Q&A: The Revenant – A Product of Punk Rock Friendship
There’s a lot to be said for experiences, whether or not they turn out the way you had hoped. In the case of Los Angeles punk rock 
quartet, The Revenant, this new musical outlet is the biproduct of friendships formed by a bunch of guys who have long resumes, but wanted something to truly call their own.
Collectively – Derik Envy, Kevin Besignano, Nate Walker, and Trevor Jackson – have had roles within the likes of Bullets and Octane, Unwritten Law, Lit, The Exposed, Longway, and Rufio, just to name a few.
With those acts now within the past for those fellas, they look ahead to the June 17 release of their Self-Titled debut, an album in which the members behind it can’t help but beam with pride over.
RY: For those new to The Revenant, can you please tell them how, why and when this band came into existence?
Kevin: “Derik and I tried for a while to get something together where we could do what we wanted to, with no rules and no one to tell us what to do. Once Trev and Nate got involved at the beginning of last year and we became a band, it really just came together with no issues.”
Trevor: “The band was formed by the friendships we built while playing and touring in other people’s bands, and what really sparked it was that each of us wanted to be a part of something that was our own.”
RY: What can you tell our readers about your debut album? Was there a primary message you were trying to push forth?
Kevin: “The record is Self-Titled, and it’s 10 songs that are pretty straight-forward. We get right to the point and don’t waste much time. There really wasn’t a clear direction or point we were trying to make – each song was its own different thing.”
Trevor: “We just wanted to write a record that we would want to listen to. There was no preconceived message. It ended up just being 10 songs about different points in our lives.”
RY: It’s obvious that you guys have an affection for a driving blend of energetic rock n’ roll and punk, yet at the same time layer on some affective hooks. How much of a balancing act is there between rocking out with your balls out, and still making your music accessible to the masses?
Kevin: “We didn’t set out to try to have pop songs with a punk vibe, we just love the style of music and we love catchy tunes. The songs really just came out this way. I think it’s a strong combination of all of our different tastes in what we like to listen to. Lots of things go in and what we do is just what happens to come out after all is said and done. That’s the thing I love about this band. There really isn’t a roadmap at all.”
Derik: “I’ve always been a fan of the balance of both. I love fast aggressive music but I know what it’s like to be a fan. I love big choruses and singing along. I need something that draws me in and that’s also how I write.”
RY: You all have been associated with past/current projects with devoted followings. How have your experiences with those groups benefitted this one?
Kevin: “Putting in time with anything gets you comfortable with what you are doing. I think that our experiences allow us to not waste time on stupid things. I’ve also pretty much been hired into different bands over the years and it’s a great feeling to have something to be a part of that is our own.”
Trevor: “Honestly I think it taught us more of what not to do. We have been able to see what works and what doesn’t work directly with fans in clubs and festivals. It also has shown us that there are still a lot of people out there that want to hear punk music.”
Derik: “Experience is the number one factor. Whether it be in playing, touring, or writing. The past bands we were in have helped form what we are.”
RY: It’s been noted that this band came out of friendship. How much easier does that make it on a band that is attempting to build its way up?
Derik: “Being friends makes the whole process very easy. There’re no egos or attitude. Everyone’s opinion is just as important as anyone else’s. Our music is a direct product of all four people – not just 1.”
Kevin: “It’s definitely easier to call each other out on shit. It’s nice to just get right to the point with each other. We also know what 
we all can bring to the table…we know how to play together. That’s a big time saver.”
RY: It’s never fair for a music publication to state what an album means to or for a band. So, let’s put it to you. What does this album mean to or for this band?
Kevin: “To me, it means a lot of different things, but mostly it just makes me proud to start and finish something with my friends. It feels great to accomplish something we are so passionate about.”
Derik: “This album to me represents a simpler time in music. When what you saw is what you got. No auto-tune, no BS. We played everything on the record…crazy, I know,” laughs.
Trevor: “It really means everything to me. I have never been more proud to play with a group of guys. This record happened as painlessly as any recording process could go. It made music fun again, and it felt like it did when I was 17 playing in my parents’ garage with some friends. Only, it sounded a hell of a lot better! I really don’t think that this record would have sounded anything like this without all the people involved. From all the guys playing in the band, to Janoah Stolo at OSSR studio letting us go into his studio and helping us find the sounds that were in our head. And [let’s not forget] Jason LaRocca, whose mastering made the mixes come to life and loud as hell!”
-Adam Grant
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