INTERVIEWED BY BRANDON DELANO
Spawned from Central Virginia, SAINT DIABLO is an unmovable force to be reckoned with. Bringing with them a fresh and unique tone of hardcore metal and Latino melodies, the band is a live show powerhouse. I had the opportunity to chat with vocalist Tito Quinones before the band set out on the road for the Exposed Festival’s WinTour 2013 in support of their self-titled CD, which is in stores now.
You guys recently wrapped up a tour across the South with IN THIS MOMENT. What was it like touring with them?
It was amazing experience. Life changing both emotionally and physically. We think the world of IN THIS MOMENT, and we can’t thank them enough. They are so talented and down to earth! We also met some new fans that had heard our music on SIRIUS XM Radio channel 40 with Jose on Liquid Metal. Devil horns and middle fingers got flung all set! We can’t wait to jam with them again.
What’s life like on the road with Saint Diablo?
Not as crazy as people would think to be honest. But we do “get down - get down” and our drink of choice is JAGER!!!
For real though, we are a well-oiled machine both on and off stage. Meaning, we have to take the same discipline we use while writing, practicing and playing shows and apply that same discipline to “GETTING” to the next show as well.
So that streamlines our actions to getting the job done as professionally as possible. And that type of “get it done” attitude sometimes doesn’t leave a lot of time to party.
I know I personally make it a point to go to the gym every other day if possible no matter what city we are in. It helps keep me keep my mind and emotions in check as well as lose weight. I am also able to push and build my levels of stamina and take that growth and apply it to my performance in stage. I’m a lot more physical in my art now days.
You released the self-titled Saint Diablo album July 2012. Any plans on when you may get back in the studio to work on a follow up cd?
We are doing a Spanish version EP version of the self-titled CD. That should be out early 2013, and we will release a new full CD around September 2013.
The past couple of months has seen SAINT DIABLO on the Project Independent tour and the IN THIS MOMENT tour, where can we expect to see SAINT DIABLO in 2013?
All over the US at least 3 times over before the summer. We are doing the 2013 Wintour Exposed Fesival from January 12 to February 14. After that hopefully a tour with MUSHROOMHEAD and a few other bad ass bands and festivals. Then we will be back in the studio.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band?
As a band we struggle with everything most touring bands have to deal with—shitty weather, hunger, illness, crazy girls, high gas prices, and the fall of the industry. Because of the economy, getting people to get off the couch to go to a show to hear something new has been very challenging as well. And did I mention bad coffee? Personally though when I am on tour, I miss my wife, my family and my friends. I miss my mom too.
What advice can you give to other Virginia bands looking to break through to the next level?
Never give up. Even if after almost 20 years you are still not where you want to be, never give up on your dream.
Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge for their support for the band?
First and foremost the rest of the guys in the band: Justin Adams, Brian Bush, and Justin “Lefty” Randall. I also want to thank my awesome wife Kathy Quinones! Papi, Mami, and Jeffery Quinones, my family and best friends. My business partner Brian Gonzo and Tony Wilson our booking agent and manager. Everyone at The Lafayette Agency for their never ending support and belief in Saint Diablo, and last but not least Chris Poland at Eclipse Records.
