Dark Spark Rays is a collaboration of artist and musicians whose goal is to bring a refreshing and unique style of music to the music scene. Members of the band have a broad range of influences and musical backgrounds. Together, the sound of many genres of music come together to form layers of groove ranging from British garage rock to folk, jazz, alternative and even country and western. Further complementing this unique sound is the vocal styling of singer James Lino, who’s voice ties everything together with simple and sincere feeling that captures ones attention and draws them into his mind and soul.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Dark Spark Rays: I had been playing and writing for years. I had grown disenchanted with top 40 radio until I found a show from the UK Called Later with Jools Holland. In seeing this show, I saw there was an still audience for the kind of music we put out. I put a group together and the rest is history.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Dark Spark Rays:
The name Dark Spark Rays was in a verse in a Ween song called “Tried & True” that I sent to a love interest at the time. The line says “And though the dark, spark rays of violet light, blinding”. I loved the mental imagery it painted and felt it fit the overall band vibe/image.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Dark Spark Rays: As in sharing music you own with people who don’t? Being an artist, I always buy my music to support the artist. Especially if they are indie artist with out a big machine behind them back rolling everything because I can definitely relate. But sometimes giving my a track away for free to loyal fans is a great way to say “thank you”.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Dark Spark Rays: Work hard on developing your song writing/craft a great image or apereance always helps too. I’m mean, would you show up to a job interview wearing a tank top and flip flops? There is nothing wrong with being professional and looking presentable. In fact it helps!
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Dark Spark Rays: Everyone flubs here and there. The trick is don’t let it throw you off the mission at hand which should be putting on an enjoyable show for your fans and audience.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Dark Spark Rays: No big tours yet. We’re hoping to change that this year.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Dark Spark Rays: Some songs come to you sometime fully done you just have to write it out. Some from life experience. Some come from things or situations around you. The process for me is getting a groove going and then writing lyrics that fit that groove or mood.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Dark Spark Rays: Yes, you can check us out on Reverbnation
https://www.reverbnation.com/d
arksparkrays We’re also on iTunes, Spotify Google music, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon, YouTube Music, as well as other music streaming services around the world which will expand once our first full lenth album is out later this year.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Dark Spark Rays: I’m really a harsh music snob. So, being that my playlist is something I use to draw inspiration from I try to keep the cheese to a minimum. But, I must admit I’ve been know to board the “Yellow Submarine” from time to time ha ha!
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Dark Spark Rays: First, buy a new home, then build a new coustom studio and record and produce my and others music.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Dark Spark Rays: No studio upgrades at the moment. And we’re working with engineers and a recording studio.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Dark Spark Rays: Live shows, social media like Facebook, Twitter and our new Instagram to name a few. But our Revebnation page does the best because people who go there are actively looking for new music.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Dark Spark Rays: I’d love to be in a group with David Bowie, Lou Reed and all four Beatles and let’s not leave out Prince. Because they’ve all heavily in influence me on way or another.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Dark Spark Rays: Yes, a brand new full lenth album is in the beginning that we’re very excited about.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Dark Spark Rays: Longing to make music.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Dark Spark Rays: Prince & The Revolution’s Purple Rain. I would freak out when my mother would buy me music I was really into.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Dark Spark Rays: write down anything important coming up, formulate a plan and the get it done.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Dark Spark Rays: More Music and Multimedia all coming your way. If you like the demos already out there you’ll love the the new album coming soon!
