Here's To You - An Interview With Matheiu Nevitt of DORYDRIVE

“Make sure you are following your heart and not a dream!”

Matheiu Nevitt fronted alt – rock band , DORYDRIVE , burst onto the scene just four short years ago and has already toured with some of the biggest names in rock, from Pop Evil, Candlebox, Adelita’s Way, James Durbin and Sevendust to Alice Cooper, Hinder and Iron Maiden, gaining more and more fans across the US with each show.

The band consists of Mathieu Nevitt (formerly of Echovalve), drummer Joey Zak, guitarist Tom’e LaBrosse, guitarist Henry Koller and bass player Nicholas Mendini (formerly of Marashino). DORYDRIVE, although the name may still be unfamiliar to many, is rapidly gaining a strong following with it’s eclectic sound, ranging from rock ballads to country infused tracks and pop rock songs, all fan favorites destined for radio play.

Matheiu took the time before DoryDrive’s 2014 Spring US tour in support of their Sophomore album, Here’s To You for an interview to talk with us about everything from his top 5 influential albums, artists he would love to work with on a song, and advice for musicians to his favorite cafe, being inspired by his father, why he prefers Chai Tea over coffee and the origin of the band name.

1.) How did you guys form DORYDRIVE and where did the band name come from? We spawned from two separate touring bands. It was obvious we had the chemistry to make something special, so we took a leap of faith and headed to Nashville to start recording our project that soon later we named Dorydrive. Dory Drive was the name of the street the studio we had been recording in Nashville, TN resided. We felt it just to aptly name the band DORYDRIVE in honor of where everything began!

2.) What are the top 5 most influential albums for you?

Tough one for sure!

*Pearl Jam Ten

*Van Halen For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge

*Motley Crue DR FeelGood

*Rush Hemispheres

*Miles Davis Bitches Brew Sessions

3.) You guys just released your sophomore album, “Here’s To You” in February. What has the reception been like so far? We have had a very positive response to the album with online sales, retail, and at our live shows! We cannot wait to hit the road again this week to introduce Dorydrive to new markets and to follow the success of our single!

4.) What’s your advice for aspiring musicians/singers? Make sure you are following your heart and not a dream!

5.) If you could work with any artist, dead or alive on a song , who would it be and why? I have always dreamed of recording a duet with Sarah McLaughlin! She has the most amazing voice in my opinion, and I would jump at the opportunity.

6.) Do you like coffee and if so what kind do you prefer? I am a tea drinker! Chai Tea is my absolute favorite! When I am on the road I stick to whatever is not caffeinated. Caffeine is not good on the vocal chords!

7.) Do you have a favorite cafe? Yes ! It’s called Papa Nevi’s Kitchenette! It’s a private mobile cafe and diner! Never closes! 8.) What was the songwriting process like for “Here’s To You”? The idea started manifesting in my head after hearing a swampy riff from my guitar player! It sparked fun lyrics that I immediately started rambling off at a sound check one afternoon. Soon after we started messing around with some generic arrangements on garage band. When we finally got to the studio we ended up scratching the swampy riff but continuing on with the subject matter. After cases of coors and a couple bottles of Jack we stumbled upon Here’s to You! Our single is the perfect representation of pop, rock, and country! That is what we believe is the makeup of Dorydrive.

9.) What’s your favorite song to play live? I love to perform Radiate! It is always a crowd pleaser, and truly has the integrity to capture any listener!

10.) If DORYDRIVE could tour with anyone , who would it be? Right now I think touring with Daughtry, Imagine Dragons, or Fall out Boy would be great for the band! Personally if we could get away with it, I would love to tour with Alter Bridge! Myles Kennedy is god!! I could learn so much!

11.) We know that everyone in the band has different influences musically. Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout the years? My father growing up for sure. Whatever he listened to I followed suit! He is an incredible guitarists and would would watch him play for hours.

12.) What’s next for DORYDRIVE? We have to own 2014 in our own way! We are waiting on some huge opportunities to fall on our plate. I hope to release a couple more singles off of the album, and continue touring this great nation!