How Local Musician Divey Made a Name for Himself Performing in Dive Bars
See Divey this weekend at the UpSide Bar in Warren and in March at Myrtle in East Providence.
Alexander Garzone, aka Divey. Photo by Sydonia Axis.
You may have seen or heard about Divey in PVD. But who is Divey and why the name Divey? Divey is Alexander (Alex) Garzone, a songwriter, producer, deejay and multi-instrumentalist from Providence. Alex started out in music when he was only fifteen years old, and got his first paid gig at a studio session at Dragon Fly Studios on Martha’s Vineyard.
Divey went on to serve as an assistant engineer for live recordings with KRS One and with Keisza for Notable Productions. He has collaborated with many well known musicians and bands, including Baby FuzZ, the Low Anthem, Sean Kennedy, Dazy Park and Tyler-James Kelly.
His music has been described as a “mesmerizing dreamscape, woven with shimmering guitar and hazy vocal delivery.” Sometimes he performs solo, but other times, he’s the frontman of “Divey & the Likes,” with Frank Mullin on bass, Ben Wicks-Tucker on drums, and Marc Jablecki on guitar and keys.
Divey just released his latest album, “Slugger,” this month on all streaming platforms. The album is named after his father’s Louisville Slugger, which rests next to his piano in his home studio.
See Divey perform this Saturday at the new UpSide Bar in Warren, which is part of the In Your Ear record store. Other show listings can be found on diveymusic.com.
Divey performs around Rhode Island and New England. Photo by Sydonia Axis.
Here’s a Q&A with Divey:
What inspired the name Divey for your band, and who is involved in it?
When I began writing and performing songs on guitar, I felt that there was no better way for me to cut my teeth than at the local dive bars. I told a couple friends about “Divey” and they liked it as much as I did so it stuck.
The live band features Marc Jablecki on guitar and keys, Ben Wicks-Tucker on drums, and Frank Mullin on bass.
How did you first get involved in the local music scene?
I first got involved with the scene around 2008 as a regular at Tazza Cafe’s open mic. It was one hell of a local scene and it fostered so many local artists that are still performing around the city today.
How would you best describe your genre?
I would describe our genre as indie or electro rock.
What was your most favorite place or show to play and why?
The album release party at Myrtle in December comes to mind. There was a great energy in the room, a lot of people were anticipating the release party and the night went off without a hitch. The owners, Natalie Vanlandingham and Tommy Allen, are great to work with as well. I’m back there with the band on March 22.
Tell us about the inspiration behind your latest album, “Slugger.”
I began writing “I’m In Love” and “Miss Virginia” and suddenly became really excited about the idea of arranging more material that fit the motif. When it came down to gathering ideas, I went as far back to recordings that I started during my time in Los Angeles (2018). Recording is almost a compulsive behavior of mine, so between demos and phone memos there was plenty to sift through.
Love, relationships and family are some of the main themes on this record.
Where can people see you perform locally?
All around the city, but our upcoming dates are:
2/24: The UpSide Bar in Warren w/ lastself
3/1: As220 in Providence w/ Tequila Sirens, Brown Apples
3/22: Myrtle in East Providence w/Baby FuzZ
3/23: The Stomping Ground(CT) SOLO
3/29: New Harvest Coffee & Spirits SOLO
What other local musicians and bands have you collaborated with?
Over the years, there have been a lot of names, but most recently I played on Dazy Park’s Once Upon A Time, a collaboration featuring Dan Morrison, Nic Coolidge, Matt Hartke and Mike O’Hehir.
What is your main personal goal when you create new music?
To clear my mind of any distractions, be in the moment, and make something beautiful.
