Highly anticipated “Outlaw Volleyball” gains musical talent from new rock band Diffuser

by Louis Bedigian

 

When not completely mesmerized by the game’s lovely ladies, you’ll be fully entertained by Outlaw Volleyball’s “other” non-gameplay attraction: ear candy.

 

 

We played the game

We played the game

And it all turned out the same

 

We played the game

We played the game

And you’re the one to…

 

Blaaaaaaaaaame!

 

Pardon the loud music.  We were just recording a demo of our latest song, “Repetition.”  It’s about a relationship that’s stuck on the first level.  Both the guy and the girl are afraid of commitment, and thus are unable to conquer the game of love.

 

It has been tough finding the time to record our first album, “Tekken It To the Next Level.”  With our increasingly difficult duties as secret agents and journalists, music has taken a backseat lately.  We don’t even have a name for our band yet.

 

Hoping to gain some insight into the industry, GameZone Online chatted with Tomas Costanza, guitarist/vocalist of the awesome band, Diffuser.  Diffuser has previously pummeled music scene with deep, meaningful songs that any teenager or young adult could relate to.  Now they’re set to go even further with their next record, Making The Grade.  Before then, Diffuser’s music will be appearing in Outlaw Volleyball for Xbox. 

 

What kind of a band would you describe yourself as?

 

Tomas Costanza: I never really thought about it but I would say we're a rock band.

 

Based the tracks posted on your official site, it sounds like Making The Grade will be a pretty deep record.  What are the themes explored on it, and what have you accomplished musically?

 

TC: When I wrote songs for making the grade I intentionally wanted to write an uplifting record. The lyrical content on our first release (Injury Loves Melody) was mostly geared around heartbreak and confusion. I made a commitment to myself to steer clear of any type of victimization.

 

However, (laughs) three days before I left for L.A. to record the CD I was dumped on my ass by the girl I wanted to marry. In essence I wrote some solid material inspired by those feelings while recording the Making the Grade. Ultimately the lyrical content on the new CD explores everything from anger to lust to having fun to growing up. I think it's a pretty positive album. As far as what we accomplished musically I would say we pushed the envelope as far as variety. There's no clear musical style, which I think is awesome.

 

Where does your inspiration from music come from?  What would you consider to the most inspiring things in life?

 

TC: Inspiration comes in many forms. I can get inspired from a conversation, a movie, a title, another song and obviously a real life drama. The most inspiring things in life are stories about overcoming the odds. I always find that to be a positive message.

 

How soon after coming up with an idea for a song do you actually write the music?  Or do you write the music first, and then the lyrics...?

 

TC: I usually write the music first. It kind of sets up a foundation for a lyrical content depending on the feel of the song.

 

With musicians making their way into video games and other entertainment mediums, do you think the day will come when radio and music videos are no longer the most successful way to promote a band?

 

TC: I'm not quite sure. I would say probably not.

 

How is life on the road for you?

 

TC: My dream come true. I love the excitement of meeting new people and waking up in a different city every day.

 

Are there ever times when you wish the road would just disappear and be replaced by your home?

 

TC: Never.

 

Who are your favorite artists, and who would you say has influenced your music style the most?

 

TC: I like everyone from Metallica, Eminem, DMX, The Used, Justin Timberlake and The White Stripes to Britney Spears, 50 Cent, New Found Glory, U2 and Led Zeppelin. I think that Chavez and SunnyDayRealestate was most influential on our sound.

 

Aside from the fame, fortune and the joy being in a video game, what made you begin the long journey to rock stardom?  Was there a big event in your life that made you write a song and it continued from there, or...?

 

TC: Basically I loved how music made me feel. Ever since I was 10 years old. I always knew I wanted to make a career out of music.

 

Do you prefer playing in small, medium or larger music arenas/night clubs?

 

TC: I love it all.

 

Have you performed cover songs during any of your shows?  (If yes, please say which songs and who they were originally by.)

 

TC: The only cover we do right now is You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi.

 

Was this your first time working with Mark Trombino?  What was it like working with such a talented producer?

 

TC: This was the first time working with Mark and it was truly something I will never forget. He is a musical genius and not only did I learn from him but I also had the pleasure of watching him work.

 

With his background in drumming, did Mark help write or influence the drum parts of your songs?

 

TC: Totally. It's his strongest asset.

 

How would you describe the recording of Making The Grade?  Was it a long, drawn-out process, or did you write all the songs, go into the studio and get the job done quickly?

 

TC: Recording a CD is always a long process. While being fun it can also get tiring. Fortunately we had most of the songs written and ready to go. We spent about 3 months in the studio from start to finish.

 

As a band that absolutely loves gaming, we're dying to know: which is your favorite gaming platform?

 

TC: That’s a question for [guitarist] Anthony Cangelosi and [bassist] Pete Schojan :)

 

Are you a fan of online gaming?

 

TC: Yes, it’s totally fun.

 

Do you think online gaming has lived up to expectations, or do you feel it has yet to achieve true greatness?

 

TC: I'm sure we're in store for true greatness to come.

 

Have you played video games with any other bands?

 

TC: Always.

 

There are movies, novels and television shows that are based on video games.  Now there are novels based on video game obsession and even theoretical books that take a unique look gaming.  Should this trend continue into music, with albums based or inspired entirely by video games?

 

TC: Absolutely not. Video games should just be video games. Nothing more or less.

 

Have you ever written a song about a video games?

 

TC: When I was 12 I wrote a song called Berserk. Written about the Intellevision game.

 

Hehe.  You should record it and publish it on the band’s Web site!  http://www.diffuseronline.com

 

Thank you for your time.