Brit contemporary rock unit BY DEVICES continue their rise with the release of their brand-new single, End Of The Line, out now – https://youtu.be/2mgMZ4ZV6W4 . We caught up with the Brummie rockers to find out more:
What is the full band line-up, who sings and who plays which instrument?
Ced on lead vocals,
Jimmy on guitar,
Dave on bass and backing vocals,
Matt on guitar and backing vocals,
Rob on drums and never allowed near a mic.
How and when did the band form?
Ced and Jim met whilst smuggling themselves from Birmingham to Bolivia. After smuggling themselves back again, they met Mat, a lone figure on the trawler. This formed the main core of the group After a few line-up changes Mat brought in Dave on bass guitar (lifelong friends after their a Walrus training days). The final piece of the puzzle was completed when an ex-member of the band found Rob, drunk up the park, and we’ve never looked back since.
How is your band different from other bands? We naturally create music on the heavier side of Indie rock, and fast paced. It has often been commented on that our music and live performances are delivered with an energy that helps us standout. The themes of the songs do not always follow the usual conventions. We offer a modern take on our music genre, with flavours of some of our favourite guitar bands of the 90’s, 00’s and 10’s.
When did you start gelling together?
There has been a few line-up changes over the years but the current line-up is when the magic really started to happen. All bands will tell you about the stresses and strains you put yourself through in the creative process, but we always endeavour to try out each other’s ideas and not let ego interfere with the dynamics in the band. Ultimately, we all have faith in each other’s musical abilities, and we all bring an aspect that creates our sound. Trust and firm friendships have developed and collectively we know when we hit upon a tune that is working for us. We enjoy each other’s company and we’ve become pretty much extended family.
Describe your music to a deaf person?
With the stereotypical hands waving and voice suddenly very loud, as if that is going to help…Fast paced guitar music, driven by the drums and bass. Powerful Guitar riffs and soaring lead lines provide the texture and drama to the guts of each song. The lyrics are sung with passion on themes based around life experiences and sticking to your principles in all situation’s life offers. We have been described as Indie Rock, post punk, Alternative Rock and our influences include Block Party, The Maccabees, The Strokes, The Black Keys, We are Scientists and many more.
Something interesting about your hometown?
Following in the footsteps of all the greats such as Sabbath, The Editors, Durran Durran, ELO, Slade and Musical Youth. By Devices are all proud Brummie”s. Birmingham recently put on the map through the Commonwealth Games and the Peaky Blinders. Contrary to popular belief. Birmingham offers all the mod cons such as hot running water and electric light. Though in the current energy crisis the lights are dimmed after 8pm.
Where did the name of the band come from?
A lot of our music is quite reflective. A lot of it comes from how the world is affecting us in that moment. So when we came up with the name we were in that “putting the world to rights” kind of mode, probably ranting about how nothing can be done anymore without having some sort of device being involved in your life, and I guess that’s when we started being reflective again, realising that even the music we create couldn’t be done, or put out to the world without some sort of device being involved hence even what we do is “by devices” and boom, the name was born. Or maybe we just pulled it out of a dodgy hat full of bad band names… who knows.
Where have you played or toured?
We’ve mostly concentrated playing in Birmingham and have performed at all the main gigging venues including the O2 Academy, Institute, The Victoria, The Hare & Hounds Kings Heath, The Rainbow Digbeth. Birmingham university (freshers’ week). The Actress and Bishop, The Flapper, The Sun Flower Lounge.
We have secured a few shows in both Manchester and London, playing at Dublin Castle in Camden, Hope & Anchor Islington, and FAC251 in Manchester, the old Factory Records building
We’ve been on the same bill as Editors and the Twang in the early days and also played a random support slot for Corner Shop!
Where can we find the band and your music?
BAND LINKS –
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mybydevices/
Twitter – www.twitter.com/bydevicesband
Instagram- www.Instagram.com/by_devices
YouTube – https://youtube.com/user/
MUSIC –
SPOTIFY – https://open.spotify.com/artist/3MAGyTFq9ijDVqieIvQOSQ?si=ylhnHlr6SuyvGMf2Bpoamw
SOUNDCLOUD – https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/VPkHqksrXLznWmXw5