Interview: deCasa

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

My grandfather had a set of bongos that I started playing at a young age and when he’d host parties in the countryside where he lives, musicians would come play and I would always find a way to sneak into the group with his bongos. I was so small compared to the bongos that I could barely keep ‘em between my legs for a song before my legs would give out lol. 

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I really enjoy skateboarding. I think it helps me unwind and just reset whenever my mind gets really heavy. There’s also an element of discipline and determination that gets developed when you skate because you’re constantly trying to get better and outperform yourself with every session and a lot of times this feeling carries over to my writing to where I’m not complacent with my work until I’m able to execute it to my personal standards. 

How long has your band been around? 

The current lineup in the band has been together since October 2019, but overall, the project has been alive since November 2018.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Currently based in College Station and influence wise, there’s not a music scene here so it’s been kind of on us to create a scene along with a handful of bands here. Because of this, I think I’ve felt the need to make music that can resonate easily to younger audiences in order to bring them in the shows. When you listen to my music it’s all made off of a real eclectic bunch of stuff I’ve been a fan off my whole life but also of catchy hooks and upbeat rhythms that are easy to enjoy. 

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.

I get this question a lot and quite frankly I can’t remember when or why I chose deCasa. However, it translates to fromHome and that’s very important for me because I always try to bring something unique to the table that I can channel from all my influences and experiences growing up in Puerto Rico.

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

The 100% best show ever was at a makeshift venue at a house/garage in Denton, TX. I had no idea what to expect but when we got there I came to find out my friend Kasey had been hyping up the show like crazy for weeks. The energy was insane, it was nonstop dancing, moshing, singing, laughing, screaming, sooo sweaty, and there was not an empty space in that entire garage. There was actually a vlogger there (ALSO invited by Kasey) that filmed a recap of the show that you can find on youtube. You can see just how wild it was in there.

In terms of the worst, there are always bad shows but those are the ones that thicken your skin and after a while you become used to them. However, knowing how bad it can get, whenever you get a good show like the one in Denton, you reaaaally enjoy it and appreciate the love.

Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I don’t think I have a favorite venue to play just yet, I think once I get to play some more shows I’d probably be able to give an answer. BUT all time dream venue is Red Rocks Amphitheatre in CO.

If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?

 Arctic Monkeys, Interpol, Calle 13, Lewis Del Mar… but if I keep going it’d be a festival.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

To strap on because the road is very inconsistent and the amount of work required to make anything happen is unimaginable. That being said, when the work is put in by the whole team involved, things come out right and the results are extremely satisfying. 

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

I would probably tell myself not to stress out trying to make everything “perfect” to the point where it drains the fun out of playing live. Having high standards is important but enjoying yourself with what you do and those you have around you for the ride is even more important.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

I would say maybe? because it was the first song that, through the response the people had to it, let me know I was doing something right, and the path I was heading on was the right one. That song allowed me to book my first Texas run and as a result allowed me the honor to open for bands I have been listening to for years.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

I personally looove when we play covers. It’s nice to see people know every single lyric to a song. I’m not at that point yet since most people that see us live are seeing us for the first time, but when they do know, maybe? and weKnow are usually the ones people enjoy the most & ask for.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

In terms of the writing and recording, I pretty much just lock myself in my room and make music by myself & out of 10 new tracks, 9 usually stay in the computer and the 1 that’s really good tends to become the release. 

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I don't have a particular agenda or particular audience I like to reach, but I have noticed most of my songs are about love or flings and it works out because that’s something all people can relate to. 

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

It is very rare to have disagreements within the band because we tend to all be very vocal about how we feel and if something is not right then it just gets tackled in the moment. But overall, I’ve noticed we don’t really let emotions affect how we connect musically and that’s very relieving.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Right now the COVID frenzy has put my usual booking of shows on a hiatus, but the writing has been at an all-time high. Hopefully when the smoke clears I’ll be able to come back strong with new tracks and a ton of crazy shows around TX, and perhaps even farther.