interview with Dead Day Revolution
What´s the name of your band? Dead Day Revolution
How was the band formed? I (Mike Sandoz) moved to California and met Zoey Taylor while getting a sleeve tattooed. We became friends and then I met her brother Skeeter Joplin who had both played music together growing up. I had a number of songs already written and we decided to make a band together because we were all best friends.
Can you tell about your band? For the most part we play rock and roll, some people describe us as Punk... Right now we are preparing to release an album in Feb 2015.
Where are all band members from?/Who does what in the band?
Mike Sandoz -Singer/Guitarist
Skeeter Joplin - Drums
Cristian Sturba - Bass
What was the ambitions of the band when you started? It has always been our goal to make a living playing music. That's all we really want out of it.
Could you explain your music to someone that haven't heard you? We like the listener to tell us what they think we sound like because its all over the place so I would tell them to go to the website and listen for themselves then report back... www.deaddayrevolution.com
Where was your first gig? Our first show was at an art exhibit in Los Angeles at this place called The Strange. It is now closed.
Where was the latest gig? We just played a show at the Maui Sugar Mill Saloon. One of our favorite venues around Los Angeles.
Who writes your songs?/Who writes the music who writes lyrics? I write most of the material and Skeeter and Cristian help with arrangements and the such.
Who has the best since of humor in the band? I think most definitely that I have the best sense of humor and the weirdest.
What's good/bad with the band? The band is doing great right now and we may be adding a new member soon! Very excited about the prospect.
Have you made any albums?/If yes what are they? Yes, "On Our Own" is recorded but set to release early 2015
Do you have any clips on YouTube? We have a few live shows on YouTube. We are making our first official music video and hope to have it out by October 31, 2014.
What year was the band started? The band was formed in December 2009
What places will you be playing in in the imidate future? We are about to play the Temecula Valley International Film Festival in September.
Is it always the same songs live? No, we like to switch it up a bit for every show.
What has been the best/most promising gig so far? We had an opportunity to play the Vans Warped Tour in Ventura this past Summer and we had a blast .
What are the plans for the rest of the year? We will be promoting the release of the album and preparing for a European tour for Nov 2015
When did you decide to go all in for the music? When I started Dead Day Revolution I committed myself for the long term. Skeeter and Cristian have been pursuing music professionally for years.
Is it easier to get your inspiration from older bands or from bands more modern? Older bands for sure. Back when creativity was actually a requirement for being an artist.
What's the first step when making a new song? I usually start humming a melody and play songs in my head. When one sticks I write it down.
How do you feel about the downloading of music instead of buying albums? I cant speak for the band but I don't mind it at all. Its much more convenient than going to the store to buy music. Buying records is a different story though. We love vinyl.
What would be your dreams for the band? Ideally to land a record deal that isn't bullshit so that we can get on with accomplishing our long term goals.
Have you been in any other bands? I have only been in Dead Day Revolution. Skeeter and Cristian have both played in a number of bands.
What would you do if there was no music? I'd start making music.
How important are your fans? The most important. The fans motivate, support, and inspire us to keep doing what we are doing.
What's the funniest/most memorable thing a fan has done for you? One fan used photoshop to make me look like a demon.
How often do you rehearse? Usually about three times a week. Lately a little less because of all the preparation for the video and album release.
Where do you rehearse? We have our own rehearsal space in Hollywood, CA where we can make loud noises all night long.
Name 2 of your own songs you like at the moment? Vampire Blues and Bury My Soul
What drives a band that isn't all that famous and renowned to try to make a living on their music and to keep playing? The same thing that drives famous and renowned people. The passion to play music. Its either a part of you or its not.
Do you have any webpages?
www.facebook.com/deaddayrevolution
Describe your show, visually and musically Well sometimes I soak myself in lamp oil and light myself on fire, the crowd really seems to love it. then we take a little monkey dressed up as a ballerina and beat him to oblivion. Seriously though, our shows are very loud, aggressive and passionate.
How do you view the music industry of today? It sucks, and is riddled with producers and writers who make generic, shitty pop music... Where are all of the artists hiding? Oh you cant hear them because radio sucks.
What advice would you like to give other bands? If your serious about being successful then put everything you have into one band. Don't spread yourself thin because you probably aren't pulling your weight in any of the bands you are playing in. So grab a pair of balls, have faith and do the work required to be successful.
What are the biggest obstacles for a band? When your are an independent band money is the biggest obstacle. It cost money to make merch, record, travel, buy gear etc. Support bands that you like and buy their shit because it really helps them out.
How would you describe your sound in one sentence Blam
What was one of the most quarrelsome times for you in the band? The time Skeeter missed rehearsal because he went dancing with a Nun. Very upsetting time.
Whats your Pre-show ritual? Smoking cigarettes and laying low until our set time.
Do you have anything to add? Don't let anything or anyone get in the way of your dreams...including yourself.