Band/Artist name:

Misdivine

Where did your band name come from?

My brother dubbed me with the name Misdivine about a year ago, and it has stuck ever since. In return, I named him Yobro.

Who’s in the band? How did you meet and when did you get together?

I primarily write and record from my home studio, and I have been doing that for nearly 5 years now. I am always encouraging people to become involved in my music, so the members of my ensemble are always Misdivine + guests.

What’s your musical background? When did you start playing?

I have always had a keen interest in music throughout my entire life, playing various different musical instruments and always being involved in some aspect of music. I was fortunate to grow up in a household that encouraged and actively participated in the creation of music, so I learnt a lot of the theory side to music at quite a young age. I play guitar, piano, flute, percussion and singing is definately one of my driving forces. I studied music after leaving school at the conservatorium, majoring in composition and piano. Music has always been my biggest passion in my life, and I hope to be able to continue doing it as long as I can.

Has your music evolved since you first began playing?

My music is an ever growing composition of different styles, techniques, ryhthms and melodies and is constantly evolving and expanding. Due to the nature of my challenge - writing an original song every day from 11/11/11 until 12/12/12 - and as currently I am collaborating with so many artists from different genre's, I have had the opportunity to embrace many styles that previously were undiscovered for me. I am loving the learning process involved in actually running a live studio every day, and my musical abilities are improving all the time.

What is your creative process?

This is a tricky one for me. I have no one set way that I create my music. Prior to my challenge, the majority of my music was written acoustically with my brother. I taught myself over the past few years how to use music programs and record my own music through trial and error. Melodies are how I write my music primarily ...... and to physically create the song, I am like the conductor in my own private orchestra. I can hear the music all the time, and to create the song I sit down and start recording ..... then add layer by layer depending what sounds I can hear. Since beginning the challenge, I have started recording everything I do, and something very unique that I have been able to capture is what I am terming "live creations" - I sit down and press record, having no idea what I going to play - and capture the "live" creation of a song.

How would you describe your music to people?

A blend of acoustic, melodic hip-hop/ experimental - rhythm/ bluesy - cinematic/ambient - folk/groove - epic -

Does your music convey a message?

I am a story teller, so every song tells a different story. A theme that links a lot of my music is the need for change ... equality, appreciation, love, respect, motivation, inspiration, believing in your dreams. I inspire others to make those positive changes in their own lives and also encourage them to live their dreams. Every day that you take action towards achieving your goals brings you that one step closer to achieving them.

Who are your musical influences?

Pink Floyd, Alan Parsons, Coldplay, 70's and 80's, jazz and blues, classical - mozart, bach, handel, baroque music, Missy Higgins, Enya, - just to list a few. The people around me inspire me to play - life inspires me to create.

How do you promote your music?

Primarily I promote my music over the internet and via word of mouth through my friends. I would like my music to reach out more in the physical world, and I am looking for ideas to help me achieve this.

What live performance experience have you had?

Quite a lot, although I prefer the comfortability of my own studio. I have played in concert bands, youth orchestra, choirs, rock bands ( FRG and Thrillneck ) , musicals, baroque ensembles, festivals, live performances at the Conservatorium, carolling, - and of course in my challenge, as I record a lot of material live.

Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you have a set play list?

My absolute favourite original songs to perform live are with Yobro. We have a very diverse set, ranging from slow ballads to high energy driven songs. In particular a song we always warm up on named "Feel It" is my favourite.

What has been your biggest highlight in the music industry?

Misdivine Music Challenge - Writing an original song every day has given me the opportunity to really push my creativity to the limit, and every day to push beyond that. I love that I get to share my music with such a diverse audience, having fans all around the globe. I love seeing the growth that I have made as a musician/producer and a performer, and I am really enjoying learning more about my craft. One of the highlights so far has been the collaborations that I am doing with other artists - I have met most of them online, and distance is not an issue as the new technological era makes it possible to write with artists all over the world.

If you had a time travel machine where would you go?

I would prefer a sliding machine I feel. Be able to take me any where in the world so that I could make amazing music with other creative people.

What has been your biggest challenge in the music industry?

Getting my music out there and getting my talent recognised for the genius it is ... the versatility that I have as a performer, producer and songwriter, and the skills I have attained only enhance my natural ability. I am also raising 3 boys, so in that I am not able to go out every week and "gig" like the average musician does. My mum came up with the idea of my challenge as a way of sharing my music from home and still being able to play a major role in my boys lives.

What are your long-term goals as a musician?

I would like a career as a professional songwriter/performer. I believe I have the talent to write songs for many different sorts of artists, as I am not limited by a particular genre myself. I have the ability to adapt to many different styles, and I would love to produce other artists music as well. My family has named me as a chameleon in the music industry.

Are you planning to release a new album anytime soon?

I have plans to release many albums, I am still waiting for the right person to come along and realise the potential that IS Misdivine.

Do you have any tips for music marketing?

Go hard.

Where can we hear your tunes online?

- www.youtube.com/misdivine1
- www.reverbnation.com/misdivine1