by Dan Corey
— Guest Columnist —
I was fortunate to have a chance to speak with The Divined after they came off a hot set at The Whiskey-A-Go-Go in Hollywood the other night. Frontman Brett Copeland and lead guitarist Mitch Micoley filled me in on the band’s mission, making it clear that this is a band that is going places. Here’s what they had to say.
– Thanks for talking with us today, Mitch! Let’s start from the beginning: how did The Divined come into being? Is it fair to say that you and vocalist Brett Copeland were key to the band’s creation?
Mitch: We were both deep in the local Los Angeles music scene, so it was only a matter of time until Brett and I crossed paths. We hit it off and began writing together at Brett’s Laurel Canyon bungalow. The songwriting flowed supernaturally, and we realized we could make some great material together. We got in touch with our friends, some of the best players in town, and started hitting the rehearsal room.
– What are your influences?
Mitch: Musically, I have quite a few. I would say is “Exile On Main Street” by The Rolling Stones was a huge influence on me to actually want to do this for the rest of my life. And as a guitarist, Albert King has played a major role. I would sit trying to figure out his solos for hours. Constantly backing up the same ten seconds to try to get it exactly as he played it.
Brett: My influences come from music, literature, love, and nature, as well as my own crazy life events.
– Did you and Brett have comparable styles from the start? Do you have differences in approach that are complimentary?
Mitch: The writing just really clicked. After I heard some of our first demos I was, like, “Okay, this is the sound I’ve been searching for.”
Brett: I think Mitch listens to a lot of music that I don’t and may even like a lot of bands that I am not really into, but his spirit, and how he plays, the positive, high energy – that’s what really intrigued me when we first met. I was like…okay, this guy’s energy on guitar really aligns with my energy – I’m not going to get bored playing with this guy, it’s not depressing, and his riffs are cool and fun and unique – let’s do this.
– How would you describe The Divined’s overall sound/style?
Mitch: Rock, Fun, High Energy, with some fat guitar tones. And very hooky.
Brett: I agree with Mitch…also, the lyrics are really cool.
– What is the meaning behind the band’s name?
Mitch: That’s a Brett question.
Brett: The name came from an old poem of mine…the meaning…what we are aiming for and where we are coming from is from a higher-place. We believe in a higher power and the energy from those higher vibrations is Divined energy.
– Do you and the band have any hobbies or interests that influence your music-making?
Mitch: For me, it’s always been random when a song idea comes. I could be driving down the freeway or have to jump out of the shower to record an idea.
Brett: Being in nature and the wilderness, literature, love, life experiences and events all contribute to those influences. All of these things ultimately find their way back into my lyrics or musical ideas and expressions. And, just as Mitch said…you never know when you are going to have to jump out of a bathtub and write down a great idea.
– Walk us through your rig!
Mitch: I typically play my ‘80s Les Paul Burst with some T tops I bought from a pawnshop. My head is a 40-watt Komet I got off of Keith Nelson through a 1 x 12 greenback speaker. For overdrive, I usually just use my Klon KTR. Micro POG for the bassy tones. For fuzz, I have this badass Rams Head Big Muff from the ‘70s, and my favorite pedal is my “Deez Nuts,” which is basically a Bypass switch my producer David Davis gave me.
Brett: I have a small vocal pedal I like to use that has only reverb and delay settings. I prefer to use that, plus the house system effects. Most sound guys are reluctant at first, but I reassure them, tell them to have fun with effects and, in the end, they always come up to me and tell me they loved the experience.
– Do you have a dream guitar or piece of gear?
Mitch: I’d love to get a 1958 Gibson Korina Flying V.
Brett: I play primarily acoustic guitars and love a hollow body guitar if I need to play electric live, which is rare in this project, but I am not a gear guy at all. I will write about anything. Cheap guitars, basses, and pianos have songs in them just like the expensive stuff. I could care less. I don’t take care of my sh*t at all. Gear means nothing to me, to be honest.
– Do you have a musical bucket list? An artist you want to play with, a venue you want to perform in, etc.
Mitch: If I could write with Mr. Hudson that would be unreal. I think he’s such a great songwriter.
Brett: Any venue with a great crowd is good for me. The bigger the better, though, of course. I have been fortunate enough to play with almost all the “childhood heroes” I grew up listening to so…. if had to pick someone I haven’t played with yet, I would say Paul McCartney or Elvis…
– Where did you record your songs, and who handled producing duties? What gear was used in the recording process?
Mitch: The last songs we did at East/West in room 1. David Davis produced. As far as gear, I just used all the stuff I use for live shows, along with a bunch of really nice condensers.
Brett: I have no idea what gear they used in the studio. I produce a lot of our ideas out in Logic and then another producer Like David takes those ideas, brings them to life, adds his spin and we end up with some epic music.
– Do you have any upcoming live dates?
Mitch: We do. Friday, July 19th at Venice Beach Bar, Thursday, August 1st at Lucky Strike Hollywood. We are also planning a release show TBA in September for our single release. As well as a Few West Coast shows and a Midwest tour in October.
– Where can our readers find The Divined and listen to your music?
Mitch: The first single “Sore Loser For Love” will be out Friday, September 6th on all major platforms.
Brett: Also, www.thedivined.com.
