Genre: Nova Tropicál
Hometown: Wilmington & Newark
Who's who: Zachary Humenik, guitar/vocals; Katie Dill, banjo/ukelele/vocals; Samuel Nobles, bass/vocals; Tyler Doherty, guitar/vocals; Tyler Holloway, drums/percussion.
Behind the name: "It started as a brain child of Zach, who had made a few trips to South America and used the name as a sort of alter ego, especially when he would get drunk down there. He did some solo stuff using the name while playing with Tyler in a band you might remember, called Bellefonte. After they split up, the five of us got together (about a year ago) and decided to use the name." -- Tyler H
MySpace: myspace.com/diegopaulo (Take a listen to "Holiday," a melodic, conga and acoustic guitar-driven ditty that makes the listener want to go on a picnic.)
Upcoming Gigs: March 6, with Fat Daddy Has Been, Deer Park, Newark
You describe your genre as nova tropicál. Care to explain? "We've all been exposed to a lot of bossa nova, rock and latin jazz over the years, so those genres are a big part of what we do. But we're fusing Brazilian and World style music with American Rock and focusing on visual art and performance art in addition to the music."
Bossa nova had a strong run in the late '50s and early '60s. Are you attempting to bring the sound back, at least locally? "It's more that the five of us really got turned on to the sound while performing with the UD jazz ensemble. That relaxed style of music in general provided a great base and flexibility that allows us to incorporate rock 'n roll and really make it our own sound."
What's next: The band is currently working on their first full-length album, titled "Café con Leche," to be released in Spring of 2010.
If you want to be considered for the band bio feature, you must play original music, perform live in places other than your basement and have some recorded tracks readily available. Send your info to Holly Norton at hnorton@sparkweekly.com or Rob Kalesse at rkalesse@sparkweekly.com.
