Road Crew Magazine
Music Magazine with News, Reviews, Photos and Video

There is nothing like the sound of a screaming guitar.  The instrument itself has as distinct of voice as that of a band's lead singer, and the sound for different guitarists is just as unique.  But what makes those axe grinders tick?  Where did their inspirations come from?  What of their backgrounds?  What drove them to pick up this amazing instrument and spin forth their amazing musical talents through its strings?

Welcome to Grinding the Axe. A place where you can find out more about those awesome guitar players you know and love and be introduced to the awesome ones that you don't.

Today features an artist that I have come to admire and respect as musician, but even more so as a person.  A man with a love and passion for music, for life and for being true to who and what you are.  Darwin DeVitis of Carbon 9.

I got to know Darwin through the wonderful world of Myspace when I received a friend request from the band's page, in which he manages.  I fell in love with the music instantly and have featured their work in previous issues of Road Crew Magazine, including an interview with lead vocalist Stacey Quinealty.  But it wasn't just music that forged a friendship between us, it was Superbowl season and it was then I discovered that Darwin is a HUGE Steelers fan.  If you know anything about me, then you know that I myself am a die hard Steelers gal, so I was excited that we could talk about more than just music, but on a personal level as well.  Through football season, hockey season, music, just life in general, I know that my life is more enriched through the different topics of conversation that I've shared with him. 

When I asked if he would like to be the first artist featured, he jumped at the opportunity to do so, but at the same time was so very humble about it, genuinely appreciative of the chance to share more about himself and Carbon 9.  So, without any further ado, I'm going to turn you over the amazing axe grinder for Carbon 9, Darwin DeVitis.

Hey There! Let me take a moment to introduce myself to you all. I am Darwin DeVitis, guitarist for the band Carbon 9 based out of Los Angeles, CA.  I was recently asked to take part in a new column called "Grinding the Axe" by Melisa Cross and jumped at the opportunity to introduce both myself and my band, Carbon 9 to you all. Before I get to the questions, here is a brief history about me, at Melisa's request...

I was born on December 24th (nice xmas gift for Mom and Dad - at least that's what they tell me) in a small town just south of Pittsburgh, PA with my 2 sisters (Jamie & Marcie) and brother (Charles). Some say they could tell by my screaming that I was meant for a future in rock-n-roll. Before I ever picked up a guitar I was, and still am,  a sports freak. Being from Pittsburgh, PA I am a fan of the Steelers, Penguins and yes...even the Pirates. I somehow love and enjoy sports enough to respect and admire all of the teams and people that work hard to make their dreams happen. To this day I relate a lot of what I learned through team sports to playing in a band and how they are quite similar from peewee, to the pros and playing parties and clubs to being signed and touring. Most of my daily routine is writing, practicing or just playing the guitar. When I can, I work out, watch sports and spend quality time with my wife, Sandi, and our boys. (Cole, Rusty &  Vito_our dogs) These are just a few of the things that help balance my life and get me through.  So enough with the background check and on to all those great questions that hopefully will inspire you to pick up a guitar or instrument of choice and start creating away!

Road Crew: At what age did you start playing guitar?

Darwin: I actually started off singing in grade school chorus and plays. Then I started playing the guitar at the age of 10 when a neighbor friend of mine showed me a guitar and we wanted to start a band and take over the world. From that time on my whole world would change!

Road Crew: Did you take lessons or are you self taught?

Darwin: I'm a Mutt...lol.  I started out taking lessons but my teacher didn't want me playing the kind of music I wanted so I stopped and taught myself off of cds and magazines. I would jam along to them in my bedroom at all hours of the night driving my Dad nuts. I have been currently studying the last few years with a great teacher and friend, Dale Turner. He is just amazing. He took me from a self taught mess to being able to understand what everything is supposed to mean.

Road Crew: Who are your influences?

Darwin: Musically, starting out it was Eddie Van Halen, Warren DeMartini, Jake E. Lee, George Lynch, Dimebag, Zakk Wylde, Nuno and all the "Guitar Heros". As I started writing more songs and different styles, I now look at all music genres and try to take and learn something from each that will help me to grow and be better. In life it's been my family and friends and all I choose to surround myself with. I am blessed and very thankful to have some really great people in my life.

Road Crew: When did you realize that this is what you wanted to do as a career?

Darwin: I don't look at playing the guitar as wanting to do it as a career goal. I look at how it takes me to another place whether I am practicing, writing or playing. Around the age of 16, I started focusing more on bands and playing live and once we started playing live that's when I knew this was something special!

Road Crew: How did you break into the music scene?

Darwin: With a lot of hard work, practice, writing songs, playing live and always promoting and meeting people. Eventually all the hard work paid off and you meet the right people and filter out the others.

Road Crew: What type of gear do you use?

Darwin: I use Wayne guitars (custom built Wayne and Michael Charvel), Schecter A-7 (7 string guitars), Ovation acoustics, Rivera Knucklehead amplifiers, GHS strings, Rocktron effects, Boss overdrive, noise gate and compressor pedals, Dunlop 95Q Wah, BBE and Troy Barry's Scream Regulator (for lead boosts)

Road Crew: Being from back east, what was the transition like, moving from back east to out west?

Darwin:  I am from a small town just south of Pittsburgh, PA and I moved to L.A. just after school. Where I grew up it was kind of rural, so I actually looked forward to living in the city. I lived in a small apartment with nothing but my guitars and a Laney half stack. I have worked every kind of job that would let me play in bands and gig without the 2 conflicting. The hardest part is having all your family and friends on the East coast, but it makes you work harder at your goals cause you know you have them pulling for you as well.

Road Crew: When did you hook up with C9, and how did that come about?

Darwin: I joined C9 early 2003. I was in another L.A. band at the time (Cut Throat) and I got a call from Curtis (C9 bassist) to come down and jam with the guys. I learned 5 tunes and we got together at a rehearsal place and it was awesome! The blending of my rock/metal background and the mix of Stacey's programming just gave us something special and we've been writing and pounding away everyday since then.

Road Crew: What track off of The Bull holds the most meaning for you and why?

Darwin: Most meaningful track for me would be "Butterflies " My Mom had just passed away and the song was written for her. I even got to write and read a poem in the bridge section. It's been the hardest thing I have been through and every time I play that track I know my Mom is close by.

Road Crew: How are the tour dates coming along?

Darwin: Being in a new band just coming out it can be a bit tough trying to find the right people to work with and all but we are making progress everyday and can not wait to bring our live show to the venues in other cities.

Road Crew: If you could play one venue or festival in particular, what would it be?

Darwin: That is so tough cause I just want to play! If I had to choose something it would probably be CRUEFest or OzzFest in the U.S. and Download Festival in Europe cause I am a huge fan of the bands that are usually on those bills and I would love the opportunity to sit and pick their brains to learn.

Road Crew: What advice do you have for up and coming guitar players?

Darwin: Practice, Practice, Practice, record yourself and Practice more... Make it fun and something you want to do. Play and create the music that you are passionate about and want to share with the world. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or take criticism, they make you stronger. Have fun!

Carbon 9 is currently working on their tour featuring their latest CD The Bull, which can be purchased at Best Buy stores or by digital download on iTunes.  The video for their 3rd single from The Bull, Crawling Over Me, is in production and will be released soon. (Be sure to check back for a "Between the Sheets" feature by C9's Stacey Quinealty coinciding with the video's release).  For more information about Carbon 9, check them out at Myspace, Facebook and their official website.

By Lis