How has the dynamic of the band changed now that the art has also become your income?
The dynamic of the band has changed dramatically. Ever since the decision was made to pursue a full-time vs. part-time project, the music has tightened up. The band is at an all-time high in terms of talent, everyone is getting along great, great level of teamwork, etc. Although, individual income and the ability to make a comfortable (decent) living as an individual musician has yet to be achieved, the overall income of the band (business) has increased and continues to move in the right direction. For the first time in our economic history, we are now able to afford to hire on more professionals to assist the band in promotion, publicity, marketing and web management.

You’ve come a long way since 1989. What have been some of the unique and inspiring events/shows along the way?
The most inspiring and unique event ever was the recent Xingolati Groove Cruise at sea. This event was the most fun and exciting moment of our lives. Leaving for 4 days on a Carnival Cruise line with 20 other bands, a ship full of crazy fans, pumped up friends and family, comfortable cabins (staterooms) and all the food you can eat. This event will go down in history as the beginning to the best west coast festival of all festivals… that is if you like boats! More info on this event at the event website: http://www.xingolati.com/

Where do you want to take things from here?
Delta Nove is ready to take everything we’ve done, all the experiences we’ve had, all the music we’ve created so far and have in mind, all the mistakes we’ve made, all the shows we’ve played, and create Delta Nove’s all-time greatest new album to be released by the summer of 2006. Then hit and visit not only the rest of the United States with our biggest promotional campaign behind it yet, but also get our first ticket to an international tour.

And the album?
We are actually working on the new album at this very moment. The latest CD is Deep in the Compound. This CD was released in 2004 and although still new and fresh to some fans, we are on the move to yet another, fresh set-list of brand new material to be recorded and released by the Summer of 2006. In fact, the Summer 2006 national tour will be our next big push to promote the new CD.

What are some of the primary influences on the new album?
The primary influences include some of the new ideas stemming from our new drummer Dominic Feedham, who we have come to understand is not just a drummer, but a talented song writer as well. Dominic’s influences with R&B, hip hop and Latin elements are gradually becoming a new addition to the d-no sound. But first, our primary influences come from our years of studying the music of American jazz improvisation and funk, Brazilian samba, Nigerian afrobeat, Jamaican ska and reggae, S. American salsa and Cumbia, and European classical composers.

What is it called?
We won’t have an official name for the upcoming album until we see more evolvement in the project. Some name the album before recording it, but that would be rare in our production.

Where can the readers get ahold of it?
It will be on our website for sure. www.dnove.com

What is the role in modern culture to be playing Brazilian inspired music?
People find Delta Nove’s blend of modern rock, funk and soul with the Brazilian (latin to many) a very high-energy source for an exciting evening of dancing. People want to be moved and elevated with music, and the role in modern culture to be playing Brazilian inspired music produces just that. The role also draws other cultures closer together which allows everyone to hear how much we can learn from each other.

In what ways are you modernizing traditional music? Delta Nove is establishing its own sound. A modern sound that blends the influences of traditional music from other cultures with our own American culture. Instead of playing songs in traditional segments, the band has been using traditional sounds and disciplines to blend and colorize the original compositions of our own to give it that “d-no sound.” We are establishing our own, unique sound that blends the traditional American/Brazilian/African cultures of blues, jazz, rock, funk, samba, afro-beat, reggae with the modern style music compositions that the musicians of Delta Nove continue to bring to the table.

In what ways are you staying true to the original?
By continuing to do what we do best. We blend and mix styles and genres within a funk concept; hence our newest and latest genre, labeling and branding ourselves as a World Funk band.

For info and downloads, check out:
www.myspace.com/deltanoveband
www.dnove.com

Delta Nove are:
Rob Covacevich a.k.a. PukeyBear - Saxophone, vocals, percussion
Bobby Easton a.k.a. Dr.Fuzzy - Guitar, lead vocal, percussion
John Harrington a.k.a. H4 - Trumpet, vocal, percussion
Heath Bennett a.k.a. Brother Earth - Auxilary percussion, vibraphone, steel drum, electronic percussion
Matt Welch a.k.a. Viking - Bass, vocal, percussion
Dominic Feedam a.k.a. English - drums