Diemonds are a hard working, hard partying band from Toronto, Canada who formed in 2006. They released their first EP called “In The Rough” in October 2008 and it gained international recognition, with Classic Rock Magazine calling it one of the best albums of 2009. The band has toured extensively since then, supporting some of the biggest names in rock music. The long awaited album “The Bad Pack” finally appeared in 2012.

The band consists of Priya Panda on vocals, Daniel DeKay and C.C. Diemond on guitars, Tommy Cee on bass and Aiden Tranquada on drums. We recently managed to catch up with DeKay to get him respond to a few questions.

 


 

NI ROCKS – Thanks for taking some time to answer a few questions for Rock Radio NI. I’ve been following the band for a while now, but for anyone not familiar with Diemonds how would you describe yourselves?

DEKAY - We're gladiators - pirate hippie gladiators. Everyone wants to party with us and get wild.

NI ROCKS – The band is endorsed by Jagermeister which is pretty cool!! How did that deal come about?

DEKAY – It rules to be endorsed by the brand you drink everyday. I guess they discovered us from the amount of times CC or myself passed out mid song on stage with a bottle of Jager in hand.


NI ROCKS – Last year saw the release of the band’s first full length album “The Bad Pack”. It had taken you quite a while to get the album released. Tell us a little about where the album was recorded and who was involved with it.

DEKAY – The album was recorded at a variety of flop houses here in Toronto. It was produced by the band and recorded by Jon Drew. Then Eric Ratz came in and did a badass job with the mix. We're total perfectionists so it took a long time to make it sound exactly like we wanted.


NI ROCKS – There was a great video for “Get The F&$k Outta Here” released late last year. Did you enjoy the acting role in the video? Who came up with the idea for it?

DEKAY - The band as a whole loves old slasher flicks so the concept came easy to us. Acting was really fun. Especially for me - because I got to smoke like 8 joints and 5 massive bong rips until we got those smoking scenes perfect. I kept fucking up my lines after that and my eyes are barely open in the performance scenes.

NI ROCKS – You’re a band that usually seems to be constantly touring although you’re back home at the minute. Do you see touring as the best way to get the band exposed to new audiences?

DEKAY – Touring is not only the best way to expose yourself to new crowds but it's the best excuse to quit your job and go on a mini vacation with your best friends.


NI ROCKS – Any plans for European dates at some stage?

DEKAY – Stay tuned...big plans on the horizon for the next record.

 

NI ROCKS – You’ve supported some big names on tour, what has been your personal highlight as far as gigs are concerned?

DEKAY – Playing the same festivals as Megadeth and Motley Crue were highlights for me...getting to watch some of my favourite bands from side stage and hang with them after the show is always a badass time.


NI ROCKS – Following your posts on Facebook and Twitter it’s clear the band has a lot of fun on the road. What’s your favourite road trip story that you can share with us?

DEKAY – There is literally not a single one I can share that wouldn't incriminate us worse than I already have.


NI ROCKS – What plans do Diemonds have for the rest of 2013? When do you think work will start on the next album?

DEKAY – Writing has already begun for the next Diemonds record and recording will begin after our upcoming North American tour.


NI ROCKS – You’re based in Toronto. I haven’t been there in over twenty years now. What kind of rock music scene does the city have and are there any bands that you’d suggest we check out?

DEKAY – The scene here is booming. You gotta check out Midnight Malice, Shotgun Cure, Fatality, & Kill Cheerleader.


NI ROCKS – The band obviously spend a lot of time in vans or buses travelling to gigs. What music would we hear getting played on the stereo if we were travelling with you?

DEKAY – Our tour bus is like our pirate ship - it's where we rape and pillage. I want to make sure our female fans know how to behave. Diemonds is one big rock n roll party and when anyone hops aboard our tour bus, they better know what to expect. Lots of hair metal records.

NI ROCKS – Can you remember the first album you bought and first gig that you went to?

DEKAY – First album: CD - Aerosmith "Get A Grip". Casseette - KISS "Dynasty". First concert: KISS reunion tour.


NI ROCKS - If you had the opportunity to be a member in any band that has performed in the last 40 years which would it be and why? And you're not allowed to say Diemonds!

DEKAY - Lynyrd Skynyrd...I always wanted to be part of a massive band with way too many members...and it seems like they got laid lots and could smoke lots of dope.


NI ROCKS – Finally, what would you have liked to have achieved with the band by this time next year?

DEKAY – World Domination...and lots of naked chicks waiting to bathe me after shows.


NI ROCKS – Thanks again for taking some time to answer a few questions. Hopefully we’ll see a lot more of Diemonds over the next few months.

 

Find out more about Diemonds at http://diemonds.net/ or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Diemonds

 

The album "The Bad Pack is available from Amazon in the UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Pack-Diemonds/dp/B0093XFE24/ref=sr_1_1?i

 

 

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