Dearly Beloved, the Orlando-based emo/pop-punk band, have just released their debut EP Nova Roads. The band consists of Gabo Seda (vocals and rhythm guitar), Jacob Rossignol (lead guitar), Chris Garcia (bass), and Trey Ayres (drums).
The band released their debut single “Stuck (Again)” back in September and since then they have been playing shows across Florida and building momentum ahead of their EP release.
Nova Roads is bursting with fiery energy, which is both exuberant and angsty in the best way possible. The frenzied guitar riffs, raging percussion and punchy vocals are a pop-punk dream and the intensity never drops for even a second!
It was a pleasure to chat to guitarist and singer Gabo Seda ahead of the release of Nova Roads…
Have you always been passionate about music? Was there a particular song or performance that made you think “Wow! That’s what I want to do!”?
As a kid, when anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always said “I’m going to be a rockstar!”. Growing up my dad had an insane number of CDs which I spent a lot of my childhood listening to and looking at the booklets of bands like Bon Jovi, Scorpions, Nirvana and so many more. Seeing pictures of all these crazy people performing and listening to their music, I was constantly fantasising about being them.
What makes you click as a band and what sets your music apart?
We’re a couple of different dudes hanging around each other, doing our thing and wanting to play music. We think that dynamic allows us to get along and be able to critique each other and bring something new to the band. Our music is just a massive combination of all of our favorite styles and personalities put together.
What is the story behind your EP Nova Roads?
To me, Nova Roads is a compilation of heartbreak, anger, and unforgettable nights. It tells the intoxicating journey we lived through for the last few years leading up to this EP in the most personal and relatable way possible.
Did you enjoy the process of making the EP? Any challenges? Favourite parts?
Overall, the experience was a blast! We loved writing all the songs and really took our time to make sure it was ‘us’. Our favorite part about writing the EP was stepping back and going “wow! we really made this?!”.
Writing the lyrics and vocal melodies took the longest to figure out but eventually we sat down and worked them all out after rewriting them multiple times.
Personally, the most challenging part was stopping myself from being so critical about my ideas and telling that little voice in my head that said, “That sucks!” or “Just give up”, to shut the up!
Which track on the EP are you the proudest of and why?
The first song I wrote for the EP was ‘The Ballad Of Marcus & Maria’ and it’s always held a special place in my heart. I spent many late nights working on it. I’ve easily listened to it a thousand times, and it still doesn’t get old to me. It’s come a long way since I first started working on it and I can’t help but feel proud of how it came out.
Can you describe your creative process?
I wrote a large portion of the music during the pandemic when I stayed at home in isolation. I wish I had a happier story about the process, but the reality was that I was in a dark and lonely place and just started putting my thoughts onto paper.
A few months later, I had a few demos and Chris (our bassist) eventually met up with me and helped polish them.
Which local music venues are your favourite to play at?
We absolutely love playing at the West End Trading CO in Sanford! I’ve played there with every band I’ve been in and hope to keep playing there for years to come!
Dearly Beloved has only played a few shows so far but we would also love to someday play at the heart of the scene in Orlando at venues like Will’s Pub!
If we were to look at the artists you are listening to, who would be on your playlist?
Currently my playlist consists of a lot of My Chemical Romance and Green Day but I also have a few local bands that have some real bangers like The ProblemAddictsfl and Dial Drive!
Considering the high amount of pop-punk music in my playlist, I have a few ‘out of place’ bands on my playlist like Every Time I Die and Mana.
If you could steal credit for any great song, which one would you claim and why?
Definitely ‘I’m Not Okay (I Promise)‘ by My Chemical Romance. That song started it all for this band and is still an inspiration for our music.
I see this song as an anthem and hope that someday Dearly Beloved will have a song that people hold in high regard like I do with this song.
Besides the release of your EP, what else are you planning over the next year?
We would love to get more opportunities to play more shows in and out of Florida and spread the words of Nova Roads as far as we can and beyond.
We have also already started demoing some new music because after the EP was over, we just couldn’t stop writing! We really just want to push the limits!
To keep up to date with the latest news from Dearly Beloved, you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram. To listen to their latest releases, head to Spotify.
By Eveline Vouillemin ©