Deva Studios Alum Voted Best Vocalist At Emergenza Finals

Michael Granata is lead vocalist and co-founder of Ript, a Boston-based rock band which is fast-rising on the local club scene.

Their dynamic stage show is fueled by a high octane mixture of youthful energy and classic rock sensibility. At a Ript show you will hear melodies, catchy and sweet, you¹ll get your fill of chest thumping bass and drums (courtesy of Mike Jeffery and Jim Campbell (respectively) and yes you will hear co-founder and brother Paul Granata wailing on the lead guitar solos.

Michael, the skilled showman, stalks the stage with just enough bad-boy attitude to get an audience pumped but enough boy-next-door charm to let them know it¹s a feel-good rock-n-roll party. No debauchery, no political axes to grind, just solid hooks and soaring melodies.

Vocally, this Deva Studios singer is on top of his game, recently winning "Best Vocalist" in the Emergenza battle of the bands at Boston¹s legendary Avalon rock club.

We caught up with him amidst a busy schedule of rehearsals, gigs and of course voice lessons.

JDVS: Michael, tell us about Ript. (history, influences, songwriting)

MG: Ript is the outcome of writing some original music with my brother Paul. I mean we have been jamming on songs forever, especially Beatles tunes. As we began to work on some original material we could sense that we had something in our music. In having different styles - Paul being more subliminal, compared to me being more straight forward - we complement each other extremely well which gives our songs substance. I also think you can hear a lot of our influences in our music, such as Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana, The Doors, Hendrix and [Led]Zeppelin. We knew we had to put a band together. We did so with two great friends in Jim and Mike and Ript has been going strong ever since.

JDVS: What is it that draws you most to the role of lead vocalist?

MG: Where do I begin. There's so much... the spotlight, the rush of the crowd singing your songs back at you, conveying messages through melody and lyrics, performing off the music of a great band, hitting that perfect note that makes a crowd go crazy... I could keep going... I just love it and it's something I've always wanted to be.

JDVS: As an entertainer how do you balance instinct and spontaneity on one side with technique and preparation on the other?

MG: Well, instinct and spontaneity happen and you have to let them happen because a performance is always more interesting and captures an audience more when nobody knows what's coming next. The more comfortable you are on stage, the more spontaneous you can be. However, you don't want to over do your actions and sacrifice your approach. It's a fine line. But if you have strong technique and apply it as it should be, you can be more free on stage. Good technique gives you the confidence in being able to perform how you want and deliver your vocals as they should be. I feel that I have gotten to the point that while performing, my technique is second nature which allows me to be a showman, a true frontman that can grab a crowd and hold their attention. So I would have to say that the balance definitely comes from a good approach.

JDVS: What are some of the dynamics within Ript as far as business and artistic decisions go?

MG: Democracy.

JDVS: Any pointers on handling disagreements?

MG: Work together as a band. Putting the interest of the band above anything else. Always asking what will benefit the band the most.

JDVS: We¹ve all heard superstars reflect on their early days of equipment meltdowns and bum gigs. As an up & coming band, do you have any experiences the guys can laugh at while they¹re still fairly fresh?

MG: Oh yeah. We had a gig down on the Cape and as we're setting up, Jim tells us that he forgot his cymbals. Luckily enough, we were playing with another band that night and their drummer let him use his. But then, about 3 weeks later, he forgot them at another gig. We were close to our studio though, he went and got them. He hasn't forgot them again. YET.

JDVS: What¹s your take on competitions?

MG: I think that they are a great way to gain exposure, but don't ever walk into one thinking that you have it won. They're extremely subjective and people always have a different view on who will win or should have won. Take them for what they are. A chance to play in front of a new crowd, add to your fan base, and make your name and music heard.

JDVS: You had a strong following at the Emergenza competition. What steps did your band take on the business and promotion side to create such a buzz?

MG: Most importantly, we took on Mike Vozzella to head our Marketing and PR. And he had an extremely positive impact. We also had press releases, CD and live performance reviews, new merchandise was made, we got radio airplay promoting us and the competition, we emailed our fanbase and updated our website with new features.

JDVS: Winning Best Vocalist must have been a thrill.

MG: Yes, it was. It's a nice reward for the dedication and hard work, cause it's not easy. It's a great accomplishment.

JDVS: A lot of rock singers shy away from voice lessons; they¹re afraid it will interfere with their self-expression, yet they often experience the greatest vocal difficulties. As a respected rock vocalist what¹s your take on vocal training?

MG: If you're serious about singing, I mean if you have a true passion for it, voice lessons can take you to a whole other level. Improvements to strength, tone, power, range... anything you feel you could improve on are possible and can be done through hard work and practice, done the right way. Although, a lot of this has to do with a Professional Coach. I stress Professional Coach, they're a must for voice lessons. They know the art and how to convey their message without interfering with your expression, but yet enhancing it. They really can do so much for you.

JDVS: How has the Deva Method contributed to your vocal approach?

MG: It has taken me to a new level for sure. I had come to the Deva Studio with knowledge from different instructors and methods, but the Deva Method polished the tools I had been working with and opened my voice and ability so much more. Very shortly after starting work with the Deva Method my bandmates noticed an immediate impact. I have never had my voice feel so free and easy and able to do so much of what I want to do in singing. It's all in the approach and how you apply it. You need to stay dedicated to a strong approach cause it serves as such an important foundation for singing success.

JDVS: What¹s on the horizon for Ript?

MG: Writing more solid rock songs, possibly recording an acoustic EP to show another side of the band, continuing to expand our fan base, LA !!!! and so much more!!!!!!!!

JDVS: How can readers get your CD or find out about upcoming gigs?

MG: www.riptmusic.com. We're always updating gig dates, band info, pictures, it's all there.

JDVS: Michael, we wish you and the band the best of luck. Keep us posted on your latest developments.

MG: Will do. Thank you!