Their vibes are mellow, their spirits are high and they’re ready to take the stage at High Dive this Friday night. They are The Supervillains and within the past few decades, they’ve climbed through the Reggae ranks to achieve national recognition and produce plenty of feel-good tunes along the way. The self-proclaimed “Swamp Reggae” foursome live for the love of music, good times, and putting on some pretty killer performances. I caught up with drummer, vocalist, and co-founder Dominic Maresco, better known as Dom, on the group’s favorite tour-bound memories, the college crowd appeal, and an undying love for getting wasted.
You guys have a nice blend of original tracks and covers. What’s your favorite of each to perform live?
Dom: We have so many songs it’s hard to choose. Right now I’ve been enjoying “Drinkin’ Tonight” as an original and ” Where Is My Mind” as a cover. Both songs pull real emotion out of me while we are playing. “Drinkin’ Tonight” is all about going out the night before and overdoing it, then waking up and trying to remember what happened the night before. “Where Is My Mind” lately has reminded me of a friend in St. Thomas that recently passed away. ” I was swimming in the Caribbean” is a hard line to sing, I literally tear up on stage singing it, it reminds me of good times with great friends that I would more likely call family. St Thomas has been a huge part of our lives.
Favorite part about playing at High Dive in Gainesville?
Dom: Hands down? Garlic knots from 5 Star Pizza. That and the Gainesville green!
College crowds can get pretty rowdy. What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you while playing in a college town?
Dom: Ahhh lets see, it’s a toss up between the guy who was willing to get kicked in his junk and the guy who let our t shirt guy spit a chunky funky loogie in his mouth for a t shirt, you college folks are real go-for-the-gold types.
As the band’s manager, do you find it challenging to balance work and play?
Dom: Sometimes it’s hard to be the boss and be the talent! I find myself telling myself not to do certain things occasionally but fuck it, it’s rock n’ roll baby! I like to think I’m a musician before a suit any day. Way more fun and you get away with way more.
You guys are sponsored by Jagermeister and Orange Blossom Pilsner. Would you rather pound shots or sip on a brew?
Dom: We now work with a whiskey company call Coldcock whiskey! Believe it or not Jagermeister decided to turn a blind eye to us after all these years. Orange Blossom Pilsner is still a company we work with closely. It’s always nice to have someone have your back like OBP!
Out all the band memebers, who is most likely to get blacked out after a show?
Dom: This question begins and ends with Skart. If we’re on tour I would say its a race between him and I, but on the reg, Skart beats me every time. I hold my booze son.
You’ve been on tour with groups ranging from Pepper to Pennywise. Out of every group you’ve toured with, who is your favorite to be on the road with?
Dom: This is a tough one. We all have our favs, so much fun has been had over the years. I would have to be honest and say that Pepper is my favorite band to tour with. Their drummer Vee is one of my best friends and an inspiration. Those guys have given us more opportunities than anyone. They introduced us to Slightly Stoopid, Less Than Jake, Passafire, Fishbone, Mad Caddies and countless others. I’m very grateful to call them family.
You guys have worked across a lot of genres from Reggae and Ska to Punk. If you could work with any group or artist today, who would it be?
We’ve worked with so many amazing artists it’s hard to pick. On one hand I’d like to continue working with artists that we’ve been working with. On the other hand I would love to get out of the genre and work with other bands like Arctic Monkeys, Weezer and reggae artists like Sizzle and Capelton. Wide variety I know, but who wants to stick to one little area when there is so much out there?
Last but not least, what’s one song, any song, that describes the relationship of the band?
Dom: “Drinkin’ Tonight”. At the end of the day it’s all about having a good time with your friends. That’s all you have on this earth: a short time to enjoy breathing with loved ones. Never take this life too seriously or you’ll never get out alive.
After a demanding week, there’s really nothing to take the edge off like a couple of shots and some easygoing music. The Supervillains and fine folks at High Dive will be able to prescribe you with the chill atmosphere that is certain to cure all of your ailments. Dom, Skart, T-Rex, and Dan will be hitting the stage and, more than likely, the bong around 8:00 pm so leave your “20 Excuses” at home, grab some amigos, and check ‘em out.
