Most people would know Johnathan Devoy from his days destroying the Australian metal scene in Jerk. Currently he is busying creating music with new project, Ink, and his own solo project. Taking time out of his busy schedule, he happily agreed to answer a few questions for us. Enjoy….
Besides once being a part of the deceased Jerk, currently performing in Ink and The Vandolls, as well as being a solo acoustic artist. You have also been in the film industry, such as your part in ‘Queen Of The Damned’ and ‘Garage Days’. Any thoughts of pursuing that path again?
To be honest I’d love to get back into that sort of thing…apart from those two movies I did a lot of TV and short film work, and started out in theatre working with the Sydney Theatre Company and ATYP. The unfortunate reality is I’m probably not pretty enough for the crap that is currently being made in this country. If underbelly is the best we have to offer then consider me retired lol
What is your opinion on the Australian music industry? Has it progressed for heavy artists, since your days in Jerk?
It has and it hasn’t. I think that in a lot of ways, record companies and venues have seen the potential for huge crowds and loyal fans, but at the same time, a lot of them don’t know what to do with the sheer power in heavier music. Unfortunately, for most venues, there are too many other things to worry about, security, fire hazards, alcohol…the Hopetoun in Sydney is a good example. But as long as the fans show their support, the music will never die.
What was it like to support the Insane Clown Posse?
I gotta say, terrifying at first. I was pretty sure we would be lynched, but we opened up in Sydney, and so had the home crowd advantage, but the love was returned to us in a huge way and the whole tour was a blast…of course, spending the last night in a strip club with them, their shout, was probably a highlight…the hangover Leeno and I shared the next day has yet to be surpassed, and I’m a drinker 
What is your favourite song that you have written?
I think Miles Davis said it best… ”asking me to pick a favourite song is like asking me which of my children is the most important to me…”
Not to be clichéd, but they are all special to me in some way…some of course should have been put down lol, but they are all my children.
How often do you find yourself writing music?
Pretty much every day. I have a guitar in my hands most of the time I’m awake.
Whether or not it works at the time is another matter…
What current Australian musician would you love to write a song with?
This might sound weird, but I’m really into female voices right now….There’s a band from Melbourne called Bellisura, freaking awesome, like can’t even describe, the singer Krystal, is an amazing talent. Would enjoy a different approach.
Any plans for a solo release?
I’m currently recording and mixing an album of stuff I’ve been working on since I was like 16…demos of which are available on my myspace, www.myspace.com/johnathanbededevoy, and should be done as soon as I get my ocd under control haha.
Are there any young Australian bands out there you like?
As mentioned above, Bellisura, Devilution – a band from Brisbane who are basically like my second family, Engine Three Seven (melb), The Sculptures…actually…way too many to list…there’s a lot of great talent out there.
This really is the lucky country in that regard at least.
What is in Ink’s and The Vandolls’ near future?
Well unfortunately The Vandolls are no more…a good time and a peaceful split. As for Ink, we are in the rehearsal studio writing our little butts off getting ready to bring a lot of new sounds to some fresh ears. Essentially, if I could live on the road I could die happy, but at this stage, we’ll be coming to a town near you very soon.
Who is your favourite Australian band?
Again, too many to list… bands like Scarymother and Salacious Crumb were bands I saw/heard when I was learning just what music could do…
Then you have Ink of course….
But seriously, at this stage, I’d have to say Bellisura are really doing it for me right now…but there are so many bands out there, I know I’ll be gobsmacked again at some point soon J
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Ink and his solo projects’ myspace. Australia is very lucky to have a man as talented and unique as Johnathan Devoy. To not hear what he creates, is a mistake only a fool would make.
Links: