Diesto Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Tour to live, live to tour...wait that's another band...Well we just finished building out and sound proofing the crap out of my basement for the official Diesto headquarters which is awesome. We are hitting the road in support of For Water or Blood in September. I think its safe to say we all want to keep playing and stay busy and maybe take the band a little bit out of our comfort zone. This tour is only two weeks but we might want to go out again if the opportunity presents itself.

2.How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

Its more to the point then High as the Sun. Its punchier, more melodic, while still staying heavy, a bit more clever, and also naturally psychedelic, with shorter songs...We were really stoked on how High as the Sun came out, but on For Water or Blood we set out to capture and consolidate all of the riffs of the songs into more concise jams, less expansion. I think we succeeded in doing so.

3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the song lyrics on the newer release?

There's lyrics on For Water or Blood that are very close to my heart. One of which is about a close friend of mine that passed away and the other is about one day being a functional part of society and the next being homeless and kind of giving up and making huge mistakes...and the rest of 'em are good ole stories with some real life shit thrown in. I like to paint a visual picture with the lyrics that tie in with the overall sound of the song. Some of the stuff that comes out can be pretty heavy. It all ties in to the over all theme of the record. Which is trying to survive under extremely difficult circumstances.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

The name Diesto is derived from the book " The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Book two; the Restaurant at the End of the Universe I believe. The concept came from the loudest band in the universe which was fronted by Hot Black Desiato...we took the Desiato and made it Diesto. They had speakers on planets ya know? The loudest band in the universe!

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Some memorable ones for me were in the earlier days, when we were a three piece and more of a Noise Rock band would be opening for Today is the Day, and Unsane. I'm a huge fan of both those bands and to get to play with them in their peak was rad. Playing with our friends Gay Witch Abortion in Minneapolis on tour was special for me because that's where I grew up and have been buds with Shawn Walker way before either of us started our bands. Locally opening for Red Fang at Dante's stands out because I remember having a great crushing performance personally, then later found out that Mark and Captain (bass on High as the Sun) were having a volume war on stage and twisting each other's knobs on their amps and totally going at it. It took a few beers to settle them down that night. It was also cool that John Sherman of Red Fang vouched for us with the promoter who didn't want us on the bill. He basically said if Diesto is not on the bill Red Fang isn't either...I thought that was pretty fuckin cool. Our record release show for High as the Sun with Rabbits, and Lord Dying was super sick too!

6. Do you have any touring or show plans?

Yes! you will be promoting our tour dates very soon!

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer recording by fans of doom metal and other forms of underground music?

Super sick! All of the pre-release reviews have been stellar thus far!

8.Are there any other musical projects going on these days?

Not for me. This is the only band I've ever really done. I'd like to entertain the idea of doing a two piece with a really crazy sick drummer for fun, but that is just fantasy at this point. I can't speak for the other dudes but I'm certain they have some stuff cooking. Our Bass player Rusty Powers has some cool stuff working. He is usually fronting bands and playing guitar...super talented dude.

9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

I think natural progression and playing together has taken us to this point. I think that is very apparent on For Water or Blood. Its got a real organic sound and vibe because it is. I would like to explore a bit more of a spontaneous approach with the new stuff with more writing influence from Rusty for sure, and maybe explore some different tones, and maybe some effects...We only use straight tube amps with no effects thus far.

10.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Well that's a long list my man. Of course there's all the stuff from the 80's and 90's that got me into playing music like; Early Soundgarden, Melvins, Sleep, Hammerhead, Unsane, Steel Pole Bathtub, Cows, Jesus Lizard, Shellac, Harvey Milk, Cherubs, Neurosis, Fudge Tunnel, Helmet, Today is the Day, Husker Du, Dinosaur Jr, etc...

There is a lot of good stuff going on currently; Shiiit...Graveyard, Whores, Mastodon, Baroness,Kylesa, YOB, Torche, to name a few...

Locally here in Portland and in the NW we have some sick fucking bands damn!; Rabbits, Lord Dying, Gaythiest, Honduran, Drunk Dad, Fist Fite, Prizehog, Sioux, Witch Mountain, Dog Shredder, Hungers, Caligula, Fellwoods, oh man there's way more too...

11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Mark and I play Hockey. We're usually on the same team too. Its a great time! Since I grew up in Minnesota and Mark is from Alaska, we've both been playing hockey since we were like 3!

12.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

That's a fairly broad question bro but I'd just like to say thanks for having us, and for all those younger readers out there, stick with what you love to do and keep on playing!