Long-running local band Deveat begins sixth year with a third album

By Peter Mares

Six years ago, the band named Deveat gave its first public performance at Sal's Pizza.

What might have seemed an uneventful appearance kicked off an increasingly active career. Presently, the boys of Deveat are working on their third album.

The line-up has changed since the band's inception in the summer of 1999.

Deveat started with Carlos Imperial and three others, and as one member left, another joined to take his place.

“It's hard for some musicians to keep up a high level of hard work and dedication, but we've been fortunate to find musicians who are willing to invest their talents and help the band carry on its main purpose: to write and perform original music,” Imperial said.

Rounding out the quartet are Adam Puckett on bass, Santini Briseño on drums, and Hector Gonzalez playing lead guitar. Despite the setback of member changes, the band moved forward and created two albums.

The first, Downtime, was released in summer 2000. The album featured 10 band-written tracks. The second album, Day after Day, was released two years later. It was written, recorded, and produced by the band, and featured more songs than the first. Each record had its unique signature songs that were constantly requested at the band's performances.

The band has performed throughout Texas and parts of Mexico . Recent venues have included Laredo , Monterrey , Mexico , Lubbock , and Kingsville . Whether it's entertaining the attentive crowd at El Escarabajo in Nuevo Laredo or stunning a new fan base at Coyote Ugly in Dallas, the band gives it their all every time.

Deveat now takes their professionalism from the stage and into the studio for their third album.

“The upcoming album will feature new versions of tracks such as the fan favorites ‘Going Down' and ‘Liar,'” said Puckett. “It can be considered the first true Deveat album. There is a reason why some older material will be featured -- that's better quality due to the complete musical chemistry of the current lineup that at times seemed missing until now.”

The entire band has had a variety of musical training and continue their musical quest for greatness. Each member has taken on other outlets for their creativity, including photography, art, and writing. They are using these talents to start up a new regional publication for subjects such as art, photography, writing, and music.

Bassist Puckett is majoring in Music Education at Laredo Community College . However, he didn't begin his musical training there. His interest started at home, when his mom played records ranging from Dexy's Midnight Runners to Luis Miguel. Later, in elementary school, he realized how much he liked music and thought he would enjoy playing an instrument. He picked up the guitar for a while, but wasn't fond it. When he joined band in middle school, he learned to play baritone and tuba, and by eighth grade was first chair. In high school he took piano lessons at the VMT Magnet School .

Somewhere in between all this, Puckett taught himself the instrument he enjoys best, the bass guitar. Noting the lack of local education on the instrument, Puckett decided to major in music education and teach bass.

Drummer Briseño is studying Criminal Justice and Music at LCC. He discovers new musical influences and ideas every day. His strongest influences remain from Cuba and England. He mixes these to form a unique style, giving Deveat a different sound.

Self-taught lead guitarist Gonzalez found a challenge starting his musical career with a veteran band and an opportunity to further develop his skills. He is working on a marketing degree at Texas A&M International University.

Imperial, founder of Deveat, is a video production instructor for LISD. He formed Deveat with a simple classified ad, beginning the formation of one of Laredo's longest running bands. Imperial, who started writing music during childhood, cites life experiences as his main influence on his songwriting style. Over time his style has progressed, embracing new ideas and influences.

Throughout their six-year career, Deveat has had its share of setbacks and success. Nevertheless, the band has remained passionate about their musical endeavors.

“Some people go through life without ever knowing their true passion,” said Imperial. “We've found ours in music and for that we consider ourselves fortunate.”

For more information about the band visit their website at http://deveatband.tripod.com or e-mail at deveatband@yahoo.com.