Inkvine – Deneb

Inkvine’s sound draws inspiration from feelings of betrayal, grief, and personal determination. The band fuses the commercial, radio-friendly rock influence of Tool and Rage Against The Machine with a darker, more dramatic sound inspired by everything from Depeche Mode to Type O Negative. With relatable, soul-searching lyrics and easily-triggered moments of sheer rage, Inkvine’s music gives the listener a plethora of moods, and a fresh nod towards hard rock diversity. Throughout the musical mood swings, the band’s distinct sound remains solid, while each song broadens their musical spectrum a bit further.

Inkvine’s debut LP, “Storm,” caught the attention of nearly every major Detroit radio station. The band appeared live on 89X, WRIF FM, and the nationally syndicated “The Mitch Albom Show” while distributing over 6000 copies of their debut. Soon, the band was enjoying media attention and scheduling near-weekly radio interviews while performing throughout Detroit and its neighboring cities.

Inkvine vocalist Brett Dowdican, 26, is a native New Yorker who moved to Michigan at the age of 7. Even then, Brett was caught up in the world of heavy metal and hard rock, and was passionate about becoming a singer. He went on to front several bands through his teens and early twenties, and found a kindred spirit in guitarist Johnny Batcher, now 27. After playing together for over a year in a previous band, they decided to pursue something that sounded newer and more indifferent than the steady thread of generic metal that came from the late 1990’s. The two started from scratch, determined to make their next effort more meaningful and diverse. This pairing became the catalyst for Inkvine’s formation in the year 2000.

Drummer Seth Shoup, 27, moved from Alaska to Michigan in 1996 and started casually writing and recording music with Johnny Batcher. Seth and Johnny’s chemistry was incomparable, and Seth became the obvious first choice when Johnny and Brett were considering other members for Inkvine. Seth’s unique drumming draws from various styles and influences and is an integral piece of what makes the Inkvine sound both unique and dynamic.

Bassist Adam Warthen was 19 years old when he responded to an ad in a local music magazine. After spending most of his teen years playing in various local bands, Adam had finally found his niche, and he came into the fold almost immediately after Seth, Johnny, and Brett began creating music together, bringing the perfect mix of emotion and energy to their fresh new sound.

Twenty-two year-old keyboard sequencer/programmer Val Fiott had been in and out of artistic projects throughout Los Angeles, Detroit, and Atlanta when he came across a demo of Inkvine’s music. Upon first listen, Val knew that his electronic sounds and sampling would give Inkvine the added textures that the band’s music had been calling for, and he contacted the foursome immediately for an audition. Only days later, the Inkvine lineup was complete, and the five were eagerly planning for the future while writing exciting new music that combined their personalities and influences.