Writer talks with new band Dear Me, Dear You
By Ashley Lind
IV Leader Staff
While browsing through music profiles on MySpace.com, a
highly popular web site amongst teenagers and adults a like, I came across the
band Dear Me Dear You, which came from the split of the two bands, Somewhere
Further South and The Goodbye.
Sure, it had the normal profile picture of the band and, of course, the musical
description (post hardcore, scream-o and indie). However, opening the window to
the site led me to hear edgy beats, lyrics that could make Dr. Phil look like an
amateur and the sight of lots of love from all the fans.
I had the chance to ask them some questions via email, and
the following is what they said!
Ashley: On www.Dear Me Dear You.com it says you don’t want to become
another cliché. What do you hope to do so that doesn’t happen? A lot of bands
find it easier to be cliché don’t you think?
Paul K: Clichés are interesting things...
sometimes we need them to be able to identify with something. However,
especially with the type of music we are making, certain elements I have noticed
have been run into the ground. I have full respect for anyone able to create
whatever music they make, I’d like to state that. Still, things get tired and
stale before anyone notices. I’d like to avoid that. I always pay attention to
criticism, keep my ears open to new sounds I feel are interesting and appealing
to me, and just try to let the music I make be a reflection of me.
John: It really is, and one thing that the band
actually discussed was what direction we were headed toward; whether or not we
wanted to be defined; or just put together what we feel like — no one really
does that anymore.
Ashley: Who are the bands that you hope to play with someday and why?
Pat: My dream show lineup in performance order
is: Pussycat Dolls- Unparalleled lyrical depth (That and up until now the
closest thing to a burlesque act we’ve had is Barry the Merch Girl taking his
pants off) Gwar- explanation needed??? Dear Me Dear You - had to fill the third
spot.
John: I would love to play with Appleseed cast
or Radiohead. Wow.... yeah they’re pretty much amazing.
Rob: The Mars Volta, Circa Survive, Led
Zeppelin and The Beatles. The last two because it’s a wish list, but on serious
note, these bands were probably my biggest musical influences, especially the
drummers.
Paul K: I I would LOVE to play with Horse the
Band again.... or even just SEE them again, those guys were phenomenal. Most of
the bands I’m biggest on are my friends bands. We played a show in April with El
Oso, I Need Sleep, My Other Car is a Kayak and I Am Culprit... and it was
probably the best time I’ve personally ever had as far as an entire evening is
concerned. All of those bands are amazing talents in their own way and they are
all comprised of tremendous people.
Mike: I really don’t have a list of bands I’d
like us to play with. We’ve made friends with a lot of guys in bands around
here, so we’re always down for playing shows with them. Also, it’s great to play
with big name acts every once in a while. Our biggest turnout was when we played
with Horse The Band and Bear vs. Shark. There were about 300 people there and
that was easily one of the most fun shows ever. So, whenever a show like that
comes along, we jump at the opportunity to get on the bill.
Ashley: I’ve noticed you have tons of fans, especially for not being
signed to a major label. Is there anything that sets your fans apart from
others?
John: “Tons” huh? You’re too kind. I love our fans,
they have been there since the beginning and I hope they stay until the end.
What separates them from other fans is that they are actually fans, not just
people following people.
Mike: I think one significant thing about our
fans is the fact that they come from all over. A lot of local bands only have
fans that are from one or two towns, but we all go to different schools. Pat
lives in Chicago, Paul and I live in DeKalb, John lives in St. Charles and Rob
lives in Schaumburg. I think that gives us an advantage because we can promote
to all those areas instead of just one. I think that’s why we get fans from so
many different places.
Rob: I don’t know this for sure, but I think
our fans are very loyal because we are approachable guys that have a great time
around one another. When the chemistry is there, people want to be around, and
that’s what we’ve got going for us. That...and the sexiness.
Ashley: What are five things that make you guys different from other
up and coming bands?
John: I really don’t know what to say that
hasn’t been said a million times already. The one main thing that comes to mind
is that we all bring different styles and knowledge of music to the table. We
have jazz influences to grind-core - and somewhere in that crazy mix of music
spawned Dear Me Dear You.
Paul K: Five? Well, I don’t know about five...
I think the biggest thing for me is style... we’re just way more hip than
everyone.
Rob: Chemistry, talent, experience, originality
and sexiness.
So there you have it! Not only are these guys well on their way, but their
kindness and humor is well appreciated by many.
Be sure to check them out on the internet at www.dearmedearyou.com or
www.myspace.com/dearmedearyou.