Finger’s on the key board begin to press out a melody that immediately grabs my attention. Right away the hook pulls me in, and then Joe Caggianelli, expresses himself, and his deep vocals behind the microphone, with compression I haven’t heard in some time. Dizzy by the music behind him on the vocals. The metal magic that this story puts out immediately puts a spell on me, as you hear the story of a mid-evil time, and a spell bounded to break, they start to explain themselves. Check out what Starbynary had to say during our interview.
When did you start your band?
I left my former band more than 2 years ago. This was after being with them for 10 years, and having 3 albums released. I didn’t know what to do in the “music world.” So I thought to create a new project! I called my old friend, and great composer, “Leo Giraldi” in September of 2012, and now, after 2 years as, “Starbynary,” we have an album called, “Dark Passenger.” We also have another great musician and composer named, “Luigi Accardo” in the band and a great collaboration with, “Mike Lepond,” as bass player, from, “Symphony X,” on “Dark Passenger!” I’m very proud of this!
Which instruments do you play?
I’m only a singer! Ahah! I know how to play a few chords with the guitar, but a very little thing….
Describe your music interests and abilities.
I mainly create music power, and progressive rock with Starbynary. I’m the singer. I write the vocal lines, and lyrics. I am the first fan of bands like Symphony X, and I often go see live shows, and festivals out of Italy. This summer we went to The BANG YOUR HEAD festival in Germany, and had a blast! I study singing: I have had a vocal coach since early 2000. I also watch music programs on TV because I enjoy it, and I like to amaze myself at how many artists there are in the underground! I live music every day!
What famous musicians inspire you?
Difficult to answer! I can say that all the singers and bands that I listen to give me inspiration. I listen to them just because I think they are really great musicians! But if I have to give you some names I’ll tell you some of my favorites: Freddie Mercury, Rob Rock, Michael Sweet, Michael Vescera, Symphony X, Rhapsody, Malmsteen, Royal Hunt, and so many more…..
What is some of your best musical memories?
This answer is easy for me! I was 15 years old and I was in my first band, we played only covers. The band members were all older than me, and when we had the opportunity to play live in a theater, my first live show, I was really excited but also in tension: I went up on stage, and I immediately thought “wow home sweet home!!”, It felt great!
What public events do you have coming up?
Just yesterday, “Bakerteam Records” has released a statement about my new project, “STARBYNARY,” our debut album will be released on December 1st in Europe, and January 20th in the USA.
What would you say to beginners, who are nervous?
I would say, try to make “honest” music, born from the heart, and not worrying about approaching music with an eye, if not both, to what could become a commercial product! I am convinced that the talent, the real one, if exists, will be recognized sooner or later, but if you approach the music looking for money and fame, especially in the world of metal and in Italy, then I suggest you try to do something else! The one we are living is not exactly the best period in history of the “music business”, so making honest music and keeping expectations low would be the key to retrieve satisfaction and live happier!
How do you balance your music with your family and friends?
First of all let’s consider I don’t have children! I share my life with an exceptional woman who loves music, studied music, and helps me with precious advises on, “The Starbynary project.” Together we often see live shows, and metal festivals. We live together the passion both as “music listeners,” and as “music makers”. Then come friends, even those who do not live music like us, we hang out with on other occasions. You can do everything!
Should we be expecting anything new to be released?
Yeah. The first Starbynary album, “Dark Passenger” will be released on December 1st in Europe, and on January 20th in the U.S.A. by, “Scarlet/Bakerteam Records.” On all tracks of this album, as bass player, will play Mr.Mike Lepond from Symphony X. Dark Passenger is a concept album based on Jeff Lindsay’s novel “Darkly Dreaming Dexter” which gave inspiration to the “Dexter” TV series.
I’m really proud of all the work we made, and on the rumors we got since releasing the trailer. I think we can expect a nice amount of satisfaction on album response from the public.
Where can we follow your career at?
From 2002 to 2011 I sang in the symphonic power metal band, “Derdian,” (from Milan, Italy), and we recorded 3 albums distributed worldwide, some video and many gigs….. Everything from this project can be easily found on the web. In 2012, The Starbynary project was born, a progressive power metal band in which I am the founder and lead singer of.
Check out our site. www.starbynary.com
What do you think about Another Destiny Project?
I’m really convinced it’s an exceptional project! Peter has a great idea, out of common schemas and filled with great talents I am proud to seat among!
Are you excited to be working with other artists’ from around the world?
Of Course! It’s the main reason which moved me to participate! When I looked at the artists who were part of the project I immediately thought “cool! There are artists from all over the world,” and once I listened to their work I couldn’t think of anything to say, but “Great!”. The sparkle was already set on fire, and I contacted Ana Machado asking her to share a sing with me, because her amazing voice raped me. She accepted! As of now we are waiting for a song from Alexey Soloviev, another ADP artist and great composer, and then we’ll make our part in this exciting initiative. After all, during all my musical life, I have learned that the “underground music world” is cradle rich of artists who, at times, have nothing to envy than the most famous ones… and it’s beautiful!!!
About Johnny Naylor:
Johnny Naylor is the founder and owner of 1st Shot Music and a feature writer for Jammerzine. His work can also be found on 1st Shot Music and Naylor’s Notes. You can also get his latest updates on his facebook page.