A Little Envy From True Rivals

“True Rivals” L-R – Kevin, Trevor, Nate, Derik

CUPCAKEPUNK.COM Interview with Derik Envy of True Rivals by Jeffery Page:
I recently had an opportunity to ask Los Angeles’ new Pop Punk band “True Rivals” bassist Derik Envy a few questions. Late this evening on the last day of September. It was very kind for him to take the time out as he was slowly recovering from plague like symptoms. This although is no problem as he is aware sometimes the show must go on. Ok, I know this is not much of a show but hopefully some of you will be entertained. Without further ado.

Jeffery Page:
So as this seems awkward since we know one another… Here we go … What would you consider to be your first recollection of wanting to be a musician?

Derik Envy:
I grew up in Montana so shows were few and far between. I remember the first concert that came through was mxpx and blink182 and homegrown. Dude ranch had just came out so everyone I know went. Mxpx opened and they were cool with tattoos jumping around and I thought…. Fuck yeah, I wanna do that!

Jeffery Page:
I have to admit I can relate. My first concert was to the Universal Amphitheater with my second cousin’s band Bullet Boys and Poison. That was a little different however, I believe it was still on the same lines. It made me want to play guitar. I mean let’s face it one of the best things on this planet is to see some one doing something they totally enjoy regardless if they get paid or not. Which I know is something you can relate to. Which brings me to ethics. Primarily work/practice ethics. How long from that first moment did you realize that music was your passion and calling?Which made you passionate enough to want to be better???

Derik Envy:
I’d say almost instantly. It set the ball into motion to get a band together and start playing. Playing music has always been the only time I really don’t worry about all the petty life bullshit. And here I am 20 years later starting a new band with stories and experiences I wouldn’t swap for any amount of money. Though it was never an easy ride and may never be I really can’t imagine that hole being filled with anything else, whether music pays the bills or not.

Jeffery Page:
I definitely have to say that is one reason why I felt compelled to kind of break the icing with you by doing some Q&A for CupcakePunk.com. I know through past conversations of ours you are a driven individual. Which is something I try to always try to explain to others. A drive is needed to achieve any goal. So many lazy people fail to realize their full potential as they wait for someone to push them along. Which brings me to your new band “TRUE RIVALS”. What would you say is the most beneficial aspect of being in this band opposed to anything else in the past?

Derik Envy:
The first obvious thing to me is, True Rivals is our creation. We were able to take lessons learned in the past and apply them to create something that is ours. I had so many song ideas I just wanted to get out. It was a blessing for me to connect with Kevin, Nate, and Trevor to see it through. Basically in the past we were “hired guns”. This lead us all over the world and connected us with so many people. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. The timing just came full circle with the need to create. I needed to do my own music, punk rock, and I get to make music with my friends. It was time to chase something that I felt I had to and we made a record I could not be more happy with.

Jeffery Page:
Obviously without a doubt I would agree. Partially because I have seen almost all of you perform in separate acts which has a resume of great musicians, tours, shows etc. . For some of you readers their previous acts include (“Unwritten law, bullets and octane, rufio, Longway, the exposed, Diana gone wrong, etc. And Nate’s currently in LIT”)

Derik Envy:
I believe we are a fun band live. We like to play fast punk rock which we definitely do as well as have big sing along choruses. It is real music. No iPods or auto tune, what you see is what you get. If you like our record you’ll like us live. Plus Trevor’s crazy on stage so you never know what he’s gonna do! Also if you know the lyrics or how to play our songs or a cover we might bust out, odds are you’ll end up on stage with us. We covered Rancid’s – Olympia WA w/ Mike Mike Herrera of MXPX not too long ago and a kid came and joined for a sing a long. It was a blast. It’s floating on YouTube somewhere.

Jeffery Page:
Which by the way for any of you are in Los Angeles, Hollywood, the South Bay, Long Beach, the Valley or Orange County you have a chance to see them this weekend on Sunday October 5th performing a FREE show at Lucky Strike Bowl in Hollywood, CA which will be filmed for their video at 9:30pm. Now that I took care of that… I’ve got you on the hook… So philosophical, dreamy Derik questions… So you have a choice to host a concert at your venue of choice with 3 bands/musicians alive or dead who would you choose and where?

Derik Envy:
Haha oh shit… I’m gonna go with a show at The Fonda, I want a big enough venue for a rad show but small enough to be more intimate. So off the top of my head, Opening we’ll have: No Doubt, next up Rancid, and closing would be Pantera. Fuck it, it’s a weird line up but I don’t give a shit. It’s my show right!?

Jeffery Page:
Awesome, I’m in. I have been privileged to see all of them separately and would agree it would be rad yet eclectic. I also have to say the Henry Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles is by far one of my favorite venues as well. It would be cool… Yes your show… ha Ha.. So back in the day people would make mix tapes for someone special. I know I have for my girlfriend Jessica. So that brings me to next question… Check this seg way.. If you had a chance to find a girl to call your own. What 10 songs would you send her way?

Derik Envy:
Oh man… You’re coming in hot. Well these are some songs that have always stuck with me so I would want to share them with that special someone. In no particular order.

Wade – Sit Down
No Doubt – End It On This
Ellie Goulding – Lights
Jason Isbell – Elephant
Good Riddance – Slowly
NIN – That’s What I Get
Strung Out – Letter Home
American Steel – Mean Streak
Chuck Ragan – Done and Done
Larry and his Flask – Ebb And Flow

That was tough and now that I look back, no wonder I’m single hahaha

Jeffery Page:
Ha ha… What was it??? Eddie Murphy as Buckwheat, “Wooking Pa Nub” … Ha ha… SNL reference sorry.. I enjoy laughter… Then again so do you. When you are not working on True Rivals what is your ideal day to yourself?

Derik Envy:
Haha, all the wong pwaces!
I’m pretty simple and if it was a day all to myself (and I’m not hungover) I would get up early make some breakfast. Go for a walk or hike while listening to music. Doesn’t have to be nature, though that’s better, I’ll stroll down the streets. Do some working out or at least jump some rope after. Eat lunch, always play some bass. Probably take a nap at some point, cause I love them. I’ll try to write but sometimes I have to let that come to me. Forcing it doesn’t work very well for me. I’ll definitely can get sucked into bad TV so gotta be careful Daytime talk shows serve as good reminders of how much worse things could be. Then hopefully later there would be a good show to go to. I spend a lot of my time at shows. Whether local or national if I’m not playing I still like to be around it.
If I’m hungover and been up all night my day to myself is filled with ordering pizza, self loathing and watching movies. And naps are consistent with both. Haha

Jeffery Page:
Well my friend I hope you get to enjoy one of those days soon. I have no problem saying any day spent with you is well spent. Yet it is getting late and I know how important time is. So, I want to kind of wrap this up saving our time as well as doing a favor for visitors to Los Angeles so their not wasting anyone else’s time. While visiting Los Angeles, CA, What is your Favorite Food Place? What is your Favorite Bar? Last but not least what is one unknown part of LA you’d recommend seeing???

Derik Envy:
For food, once again I am simple. I kinda like everything. I can find something I like anywhere. I guess it a blessing from touring But I’m sure you know we can all enjoy a good happy hour at Kabuki on Vine. Or if I’m going out to do some drinking you’ll probably find me on cahuenga. It’s like a bad relationship I just can’t leave! Haha. As for hidden places I need someone to show me! I’ve lived here far to long to not have a good answer for this!!! We’ll thank you and it has been a blast chatting! Some of the questions were thinkers for sure.

Jeffery Page:
I definitely want to thank you for the answers. It’s always a great conversation eventhough this was a little brief.. I look forward to the upcoming shows . It’s been a pleasure as always… Thanks again and good night.

“I’ve been up and down this lonely road so many times I get confused. Even though I know I’m growing old, I live the life I choose.”- Derik Envy

You can see True Rivals playing these upcoming shows and more information by checking out the below links.

Oct 5th – Lucky Strike Bowl in Hollywood, CA
Oct 20th – Silverlake Lounge in Los Angeles, CA
Oct 25th – (Special Venue) in Phoenix, AZ
Oct 29th – Slidebar in Fullerton, CA w/ Koffin Kats

Www.truerivals.net
Facebook.com/TrueRivals
Instagram: @truerivals @deriknv
Twitter: @truerivalsLA

Stream album on Spotify, YouTube or
Soundcloud.com/TrueRivals[:de]