July 1, 2010
DEWA
Dewa Suwija is Manchester’s adopted guitar prophet, originally from Bali and raised in Manchester, UK. DEWA’s last album Time Is Master — fuses the roots of jazz, blues, rock, and ladens it with dark club beats and world reggae vibes.
I talked with Dewa Suwija about his history, and DEWA’s newest album to be released sometime in September.
Firstly, could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Dewa Suwija. I’m the band leader, vocalist, and guitarist.
Who are the members of your band and what instruments do they play?
Dewa: Clive Hunte (Bassist), Adisa Allen (Drummer) and myself: Dewa Suwija (Guitar & Vocal).
Could you tell our readers something of your history?
Dewa: ‘DEWA’ is a Manchester based indie band formed by me, Dewa Suwija ( born in BALI (Indonesia)). I had heard about the Manchester music scene, you know Happy Mondays, Simply Red and The Stone Roses and thought “I gotta get involved in this.” I moved to the United Kingdom in 1988, and have lived here ever since.
In 2001, I produced the LP With or without you. It was recorded at Revolution studios, renowned for hosting such bands as “The Who.” With or without you was then mixed and mastered at famous ABBEY Road Studio, London. Becoming, the second artist to showcase their music at ABBEY Road Studio, after Sheryl Crowe.
In 2003, ‘DEWA’ released an album entitled Alligator, the album managed to gain recognition in the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Sapporo. I returned to Bali in 2005, to promote the Balinese album De Mejudi which in English means “stop gambling.”
The Balinese government then approached me to work closely on a campaign to stop gambling. Using the song as a trademark, because gambling has become a big problem everywhere. My charity work promoting social engagement, has meant I have become somewhat of a role model for young people in Indonesia. I also became an ambassador for UNICEF to set up a community empowerment initiative to educate people on the awareness of HIV/AIDS.
In 2007, ‘DEWA’ released the critically acclaimed “Time is Master” — The sound of Indie alternative which fuses rock, blues, jazz and reggae vibes with dark club beat.
What are your top five picks of classic muscle cars?
Dewa: Porshe!
Who or what inspired you to pick up your first instrument and how old were you?
Dewa: I was 12 years old. Inspired by Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Hendrix.
Remembering back to your first time in front of a live audience, what comes to mind?
Dewa: I just so happy being on the stage and excited to show my talent.
What has been your biggest triumph as an artist? Greatest challenge?
Dewa: Well, to be appreciated for the music you make and to be recognized as an artist in the world.
If the whole world were listening, what would you play? And why?
Dewa: I’d play my favorite song “Time is Master,” because I want to share the track I love most.
As your music as evolved, what do you think has been the most significant change and do you consider it a positive or a negative?
Dewa: My style of playing the guitar is expanding and my song writing is getting stronger. It`s all positive. I believe as time goes by we learn and achieve more in terms of sound, and following what is going on today.
What do you want fans to get from your music?
Dewa: Joy, happiness, and something to take on board (whether the lyrics or style of music).
What is your favorite song to perform live? Why?
Dewa: “Time is Master” because the lyric so strong: everything we do and life involves time. Also, I love the music that I`ve composed in this one, it blends so well with the song.
What do you value most in life?
Dewa: Love. Love to the people who are close to you from friends to family.
Let’s hear a little about your tastes not related to music — Could you name some of yourfavorite books or movies?
Dewa: I mainly read spiritual books. I love reading those kind of subjects, just before going to sleep and I usually dream about beautiful things.
Who would be your dream band to perform with, from anywhere in the world?
Dewa: I`d love to perform with Foo Fighters, or even Gorillaz.
This is your chance to promote your CDs, bands, tours, websites & gear?
Dewa: Yes, it`s a great way to showcase our Talent.
homepage – online shop – myspace – youtube
Could you tell me the name of the new album, and when might fans expect it to come out?
Dewa: Well, we expect everything will be ready and released by September 2010, and the name of the album has not been decided yet (until all tracks are completed).
Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans all over the world?
Dewa: Our NEW Album coming up soon — so be ready to check it out!!!
I would like to thank Dewa Suwija for his participation in this interview.
~Denise Smith (interview 2010.07.01)
