Interview: BRIAN DALTON

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What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

My family got me into music. Everyone either plays, has a deep appreciation for music or both. But if I hadn’t, I could see me doing something in the medical field.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I love to go to the gym or take long walks/drives. Anything to clear my head and get my thoughts together. Great for writing lyrics.

How long has your band been around?

I’ve been pursuing this as a solo career since 2014.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I’m based out of southeastern Missouri and I think it has mainly with the people I grew up with. We were all into rock and played music together. Constantly introducing the others to new music.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

I just go by my own name. But honestly, I’ve played in bands before and it feels like a hell of a lot more pressure when it’s your own name on the line.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

My most memorable shows were the ones I got to share with loved ones in the audience. Kind of like a celebration of all the hard work and sacrifice we all put in to get me here. Because I definitely didn’t do it alone.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I haven’t dove into touring yet but I do plan to once I sign with a label hopefully this year.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

I think the audience would be extremely confused but I would love to have Metallica, Architects, The Midnight, M83, and about a hundred others.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

My advice would be to manage your expectations in the beginning. It can take awhile to find your voice. Don’t rush it. You won’t build a following overnight. Most importantly, make sure you’re putting out quality material fairly regularly.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

If I could go back in time, that’s exactly what I would tell my younger self: Be patient, be diligent, be respectful.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

The song that means the most to me is “Love These Scars”. I wrote at a time when I was at my lowest. I had developed anxiety, the music wasn’t going like I wanted it to, I’d just suffered a shoulder injury to where I couldn’t work out, and covid had just hit. It all culminated into a massive breakdown and I didn’t know if I’d recover. Luckily I got through it and in the process wrote “Love These Scars”.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

My favorite song of mine to play is probably “The Fall” right now. My most requested song is “Drown”.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

My creative process normally stems from long drives or hours alone with my acoustic playing melodies. Normally, I’ll develop ideas for the music with my producer and then will write the lyrics afterward. Though not always.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Perseverance. No matter how bad it seems you have to keep going if you want it to get better. And that you’re not alone in your struggles.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

I have disagreements with my producers sometimes. I normally hear them out and give what they have to say a chance because they could be grasping something I haven’t seen yet.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I will be releasing my music documentary called “Chasing The Sun” sometime this summer that will be available on my YouTube Channel: Brian Dalton Music and I will be back in the studio to record my next EP! So be on the lookout for it as well!

www.briandaltonmusic.com www.facebook.com/briandaltonmusic www.youtube.com/c/briandaltonmusic   Brian Dalton - The Follower (Official Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpregq7uk-A-