 3 biggest musical influences right now?
Eisley, Bon Iver, Good Old War
- gotta say, been listening to "22, a million" on repeat this whole year. Eisley! yes. Love that you're influenced by the local indie folk rockers from Good Old War.
Have you always lived in Philadelphia?
No! I am from Vancouver, Washington. I lived in the same house until I was 18, then I moved to Philly to for college (o hai uarts) and have subsequently lived in many houses in this city.
- that is a pretty incredible commute, we're lucky to have you on the east coast! hopefully it rains less here If you had a friend come from out of town wanting to see the city, where would you take them first?
Oof the number of times I have had to think about this is pretty impressive. I always feel like I should show people the historical parts of the city first, but last time a friend visited the first place we went was Shake Shack because like…food.
- food first. then a run up rocky steps... depending on how much food of course.
What’s your favorite song you’ve ever written? ( and why?)
Definitely the Sonnder song "Pink". I didn’t write the melody or lyrics, but the instrumental I wrote/the song in general feels very emotional to me in a way that nothing else does, and I’m probably the most proud of that final product than any other song. It’s also one that we haven't gotten to play live yet, so that probably makes it more appealing to me.
- a beautiful intimate journey, go ahead, press play!
Anything you’d like to share with us? (Upcoming shows, singles, projects, fun facts
My band Sonnder is playing at the TLA on May 20th! We will also be releasing a single this spring, and hopefully an EP later in the year.
Also, like I said my new project Someone’s Daughters is organizing (and playing at!) a Planned Parenthood benefit show onMarch 25th at 2pm. FB Event Page
Fun fact: Starting onJanuary 1stof this year, at the end of every day I write down one thing that I am grateful for in my journal and it has improved my general happiness and appreciate for life probably 2 million percent.
- Congrats on your upcoming show at the TLA this spring! We look forward to hearing new music from Sonnder, and seeing more events from "Someone's Daughters". Love what you're doing in the philly music community, the United Anonymous Benefit for Planned Parenthood is definitely an event not to miss!
Josh Miller is a singer songwriter, and multi -instrumentalist based out of Philadelphia PA. When he's not performing his original tunes, you can catch him playing with the alt-folk band Former Belle. Make sure you check out his music on Facebook, Soundcloud, YouTube, Twitter.
How do you take your coffee, tea?
Cream and Sugar!
- can't go wrong there!
In this ever changing political climate, do you feel inspired to write, or do you feel overwhelmed?
Honestly my music is relatively introspective, so it really depends. It’s definitely really overwhelming to see what’s going on in this country, but it’s even more inspiring to see so many people marching and standing up for what they truly believe in.
-that's a great way to look at things Josh, high fives for optimism!
Who were your 3 biggest musical influences in high school?
Underoath
Bon Iver
Bright Eyes
-but, who doesn't like Bon Iver, am i right?
Who are your 3 biggest musical influences right now?
Bon Iver (kind of anything Justin Vernon does…)
James Vincent McMorrow
My friends! (they make really great music)
- in the words of the aussie rocker Courtney Barnett in her tune "Are You Looking After Yourself" - "my friends play in bands, they are better than, everything on radio", we couldn't agree more.
Have you always lived in Philadelphia?
I grew up in Lower Moreland which is a suburb right outside of northeast philly, but I spent a lot of time taking the train to the city to go to shows. I also spent some time living in northern Colorado during high school.
- that must've been a crazy transition from deserts and mountains, to suburbs and city trains, always great for the artist perspective
If you had a friend come from out of town wanting to see the city, where would you take them first?
I’d probably take them to Bourbon & Branch because the food is amazing and there’s usually a good show happening!
- A++ choice
What’s your favorite song you’ve ever written? ( and why?)
My favorite song as of right now that I’ve written is a song called “Visitors”. It sat on my computer in an Ableton project for about a year, and then one night everything kind of came together. It starts with a really simple chord progression and then by the end it swells into this big orchestral arrangement. Musically and lyrically it’s a song that was super different for me and has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone.
- go ahead, give it a listen, it's so so good.
Anything you’d like to share with us? (Upcoming shows, singles, projects, fun facts)
Right now I’m working on either a series of EPs or an LP and I can’t make up my mind because I have musical A.D.D.
March 19th I’ll be playing a set at The Barbary with my good buddies from Nashville called The Middle Ground. They’re on tour supporting their new record “Start Again” and it’s really great!
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?
