TWNRVA

Refining its sounds and structure, a new pop duo called TWNRVA brings its own spin to pop music from decades ago.

Evolving from local band July, which released its debut EP, MMXII, in 2012, TWNRVA (pronounced Twin Rova) consists of Andrew Falcao as guitarist and vocalist and Devin Moody as vocalist.

"We were working on new music for July and kept hitting roadblocks with the name, because there was a psychedelic rock band from the 70s also called July and every time we released music on Apple Music or Spotify, our music would show up under them instead of us," explained Moody. "We were also exploring a new sound and thought if we were doing this new sound, it would best time to change the name to something new without losing the core fan base we had built over those years. It's kind of an extension of what July is; we switched the name but it was exactly what July was headed towards."

While the band leaned toward rock, Moody added TWNRVA is more pop in sound.

"It's definitely a lot more pop," he noted. "It's not as guitar-driven; it's more driven by the vocal melody and the song is based around that."

TWNRVA recently released a single, 'Bad Decisions', from its upcoming album, and plans to release more songs over the next few months until releasing the full-length album by next summer. Its latest single 'Feeling Okay', in collaboration with Taabu, was just released on October 16.

From and still residing in Burlington, Moody said the duo's style is inspired by music the two grew up with in the 1990s, including pop music by Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync and Britney Spears.

"We grew up listening to all those songs," recalled Moody. "Music tastes change as we get older and you find your own sounds you enjoy but, as we get older, we've been reflecting back when we were growing up and those were really great songs.

"We do have a darker twist on the 90s boy band thing, we're still a rock band but playing this 90s-influenced pop music. The music sounds very upbeat, but some of the themes of the music have a darker edge to it, but still presented in a way that is very Top 40/pop-friendly."

Having performed at the Sound of Music Festival as July, the duo plans to perform there again.

"The scene is really happening in Toronto right now; we've done touring in the States and been to Japan," said Moody. "But we are planning to return to Sound of Music Festival; Burlington has a great music scene as well. We've been focused on studio stuff and getting that ready but, by end of this year, we're going to be playing shows again." - Kathryn Dunmore - Burlington Post

FYIG recently had the chance to chat with pop duo TWNRVA about their new single Bad Decisions, the origins of their name, and more!

Tell us a little bit about yourselves?

TWNRVA (read as Twin Rova) is a new pop duo consisting of Devin Moody and Andrew Falcao. We’ve been writing songs together for almost 8 years and but are stoked to be releasing a new collection of songs under our new name. The music is heavily inspired by 1990’s pop producer Max Martin but with a darker vibe.

Devin Moody – I sing in the band. I’ve been singing and writing songs since I was 13 and now I can’t stop doing it. When I’m not working on music, I usually spend time with family and friends, playing video games or hanging out with my wiener dog.

Andrew Falcao – I play guitar, sing harmony and do most of the instrumental programming for the band. I’ve also been writing songs since I was 13 and it’s become my voice. On my off time, I hang out with my cat and watch documentaries – Knowledge is power!

Where did you come up with the name TWNRVA?

TWNRVA is actually the name of a boss you must defeat from Devin’s favourite video game – Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time.

How would you describe your musical style?

It is heavily influenced by 1990’s pop music. Everything from Backstreet Boys to NSYNC to Britney Spears. We are huge fans of super-producer Max Martin because we love the way he crafts his songs around the melody. We pay homage to the ’90s with our own sinister sound.

You’re both former members of pop-punk band July. What prompted you to go off and create a new duo?

To be completely honest, we were hitting some roadblocks with our old name July. One of them was that there was a popular English psychedelic rock band from the 1970’s with the same name. Every time you would search “July” on streaming services, you’d end up at the 1970’s July page. Since we were exploring a new sound out of the “pop-punk” genre, we decided that this would be the most appropriate time to change the name. The new sound is an extension of what was happening with July but we needed an updated brand to release music with.

Was music always a part of your career paths or did it evolve into that once you started the band?

Devin Moody – Yes. I’ve known that I wanted to be a musician since I wrote my first song. Playing music is probably the most cathartic thing for me. The feeling of playing great songs with talented musicians only confirms my passion.

Andrew Falcao – I remember hearing and seeing the Backstreet Boys on TV when I was very young and remember feeling right away that this is what I wanted to do. I haven’t been able to shake that feeling since.

What did you learn from your time in July? How have you evolved since then?

Devin Moody – I learned a lot from July. We definitely learned a lot of hard lessons as a young band but overall taught us everything from music business to touring and writing/recording. It also made us grow as people because it allowed us to travel and see different perspectives.

Andrew Falcao – So much. A big thing for me was being around Sam, our drummer who is a popular producer in Toronto and stealing a lot of his secrets in production and songwriting. I owe a lot to Sam for my evolution as a songwriter and producer.

You just released your debut single Bad Decisions. What can you tell us about that song?

It’s a song inspired by the events of a casual relationship gone wrong. The song is reminiscent of ’90s heavyweights Backstreet Boys and NSYNC with our darker sound. “Bad Decisions” actually came from a phone call with a friend who said, “I keep making these Bad Decisions” referring to his lack of willpower to abstain from her allure.

Do you have any plans for an EP or full-length album? If so, what can audiences expect from it?

It is going to be a high energy 9-song pop album just in time for Summer 2019 and we already have a ton of songs written. We will be releasing a few singles/music videos up until the release.

What are your goals for this duo going forward?

We would really love to get some opportunities to perform live. We really want to focus on putting on a great show that people don’t forget. We have been discussing tours with other up-and-coming Toronto acts. Creating social media content for our fans to enjoy on the go is also a priority.

What advice would you give to aspiring music artists?

Devin Moody – My cheesy advice is to never give up and to be yourself. If you think you are passionate about what you are creating then just go for it. Take criticisms into consideration but always write what is true to yourself.

What’s a day in the life of TWNRVA outside the studio like?

Devin Moody – I’m usually hanging out at my apartment working on music or trying to find inspiration through movies, video games or experiences. I have a puppy so that keeps me busy. The time I spend away from the studio is usually spent with time thinking abut what I’m going to be bringing back to the studio.

Andrew Falcao – I hang out with my cat in my home studio and just write songs a lot. If i’m feeling lazy, I’m ten feet from my studio on my couch entertaining friends or watching any doc that sparks my fancy.

Let the readers know where to find you online.

You can find us on all social networks

Facebook.com/twnrva

Twitter – @twnrvaband

Instagram – @twnrva - Dean Amond

Toronto, ON-based dark pop duo, TWNRVA (pronounced “Twin Rova”) is made up of Devin Moody (vocals) and Andrew Falcao (guitar/ vocals). The two recently made their debut with their single and video, “Bad Decisions“. You may recognize them from their former pop-punk band, July, but now you will come to know and love TWNRVA, I’m sure of it.

Q: Care to introduce yourself to our readers?

A: We are a new pop band from Toronto called TWNRVA (read as Twin Rova). The band consists of only two members, Devin Moody (Vocals) and Andrew Falcao (Guitar/Vocals).

Q: Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.

A: Our music is heavily inspired by the sounds of ‘90s pop music but with our own spin on it. We grew up loving bandstand artists like Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, Robyn and anything produced by Max Martin, so we decided to use those familiar sounds in our new music. Andrew and I were also members of a pop-punk band called July and are influenced by bands like Blink-182, Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco. If you listen closely, you can hear how we’ve tied all these influences together.

Q: Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?

A: We are currently in the process of planning our live show. From the beginning of this project, we promised each other that we would be different from other live bands. We want to put on a show and not just be another band standing up on stage playing their songs. We have been experimenting with programmed lights, unique ‘90s themed stage design and even choreography. We are aiming to be playing shows in Nov/Dec this year!

Q: If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?

A: Bad Decisions” for sure. “Bad Decisions” is a song that really ties our whole sound together and keeps people on their toes for what’s next for us.

Q: Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?

A: SO many to name but we are going to give a shout out to some AMAZING up-and-comers. Taabu (@taabumusic), Chiara Young (@chiarayoung) and Navigate The Sky (@navigatethesky). - Jenna Melanson

Name: TWNRVA – Devin Moody (vocals) & Andrew Falcao (guitar/vocals)
Genre: Pop
Founded: Technically 2010… but 2018 as TWNRVA!
# of Albums: Currently recording our first!
Latest Release: Our single – “Bad Decisions”

Latest Single: Bad Decision

Bio

Crafted in the heart of Toronto, Canada comes TWNRVA, a meticulous marriage of pop music and dark desire comprised of Toronto’s own Andrew Falcao and Devon Moody. The birth of TWNRVA was forged with the fascination for pushing boundaries, where they’ve pulled inspiration from iconic ’90s pop ensembles like The Backstreet Boys and NSYNC all the way to Panic At The Disco, a band that TWNRVA shares a darker likeness with. Mixing devious instrumentals with a colourful concoction of ’90s vocals, TWNRVA recollects and capitalizes on the past with singles “Bad Decisions” and “Mercenary” from their upcoming full length, guaranteeing to be a modern day throwback. TWNRVA proves to be a gritty trip to the past, with enthralling live performances that meet malice with serenity; delivering a captivating connection to surely be shared with those lucky enough to lay witness.

Favourite Restaurant:

DM – The Olive Garden… I go for the breadsticks AND I stay for the breadsticks!

AF – Honestly, McDonalds is the best restaurant EVERY item is tasty.

Favourite band as a teenager:

DM – There are so many but my sister introduced me to Silverchair and I’ve been a huge fan since.

AF – I saw the “Rock show” music video when I was 10 or 11 and it changed my life, so Blink-182.

Favourite band now:

DM – I’d probably have to go with Panic! At The Disco. Such a talented band with huge variety in their discography.

AF – Blink-182 forever.

Guilty Pleasure Song:

DM – I don’t really have guilty pleasures but I’d say Thomas Rhett’s “Life Changes”.

AF – I’m with Dev on this, I don’t have guilty pleasures but I have been listening to a lot of Tekashi 69 and Lil Pump.

Live Show Ritual:

We usually have a beer, do vocal warm ups, huddle together for a pep talk and break from it yelling an obscenity.

Favourite local artist:

There’s a few but Haviah Mighty, Chiara Young, Taabu and Navigate The Sky!

Sneaky Dees nachos, pasta from Terroni or a superfood salad from Fresh?

DM – Sneaky Dees nachos for sure. I’m a nacho connoisseur.

AF – I have the biggest place in my heart for Sneaky Dees for so many reasons, nachos being just one of them.

Queen or College St?

DM – College

AF – 431 College st.

Trinity Bellwoods or High Park, Riverdale or Kew Gardens?

DM – Trinity Bellwoods is always a good time!

AF – Once again I am with Dev.

EP or LP?

DM – Definitely an LP. I love when a band drops enough songs to listen on repeat for months.

AF – I’m an EP fan, generally it takes me 10 minutes to drive anywhere I need to go. It’s a good way to bang out a fresh listen.

Early bird or night owl?

DM – Night owl. I can’t get to bed before 1 a.m.

AF – I’m never asleep past 8:30 a.m. but bedtime is no earlier than midnight, so whatever that makes me.

Road or studio?

DM – Tough choice. It’s a tie because I love them each for different reasons!

AF – Same.

Swiss Chalet or Roti?

DM – Swiss Chalet. 2 can dine for 9.99 and that’s a price I cannot refuse.

AF – I grew up in Brampton, it’s Roti for me all day.

Where can we follow you?

You can follow us on

Facebook

Twitter – @twnrvaband

Instagram – @twnrva

Any upcoming releases?

We recently released our music video for “Bad Decisions” on all streaming platforms and Youtube. We will be releasing a new song on October 16th which is a collaboration with our friend Taabu. Keep your eyes peeled for much more TWNRVA around the city. - Toronto Guardian - Joel Levey