Interview- Voidmate

Band: Voidmate Interviewer: Matt Willis Date: 7/22/05

Every once in a while we discover a gem of talent that is bound for greatness. Jovan Hernandez of Houston-Based band “Voidmate” fits the mold. I had the privilege of sitting down with him seconds before he took the stage and electrified the audience with his first on-stage performance.

Opening Statement (Matt): I’m here live with Jovan from the band “Voidmate” against the back-drop of club1415 here in Houston, Texas. Jovan, thanks for joining us….

Opening response (Jovan): Thanks for having me, I’m flattered!...

Jovan Hernandez (Voidmate) left and Matt Willis (Grave Concerns) right

Matt: tell me about the birth of Voidmate. How did you guys get started?

Jovan: It originated from my dark ambient project called “Zero-sum”. It was basically me just wanting to do classical music with some dark electronic stuff that I was doing. Deep down inside I’ve always wanted to do “Pop” music. It has been something that I had put aside because I felt that I was not prepared with equipment and all the things that come with performing live but now, here I am…..

Matt: Tell me how it feels to be performing in front of your home town crowd and opening for a band like B! Machine? Did you ever imagine that this would ever happen?

Jovan: No! , I got the show on the strength of one track!  I told the promoter that it is going to take me some time to put a show together and he still was enthusiastic about doing it and I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity so I have been working very hard to get this show together……

Matt: describe your sound to people who have not heard your music.

Jovan: Ummm…. very old synth-pop that has been modified by newer equipment. I have no intention to be apart of the wave that’s happening right now which feel is Already at the tail end. I  think there is so much room with this particular type of music to do what you want with it. I like the direction of bands like “Fischer-Spooner and “The Postal Service” even though my sound is completely different. Anything electronic, I’m all about it! I just have like this affinity for keyboards……

Matt: what are some of your musical influences that play a part in your sound?

Jovan: From bands like “Depeche Mode” to musicians like “Pat Benetar” My brother was more into death metal and my sister was into the valley-girl  inspired stuff like “The Go Go’s”. I was the only one in my family that was inspired by classical music. I studied it and played the piano…I went to school to learn it very briefly…..

Matt: tell me about your material and the possibility of releasing an album. Is there anything on the horizon?

Jovan: Im gradually working my way towards an album right now. I only about four tracks at the moment. I am willing to work with any label that is willing to help me out or I will do it independently….

Matt: What is going through your mind right now as you get ready to take the stage and perform for the first time?

Jovan: I'm just going over the songs in my head. Other than that, I am very nervous. I am more nervous about the technical stuff and the sound more than I am about what the public opinion will be of my music.

Closing statement (Matt): Man, it has been a pleasure to sit down with you tonight. Good luck out there!

Closing response (Jovan): Thanks for allowing me to take part in the interview……

www.myspace.com/voidmate