The great RICCARDO FAVARA, vocalist of Italy’s Broken Valves, had a chance to catch up with Metal Express Radio, and here is what he had to say…
Metal Express Radio:
In the wake of the Salvation EP released independently in late 2010, what has Broken Valves been up to in 2011?
RF:
2011 is really the most important year for us because it’ll be the year that we put out our first official album with the final line-up of Broken Valves. With me (singer), founder Riccardo Amenta (guitar), and three new members: Daniele Schillaci (guitar), Giuseppe Lo Bello (drums), and Simone Esposito (bass) — we ended up recording 8 tracks in total and we also recorded two bonus tracks for the upcoming CD.
MER:
For our readers not familiar with the sound of Broken Valves, how do you describe your brand of music?
RF:
Just take Creed, Nickelback, Alter Bridge, and Godsmack and put it in a big pot, and then you’ll have the sound of Broken Valves! Our mission is to write catchy music, ranging from heavy riffs to sweets arpeggios. We do what we like the best while trying to gain interest from all kinds of people.
MER:
You have a great way of connecting with the audience via the raw emotion of the songs through your singing. How did you learn to channel your vocal style to what it is today?
RF:
It’s a funny story. I started singing in a band at the age of 15. We were doing Hard Rock covers like Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, etc. After that I sang in many different bands with different genres; Metal, Epic Metal, English Pop Rock, even Southern Rock. But, my true love was AOR: Journey, Talisman, Toto. Then, I started up with Broken Valves in 2006, trying to put the melodic style of AOR in Heavy Rock just like Alter Bridge had done; heavy songs and a melodic voice. I grew up and discovered new bands, new styles, and tried a new approach, which was to “dirty” my voice and to become what I am now.
MER:
What does it take to create a Broken Valves composition?
RF:
Usually we get an individual idea and put it in the ring with the Broken Valves’ style. Everyone gives something to make the song sound unique. After the music compositions and recordings at Amenta’s Recording Studio, I write the lyrics and we start playing the song at the rehearsal studio.
MER:
Do you have any new songs on the horizon? When can we expect some new material?
RF:
We already have two new bonus tracks for the upcoming album, but we have also started writing something new for our next work. The only thing I can say is the new songs have a totally fresh sound, while maintaining the Broken Valves footprint.
MER:
You guys have gained so much success so far while being an independent band, what is the driving force that keeps you guys going strong?
RF:
Even if we are an independent band, we try to do our best. It’s hard work and you have to take care of everything from the composition to the promotion to the distribution. With our own strength we have achieved success in the eyes of the many people who follow us!
MER:
If you had to pick any band or artist to share the stage with, who would that be and why?
RF:
Creed, with any doubt. They sure are freakin’ awesome, and Scott Stapp is one of my favorite singers of all time. Mark Tremonti is a crazy shredder guitarist too. I really appreciate their emotion on stage. You watch them and you say, “Holy crap, the stage is gonna explode!” That is exactly what I want people to feel when we perform!
MER:
Thanks so much for taking time to talk to Metal Express Radio, we wish you the best of luck and much success! Do you have any final thoughts for our readers and listeners?
RF:
Keep in touch with me and Broken Valves on Facebook. And also a huge thanks to Metal Express Radio!
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