Dianthus is a progressive rock/metal duo featuring twin sisters, Jessica and Jackie Parry.
Interview conducted on July 21, 2020
By Dan Locke
Dianthus is currently in the studio recording their brand new album âRealmsâ with producer Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Symphony X, Butcher Babies, etc.), and they will be releasing a series of singles monthly leading up to the full release tentatively due in early 202
What is your upbringing?
We donât have any other siblings, so itâs always been just the two of us. Our parents have always been very supportive of us and our passion for art and music. Being twins, we always had each other and learned as a team- this helped us form a tight synergy when pursuing music.
How did you discover music?
We first discovered our love for music when one of our neighbors (who was moving at the time) gifted us their piano. We both were intrigued at the sound of it, and we immediately wanted to learn how to play. Our parents got us started with classical piano lessons (we were both 7 at the time), and thatâs where it all began.
How did you start to write music?
After covering many songs from our favorite bands, we decided it would be fun to create our own sound, something original and true to us. It came on as a spontaneous challenge to see what sounds/ideas we could come up with.Â
What was your first performance at like?
Our first performance as Dianthus was at Schoonerâs in Sunset Beach, CA (unfortunately, the venue is no longer there). It was very liberating for us to finally play our first show as Dianthus. We had a lot of fun and still remember all the good memories from that night.
Tell me about playing the Viper Room?
We absolutely love playing the Viper Room! We have performed there many times. One of our favorite shows there was when our friends Jinxx (guitars/strings for Black Veil Brides) and Ronnie Ficarro (former bassist for Falling in Reverse/I Am Ghost) joined us on stage for the entire set. Performing alongside them was an incredible experience and they are some of the most genuinely kind people weâve met in the industry.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
Our first original song as Dianthus was âWithin Hazel Eyesâ. The writing process felt very natural- we were amped to write a song that was more progressive in form and challenged us every time we performed it. We recorded that song at Drac Studios in Los Angeles, CA (recording studio of Matt Sorum from Guns âN Roses, Velvet Revolver, Hollywood Vampires, The Cult).
How did you start the band?
When we were younger, we both wanted to start a band- it was always on our minds when we were learning music and taking lessons. After we started covering songs and jamming original ideas, we finally decided to go for it.
How hard is it to be a two-piece band?
Being in a band of just 2 people does have its challenges. There are more parts to write, arrangements to play, and our live performances require more focus because there are just 2 stand-alone instruments (guitar and drums). We do enhance our live sound with additional tracks and bass that we wrote/recorded in studio. Jess always drums to a click. We do feel that this slight pressure helps us harness our playing more, and it definitely keeps us on our toes when performing these songs live.
How did the band get its name?
Weâve always been intrigued with nature. In the early phases of deciding on a band name, we researched floral names. When we came across the name âDianthusâ, we immediately felt it resonate with us. Since it is a flower that has stood the test of time, we found it inspirational to relay that same idea to our band. We want our music to impact everyone, no matter what time in life. The flower also showcases femininity, and we believe that relates to us well too.
You have shared the stage with the likes of Crown the Empire, Dokken, Drowning Pool and Powerman-5000. Can you tell our readers anything you learned from them about the business of music and touring?
We are grateful to have opened for all of those incredible acts at The Cave in Big Bear Lake, CA. Playing those shows with established artists has taught us that there are always opportunities to make new friends and fans. We realized how the unique songs and original presence from a band can truly form a sense of community for listeners. We learned to embrace the aspect of touring and the responsibilities that come with that experience.Â
How was NAMM?
NAMM is always a blast for us. We have been attending for 6 years now. We had the opportunity to play 2 shows at The Winter NAMM in 2019. We performed at Dynaudio: Unheard in front of the Anaheim Convention Center, as well as The Hilton Stage. Dynaudio: Unheard was pretty cool because it was a live performing, recording, and filming experience all inside of a gigantic shipping container studio! The video from that show is up on our YouTube channel (Dianthus Live).Â
Tell me about your new single âRealmsâ
The idea and creation of our newest single âRealmsâ came from pure intuition and connectiveness to the music. We wanted to capture a variety of intense moods that resonate with listeners and cut into the dynamic dimensions of our sound. We feel that this song will speak to everyone in a unique way and mean something in a unique way.
Do you have any more singles planned before the release of the album?
Yes, we plan to release singles monthly leading up to the full album release in early 2021.
What is your favorite track on the album?
We have yet to record and release more singles from the album, so right now itâs hard to say.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
We always find time to get in a good workout and sleep schedule during a tour. It is crucial to stay fit while on the road because we do a lot of loading and teardown of our own gear. Stretching before shows, staying hydrated, and eating healthy food is essential to a strong performance.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
There are a lot of mixed feelings that surround the idea of streaming music, but we like to view it in a positive way. We see it as a unique opportunity to reach more fans all over the world.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Definitely vinyl! There is nothing like having a tangible record in your hands!
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
It definitely saddens us to see so much division happening. We are aware of all that is going on, and we have been trying our best to spread hope, love, and positive thinking during this time.
Do you feel that the Me-Too movement has helped female performers in the music business?
Yes. We feel that it has empowered women in music for sure. After that movement came about, there has been an increased respect and consideration for females in the industry.
What is the mental health situation of the United States? How can the public help the doctors and nurses on the front line?
In this time of uncertainty, everyone is likely experiencing a form of anxiety in some degree. The public can help front-line doctors and nurses by staying home and taking the necessary health precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what does the song mean to you?
âThe Spirit of Radioâ by Rush. We both love this song and Neil Peartâs lyrics speak of the power of music. This song will always be relevant.
You played the Metal Monday Experimental in Florida on March 02, 2020. At that time, you were hearing more and more about the virus. Did you think the nation would totally shut down the way it did?
No, we never expected things to play out the way that they did. Everything was just starting to take place, and we had no idea how much it would affect live shows. With the growing uncertainty at that time, we had a gut feeling it would be our last live show for a while, and we really gave it our all.Â
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus is going to affect the music business in the future?
We really feel that the virus will actually be making a positive impact in the music industry. When live shows finally happen again, we think that both the performers and the audience members will have a newfound appreciation for the live show experience. Staying confined at home has seemed to benefit musicians with the engagement of more media outlets, helping them to stay connected with their following. All of this time has definitely given artists the ability to hone in their craft and look deeper into their art.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
With the preparation of our new album, weâve been really listening to the songs again and making them sound the best they can before heading back into the studio. Weâve also been finding lots of projects to do at home, including organizing our home studio. Itâs important to us to have an inspirational space for writing and practicing.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Not really, weâve just taken the time to breathe deep and live a little.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. What are you planning to do?
We have yet to embark on the live streaming world of shows. Every artist has different needs when it comes to this, and we would love to make this happen sometime!
For smaller bands who do not play large crowds, this is not really an issue. How do you see bands going back to smaller venues and doing things like play for the door, with no guarantees?
Yeah, itâs a possibility! With technology expanding and improving every day, the options to make money and play shows are endless. When the time comes for small bands to play small venues again, the situation will definitely look a little different, but the passion to play music should still be there.
In addition, at the present time for a band to go on tour from one state to another they may need to self-quarantine for 14 days. How is that going to work?
That doesnât seem to be too much of a hurdle regarding touring, as it may provide that time for each musician to better prepare for the run of shows.
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it may be the end of music festivals for the next couple of years?
Not necessarily, there will just be a different way of going about things.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
This sounds like it would be pretty neat! As long as the sound is on point (if you have good speakers), and you can feel the bass and power of the instruments, it could turn out interesting!
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
We see ourselves touring, recording, and continuing to do what we love.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
Thank you so much for the fun interview, itâs been great chatting about music. We hope everyone continues to stay well during these uncertain times and we cannot wait till we reunite again with our listeners at a live show!Â
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