Devil to Pay :: Returns to Finals
by Steve Hayes
August 21, 2003
As far as the Battle of the Bands goes, Devil To Pay is a group that continues to beat the odds. Last year they beat the odds against an alternate making it to the finals. They also beat the odds of frontman Steve Janiak's health issues that threatened to end their run early.
This time around, they once again beat back Janiak's health problems as well as an unspoken curse against last year's finalists to return to the big show at the Vogue. In fact, Devil To Pay is the first band to make it to two consecutive battle finals.
After letting Janiak speak for the band last time around, this year I called on Devil To Pay guitarist Rob Secrist to play spokesperson for the band. Responding via e-mail, Rob shared what it was like to be a returning band and what a year made in the band's life.
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| Rob Secrist .:. photo by kristen leep |
IMN: Once and for all, what kind of music do you guys play? Is it doom rock? Stoner rock? Desert rock? Help out the uninitiated.
Rob: A couple scoops of stoner with some doom and a groove on top. Riff rock. Big heavy evil riffs. Something like that...
IMN: It seems like Devil To Pay has made a big effort to really get Indy music fans into your scene by putting on shows with known regional and signed bands. What chance does Indy have of becoming the next epicenter of doom?
Rob: I think it's important for folks around here to be exposed to it. There is some really cool stuff going on out there in Stoner and Doom, it's fun for us to play with them, and it's cool that Indy has been getting a taste of some of it. While I doubt our fair 'berg could become some Mecca of Doom, there are a few bands bringing the riffs.
IMN: So, what's it like being in a band with a guy who has a near-death experience every year whether he needs to or not? Does he do it for the sympathy votes or what?
Rob: Uh nerve racking? What do you think? I mean, the dude was knocked out for three weeks, had two feet of intestine removed and currently has a giant hernia with a compromised abdominal wall. We didn't know if we'd even be able to play in this when we signed up. I'm glad he's O.K. and we are where we are.
IMN: What was the bigger surprise: getting into the finals last year as a new band or making it this year among a bigger field?
Rob: Having signed up as an alternate last year, it was a bit overwhelming when they called our name on that semi-final night.
IMN: Only three of last year's finalists registered for the BOB this year, but you were the only band that made it back to the finals. Have you guys called up Extra Blue Kind and The Fuglees to make fun of them yet?
Rob: I haven't poked fun, perhaps Janiak has. He is the band joker more or less.
IMN: What did you guys do right that they did wrong?
Rob: If there was a right or wrong, I can't put my finger on it.. I saw both The Fuglees and Extra Blue Kind's second round performances and they both excelled at what they do.
IMN: Lots of newer bands have made it to the finals this year. What do you think that says about the battle or the Indy scene?
Rob: If anything it says that the scene is alive and evolving. The more the merrier, right?
IMN: What do you think of your chances for winning this year compared to last? Better, worse?
Rob: Well, better in that we have more experience as a band. I think we're tighter than we were then. Also we aren't competing against Janiak's other band for votes this time around.
IMN: Do you have any special tricks up your sleeve for the finals show?
Rob: Our plans are strictly confidential. Expect the fire-breathing Devil to pale in comparison, and be so 'last year'
IMN: What have you thought about the battle overall this year? Seen any new bands that you were particularly impressed with?
Rob: It's been a lot of fun. It's great to see so many people make it out in the middle of the week to support this little shindig. There were too many great sets to list.
IMN: What plans do you have for the $10,000 if you win?
Rob: We would likely buy a van, more merch, and hit the road for a while after our full length is finished. Oh and Chad wants a floor tom that matches his kit and Steve said on stage the other night he wants a penis enlargement.
IMN: Looking at the finals line-up as it now stands, who do you think has the best chance of winning besides yourself?
Rob: I really think anybody could take this.
IMN: What are Devil To Pay's plans following the BOB?
Rob: Finish the full length we've been working on at Azmyth, which is due on CD and gate-fold 2xLP by early fall.