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Long-running local band Deveat begins sixth year with a third album**
A focus on original music drives local band Deveat**
* denotes articles published by The Laredo Morning Times. read articles below or visit the LMT website by clicking on title.
+ denotes independent review or article (r2's review was deleted when the website owners decided to make it an exclusive hardcore bands site)
**published by Laredos a Journal of the Border Newspaper
Local band rejects tradition to write, perform original material
BY KELLY HILDEBRANDT
Times staff writer
Anyone visiting one of the few bars in Laredo that plays live music is likely to hear an array of cover music. But one local band,
Deveat, is breaking with tradition and offering Laredoans original music. They are one of the few bands in Laredo that doesn't play cover music.
Although it's been a tough beginning, Frank Campero, guitarist for the band, said that people are catching on. The band, comprised of vocalist Carlos Imperial, bass guitarist Sergio Saenz, drummer Alejo Ortiz and Campero have been together for about a year.
While they play in a number of clubs around Laredo, they're also traveling to places such as McAllen to play and hope soon to break out in San Antonio. Currently, they're recording their second CD and hope to release a single soon on Laredo radio stations.
But playing in a town used to listening to cover music isn't always easy, they say. "The clubs are tough on us because we don't play cover tunes," Campero said. But that is their talent.
"Not everyone can write," Campero says. "A lot of people can play but it takes a little something extra to write." The band's background is as diverse as their music, with ages ranging from 17 to 27. "Rock-n-roll knows no age," Campero said. "If you can play, you can play."
Imperial, who writes many of the songs, said he's been interested in music since he was a kid. "I didn't think about it much when I was a kid," Imperial said. "To me it just comes naturally." While Imperial said he doesn't like to classify their music, he said it is comprised mostly of rock ballads about experiences that have either happened to band members or friends.
"To me we're like a real rock-n-roll band," Campero said. "We don't have to conform to any certain style, only our own." For more information on
Deveat, e-mail frank_c72@hotmail.com.
(Staff writer Kelly Hildebrandt can be reached at 728-2568 or by e-mail at kelly@lmtonline.com)
Rock band Deveat to play at El Escarabajo
BY RAUL LANCON JR.
Times staff writer
Laredo's alternative/rock scene is expanding, thanks to several non-cover bands who don't hesitate to be original.
According to Webster's dictionary deviate is the act of departing significantly from the behavioral norms of a particular society.
That's exactly what local band Deveat (pronounced 'deviate') is doing.
With the band members' ages ranging from 18 to 29, this really is not a band made up of kids wanting to be rock stars. To add more distinction, they rarely play other artists' music, and with more than 30 original songs to their name, why should they?
The band was formed in late 1999, and without wasting time, Deveat started working on their first album entitled "Downtime," which featured 10 tracks and one hidden track that was released a year later. The album was entirely original and self produced.
The songs on "Downtime" range from heavy power chord rhythms to a slower alternative sound.
Deveat is composed of Carlos Imperial (guitar, lead vocals), Frank Campero (lead guitar), Adam Puckett (bass), Alejo Ortiz (drummer) and have Peter Mares as manager.
The band members say they formed the band to produce solely original work.
"We got together for the music, we weren't looking to jump on any bandwagon and be sound-alikes. Our music is different; its not all metal or all this, its different styles," Campero said.
Due to their originality, the band has even been mistaken as being an out-of-town venues.
"One of the times we played here in Laredo someone came up to us and asked if we were from Austin. People here are not used to bands playing original stuff," Imperial said.
"Everything that's original people think it's from Austin," Mares said.
Deveat has played various spots in South Texas and Northern Mexico which include the Flight Line Club in Kingsville, Baby Boomers in McAllen, and locally at Barrileros, Sal's and the Juice Stop.
The band has also created two music videos for the songs "Nothing More" and "Missing You." The videos were aired in the Laredo's public access channel.
Deveat is currently working on its second album.
"Our new material is different from the first album," Campero said.
The band has also been featured in the late-night "Small Hours" show of a local radio station.
You can catch Deveat's original music at El Escarabajo, a club in Nuevo Laredo on Saturday, March 2.
(Raúl Lancón Jr. may be reached at 728-2543 or by e-mail at quepasa@lmtonline.com)
Rock band Deveat to host 'New Blood 2' in N.L.
BY EMILIO RABAGO III
¿Qué Pasa? Int'l coordinator
While the alternative/rock genre is rapidly gaining popularity across the nation with the music of groups such as Linkin Park, Slipknot and P.O.D., Laredo's rock scene is not far behind.
In a city, and region, where Tejano music dominates, many rock bands are achieving success, partly due to the changing times.
Deveat is one of those local rock bands that not only helps itself. The band is fixing to help other rock bands that currently lack exposure.
In an effort to highlight new talent of Los Dos Laredos, the four-member band is planning to host "New Blood 2" in Nuevo Laredo.
The event, designed by bassist Adam "Adam-O" Puckett, will showcase several rock bands from Laredo, including Executed, Saven, Taladro, Up Against the World, A.D., and of course, the host Deveat.
"New Blood 2" will take place on Saturday, April 27, at El Escarabajo Bar in Nuevo Laredo. The bar is located at 3105 Victoria.
The event begins around 10 p.m., Deveat Manager Peter Mares said.
Mares said that the event is hosted only when there is enough talent to showcase and that he hopes to make the "New Blood" semi-annually.
"We want Laredo to meet this new talent and to begin to realize that there are other forms of music out there," Mares said.
Mares said the event benefits the new bands because "They might not get enough exposure by themselves."
The first "New Blood" was hosted by "Syndicate X" a couple of months ago.
Hosted each time by a different band, the event is already seeking participants for the next "New Blood."
"I want new bands to call beforehand so that the event can go smoother," Puckett said. He can be reached at 791-3866.
Deveat is composed of Carlos Imperial, guitar and lead vocals; Frank Camper, lead guitar; Alejo Ortiz, drums; and Adam Puckett, bass. Deveat's original songs include "Alone," "Brand New," "Through You," and "22."
(¿Qué Pasa? International coordinator Emilio Rábago III can be reached at 728-2543, or by e-mail at
emilior@lmtonline.com.)
Rock band Deveat plans third-year anniversary show
BY EMILIO RABAGO III
¿Qué Pasa? Int'l coordinator
Although new bands may struggle during the first days, some local bands have managed to stay together. And that's exactly what rock band Deveat has done for the past three years.
Deveat founder Carlos Imperial says keeping the band together has its rewards.
"It feels great because since day one, we've been playing our own music and that tells us we're doing something right," Imperial said. "We try not sticking to any style or be like any other bands."
With an album under their belts and more than 30 original songs, Deveat is planning an aniversary show.
The band will be playing at Guapo's Sports Café on Saturday, June 8, the same night of the championship match between Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis.
For those fight aficionados who will be at Guapo's to see the fight, Imperial said they can expect "to hear something differenct, an original band with high-energy and melodic."
The Guapo's show is scheduled from 10:30 p.m. to about 1:30 a.m.
"We usually play about 34 songs in one night," Imperial said.
Imperial also mentioned that the band has not only played the Laredo nightlife circuit, but that they have also performed in Brownsville, Kingsville, San Antonio and, of course, Nuevo Laredo. Deveat is currently "trying to set foot in Austin."
Deveat's first CD, entitled "Downtime" has 10 tracks.
A second album is in the works and a third is not far away because the band has enough material, since they play over 30 songs a night.
"We'll be back into the studio in summer to record a new CD with another 10 songs," he said.
Imperial noted that the response to the first songs has been strong.
"Pretty positive response from the people. No negative feedback. We get encouraged by the response," he said. People ask 'who plays this song?' It's pretty encouraging."
"For the second CD, we expect better response because we have changed and improved as we've matured."
Imperial said the band's style has changed because they have developed as musicians and have become wiser.
"It's not our goal to change our music everytime," he said.
Imperial started playing with bands since he was 15. After developing Deveat, he recruited members through a newspaper ad and from the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts.
As for the future, Imperial said that the band plans to stay together by just "being ourselves."
"We'll continue to play music and write and see where that takes us. Our goal continues to be the same since day one," he said.
(¿Qué Pasa? International Coordinator Emilio Rábago III can be reached at 728-2543 or by e-mail at
emilior@lmtonline.com.)
Deveat's 'Day After Day' combines rock genres
BY RAUL LANCON JR.
Times staff writer
As I walk into Deveat's home studio, I can tell these guys are in it for the music. Guitar in the stand, drum set by the door, Cakewalk running on a PC mixer against a wall and enough wiring to set up a small town for electricity, I realize these guys are true musicians.
I walk into their place on Laredo's west side, and they kindly offer me a soft drink.
The band recently released its second album, "Day After Day," which combines heavy metal with mellow rock.
The band has truly matured, not only in their music, but in their recording techniques. The new album is inspiring; it features local independent music at its best.
The band's vocalist and lead guitarist Carlos Imperial, in his late 20s, explained why people should listen to their music.
"It's up to the listener to make the choice, but if you do decide to listen to our music then you will experience a different blend of rock," he said.
And they truly offer a different blend of rock.
Two songs that stand out are "Death of Trance" where the band invents something new, something I would call 'trance rock.' There's no MIDI in this song, but the true acoustic sounds make it seem like a trance/rave song. Another song, "Ice Cream Shop," colorfully exhibits humor with different voices and guitar riffs.
If record labels got a hold of this record, "Ice cream Shop" would be the first single because its a novelty.
Deveat has been together for more than two years, but things have changed, a lot. For one, they lost their guitarist, and two, they also lost the drummer. But even after losing most of the band, or lets say half their band, they're still producing good stuff,.
Imperial explained how the band decided to name the recent album.
"It's like a train, one after the other just like life, sometimes slow sometimes fast, it's a metaphor for life," said Imperial, who lives near a train track.
Adam Puckett, the band's bassist, says "its progressive alternative."
But what inspired them with such creativity found in "Day After Day?"
"Our music has evolved, changed, and the band has matured. We've been together longer and we're older," Imperial said.
Puckett explained he performed at another level for the album so he could trophy it.
"I had never recorded before, so I wanted people to experience my music style. I also wanted to have something to show my son later in life," Puckett said.
Although the alternative rock scene is growing in the Gateway City, one of the band members said he feels it's a long way before people accept local music as equally as commercial mainstream music.
"We feel the listening public should be more open-minded about local music," new drummer Armando Gomez said.
Even though they have a new drummer the album "Day after Day" was recorded with the sounds of original drummer Alejo Ortiz.
Deveat's "Day after Day" can be purchased at the following locations: San Ramon Record Shop, Casa de Música Guadalupe, Juice Stop, Escarabajo.
(Raul Lancon Jr. can be reached at 728-2563 or by e-mail at rlancon@lmtonline.com)
Deveat to host 'New Blood 3' in N.L.
BY EMILIO RABAGO III
¿Qué Pasa? Int'l coordinator
In an effort to highlight new talent of Los Dos Laredos, Deveat, a four-member band, will be co-hosting the third edition of "New Blood," a concert designed to showcase new rock bands from Laredo and Nuevo Laredo.
The event was designed by Deveat bassist Adam Puckett, and will feature the music of several rock bands including Executed, Weekend Risk, Sin, Derrame, Wings of Amadeus, Underboos and hosting band Deveat.
Deveat is a unique local rock band that not only helps itself. The band is fixing to help other rock bands that currently are in need of exposure.
"I felt that new bands had a lack of support," Puckett said.
New Blood's goal is to introduce the two Laredos to bands that are starting out.
"New Blood 3" will take place againg at El Escarabajo Bar in Nuevo Laredo. El Escarabajo is located at 3105 Victoria near Bridge 1.
The event begins around 10 p.m., Deveat Manager Peter Mares said.
Mares said that the event is hosted only when there is enough talent to showcase and that he hopes to make the "New Blood" semi-annually.
For "New Blood 3," though, Puckett received help from fellow Deveat member Carlos Imperial.
"The emphasis is placed on original bands, regardless of musical orientation," Imperial said.
"New Blood 3" should last approximately five hours, Mares said. Cover charge for the event is $5.
Deveat is composed of Carlos Imperial, guitar and lead vocals; Frank Camper, lead guitar; Alejo Ortiz, drums; and Puckett, bass.
The initial "New Blood" was hosted in 2001 by Syndicate X.
Plans for "New Blood 4" are already in progress. You can contact any member of Deveat at deveatband(@)yahoo.com or visit the Website http://deveatband.tripod.com.
(¿Qué Pasa? International coordinator Emilio Rábago III can be reached at 728-2543, or by e-mail at emilior@lmtonline.com.)
05/02/03
Deveat celebrates five years of original sound
BY PETER MARES
Special to the QPI
About five years ago, a group of guys, with a musical purpose, formed a band and changed some people's musical tastes.
They had set out to turn Laredo on its ear with their music.
They called themselves "Deveat" (pronounced Deviate).
If you look up deviate in the dictionary it'll be defined as "to depart, as from a norm, purpose, or subject; stray."
The band had basically strayed away from the standard practice of playing another band's music and opted to play their own. They didn't want to be known as the band that does an awesome cover of your favorite song, but as musicians who went with their own music.
Through the years, the band has changed members and, as a result, gained a new batch of talent.
Despite the obvious changes, their objective is still the same: To create original music which everyone can enjoy.
Now, Deveat features Carlos Imperial on vocals and guitar, Adam Puckett on bass, David Barrientos on lead guitar, and Santini Briseño on drums. Each member has brought a piece of themselves to place in this boiling pot of musical stew.
Deveat is now approaching a mini tour which will have the band performing in Laredo, Nuevo Laredo and other venues in Texas.
Future plans for the band, as it celebrates its 5th year, include spreading it music, hoping to find an audience that is ready and willing for a bit of deviation.
04/09/04
Long-running local band Deveat begins sixth year with a third album
By Peter Mares
Six years ago, the band named Deveat gave its first public performance at Sal's Pizza.
What might have seemed an uneventful appearance kicked off an increasingly active career. Presently, the boys of Deveat are working on their third album.
The line-up has changed since the band's inception in the summer of 1999.
Deveat started with Carlos Imperial and three others, and as one member left, another joined to take his place.
“It's hard for some musicians to keep up a high level of hard work and dedication, but we've been fortunate to find musicians who are willing to invest their talents and help the band carry on its main purpose: to write and perform original music,” Imperial said.
Rounding out the quartet are Adam Puckett on bass, Santini Briseño on drums, and Hector Gonzalez playing lead guitar. Despite the setback of member changes, the band moved forward and created two albums.
The first, Downtime, was released in summer 2000. The album featured 10 band-written tracks. The second album, Day after Day, was released two years later. It was written, recorded, and produced by the band, and featured more songs than the first. Each record had its unique signature songs that were constantly requested at the band's performances.
The band has performed throughout Texas and parts of Mexico . Recent venues have included Laredo , Monterrey , Mexico , Lubbock , and Kingsville . Whether it's entertaining the attentive crowd at El Escarabajo in Nuevo Laredo or stunning a new fan base at Coyote Ugly in Dallas, the band gives it their all every time.
Deveat now takes their professionalism from the stage and into the studio for their third album.
“The upcoming album will feature new versions of tracks such as the fan favorites ‘Going Down' and ‘Liar,'” said Puckett. “It can be considered the first true Deveat album. There is a reason why some older material will be featured -- that's better quality due to the complete musical chemistry of the current lineup that at times seemed missing until now.”
The entire band has had a variety of musical training and continue their musical quest for greatness. Each member has taken on other outlets for their creativity, including photography, art, and writing. They are using these talents to start up a new regional publication for subjects such as art, photography, writing, and music.
Bassist Puckett is majoring in Music Education at Laredo Community College . However, he didn't begin his musical training there. His interest started at home, when his mom played records ranging from Dexy's Midnight Runners to Luis Miguel. Later, in elementary school, he realized how much he liked music and thought he would enjoy playing an instrument. He picked up the guitar for a while, but wasn't fond it. When he joined band in middle school, he learned to play baritone and tuba, and by eighth grade was first chair. In high school he took piano lessons at the VMT Magnet School .
Somewhere in between all this, Puckett taught himself the instrument he enjoys best, the bass guitar. Noting the lack of local education on the instrument, Puckett decided to major in music education and teach bass.
Drummer Briseño is studying Criminal Justice and Music at LCC. He discovers new musical influences and ideas every day. His strongest influences remain from Cuba and England. He mixes these to form a unique style, giving Deveat a different sound.
Self-taught lead guitarist Gonzalez found a challenge starting his musical career with a veteran band and an opportunity to further develop his skills. He is working on a marketing degree at Texas A&M International University.
Imperial, founder of Deveat, is a video production instructor for LISD. He formed Deveat with a simple classified ad, beginning the formation of one of Laredo's longest running bands. Imperial, who started writing music during childhood, cites life experiences as his main influence on his songwriting style. Over time his style has progressed, embracing new ideas and influences.
Throughout their six-year career, Deveat has had its share of setbacks and success. Nevertheless, the band has remained passionate about their musical endeavors.
“Some people go through life without ever knowing their true passion,” said Imperial. “We've found ours in music and for that we consider ourselves fortunate.”
For more information about the band visit their website at http://deveatband.tripod.com or e-mail at
deveatband@yahoo.com.
4/15/05
A focus on original music drives local band Deveat
Interview conducted by Tom Moore
I see their name all over town on bumper stickers, but unfortunately I've yet to see them play live (something I intend to change soon). Local band Deveat are one of those groups who don't actively court stardom, but who seem to be steadily gaining a solid core of fans in Texas and Mexico . I had a chance to speak with core members Carlos Imperial and Adan Puckett to see what makes them tick.
How do you describe your music? Is it more in the vein of a Pearl Jam sound [this gets a laugh], is it more underground?
Adan Puckett: They say we sound like alternative, but with a little progressive in it; they can't --
Carlos Imperial: -- classify it into one genre, since we have different influences, and, most of all, very different personalities, so when we write together, it has a unique sound.
Where else do you play besides Laredo ?
AP: Right now, it's weird, but we're getting a lot of demand in Monterrey .
CI: We're willing to play wherever there's an audience that likes our music and they ask us to go back -- like in this case, Monterrey -- we're going to go back, it doesn't matter if it's Mexico or wherever. And it's not until recently that we started to play more shows here locally. For the past two or three years we hardly ever played here because there weren't that many opportunities.
AP: Hustler's has their shows now, and Buck Ugly had some shows on Tuesdays.
CI: There've been several attempts, other venues; for a while, the Juice Stop would have shows on the sidewalk. Buck Ugly and Hustler's, now they're having both Fridays and Saturdays. It seems to be picking up.
How many albums have you recorded?
P: We have two independent albums. I wasn't even around for the first one.
CI: The first one was called Downtime, and it was recorded back in 2000, and then Adan joined shortly after it was finished. He played on the second one, which was in 2002-2003, Day After Day.
AP: Some of the songs on that first album changed. We're getting ready to release a third one since the songs changed --
CI: -- because the members changed --
AP: -- and some of the songs are pretty popular right now. There's a record label that's showing some interest, and they want to re-record the songs in better quality.
CI: We recorded about five old songs, then of course we have some new ones, so that's going to be the new record.
AP: It's kind of like saying that it's the first album because it might be on a record label.
CI: The other ones were independent, that's the only difference. Some people call them demos just because we're not signed. We like to call them albums, because we tried to make the best we that we could make it.
What made you want to put this band together, and what has kept you with it?
CI: I started this band about six years ago. I was born in Laredo , but I didn't grow up here. In the different places where I lived there was always a music scene for guys who wanted to write and play music. So when I came here I tried to do the same, but it was dominated by cover bands and metal bands -- which are cool with me, I don't have anything against that. But there weren't that many musicians who wanted to venture into original rock. So I started with other projects until I put out a newspaper ad to gather other musicians who had the same interests, and that's how it started.
What keeps me going? I like playing and writing music. I can play some of my favorite songs by my favorite artists, but I'd rather write and play my own stuff, or our own stuff, because Adan also writes.
I mean, we've had some good responses over the past years. If we didn't get that positive reaction, that positive feedback, we'd probably say, “You know, this isn't working.”
AP: The positive reactions are really good constructive comments. Maybe one out of 20 aren't.
CI: Someone says, “Your band sucks.” Well, how does it suck? What's wrong with it? If they can't tell you that . . . be specific about what wasn't good.
Besides the new record and more live shows, what's next for Deveat?
CI: We'd like to keep on writing music, regardless of whatever happens. If we become really successful, it'll be because of our own effort, and if we don't, I'm sure it won't be because of lack of effort. Of course, like any musician, we'd like to become big and really popular, but that's not our main focus, our main focus is just to write and play.
***
Deveat's next shows are August 12 at Hustler's, 5320 Santa Maria, 712-8500; and August 20 in Monterrey at Iguanas Café.