The Motet – Death or Devotion

By starrymag | January 25, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) We play music influenced by funk of the mid 1970’s and early 1980’s.

 

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) We are influenced by countless artists, but to name a few: Stevie Wonder, Prince, Tower of Power, and Earth, Wind and Fire.

 

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your song “Whacha Gonna Bring.”

 

A) I wrote the initial drum set part and brought it to our rhythm section.  We built a groove, recorded ourselves playing and then sent the recording to our vocalist Lyle [Divinsky].  I told him to write about anything except girls and partying.  He put together the lyrics and melodies and then we sent it to our horns.  Once all the parts were written we went into the studio and recorded it.

 

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) That song has an inspiring message of empowerment that transcends the typical funk lyric.  Funk music of the 1970’s used to have a lot more of that, such as the music of Earth, Wind and Fire, but unfortunately, I think most people now stereotype funk as simply party music.

 

 

Q) What made you select this as a single off your upcoming Death or Devotion album?

 

A) We thought that releasing it around the time of the November elections was a good message to send.

 

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Yes, definitely.  We write the rhythm section parts first and then send it to Lyle for the lyric and melody writing.

 

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) We produce all of our own music.  This new album was produced specifically by our keyboardist Joey Porter.

 

 

Q) You’re headed out this year on some Winter tour dates. What can fans expect from a live The Motet performance?

 

A) It’s always a dance party, but on these upcoming tours we will be playing all of the songs off of our new album.

 

 

Q) What songs off Death and Devotion are you most looking forward to performing live?

 

A) “Whacha Gonna Bring,” “Death or Devotion,” “Highly Compatible,” “Kneebone” and “Contagious.”

 

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Red Rocks is one of the most beautiful and inspiring venues in the country. We are truly blessed to be able to play there once a year.  Jam Cruise is also an amazing festival that we have the honor to play every other year.

 

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) It’d be a dream come true to be able write a song with Stevie Wonder.

 

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) Jupiter and Okwess are an incredible new group from the Congo.  They may be the funkiest band out of Africa right now.

 

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media allows a direct connection between the bands and fans.  It’s immediate and undiluted and gives bands a chance to reach their fans all over the world for very little cost.

 

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) THANK YOU!!

 

 

All Questions Answered By Drummer Dave Watts