Interview: Lucas Munoz of Dreams In Peril
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Interview: Lucas Munoz of Dreams In Peril
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
Really it's the performance angle that got me hooked. Bands like Rammstein, Slipknot, and Butcher Babies all have amazing music, but it's their undying dedication to larger-than-life performances that inspired me to even pick up an instrument in the first place! I've actually put a lot of thought into what my life would be like if I were a complete and utter failure. Simplified it boils down to living as a homeless junkie in a German train station.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I exercise and try to build discipline when I'm not playing. And mostly I'd say those kinds of activities make me want rhythm in my music; very clear, heavy, and deliberate rhythm that pulls and pushes the listener with the beat of the song.
How long has your band been around?
Only 3 years really, maybe 4? It's hard for me to know, being such a newer member, but I've had a blast these past 2 years regardless.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
We reside near and around the greater Kansas City area. The influence, failure.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?
In conjunction with the last answer, this band was created by guys who had joined, founded or watched group after group after group fall apart, even when some of them were really going somewhere! We want more than what our scene can offer. We want our dreams and they are constantly in peril.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
For the band, it was definitely when we'd played the Summer Slaughter Tour with Acacia Strain.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
The loudest little bar just outside KCK is called The Aftershock. It's closed now, but that Venue was the center of all things Metal. If you were going to be taken seriously in the scene, you played at The Aftershock. For dream venues, oh the places I want to go. I'd start with the Midland and Uptown theater in KCMO and then hit The Grenada and Liberty Hall in Lawrence, KS.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
Had to think about it, but dammit it'd have to be the heaviest show! It'd have to be us, Code Orange, Slaughter to Prevail, and White Chapel, end of story. I'd throw Gojira on for a 5 band show. Just deadly brutal growling fuckery in and out, all night long!
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?
Practice. Be honest with yourself about your skills and shortcomings, and start a band with people who will call you out on your bullshit and with whom you can freely call out their bullshit. There are too many two-faced people out there who will only tell you what you want to hear. Don't be one of them, and don't be in a band with one if them. Honesty is key. And don't forget to practice. Successful band sandwich there.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
Again, practice. Have a clear vision of the future, and where you want to go. Focus on the end goal at the end of the road, and allow the adversity of the road to shape and strengthen you, rather than slow you down. And once again, practice.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Without a doubt, Parasites Crawl, from our new album, for 2 reasons. First is the meaning behind the lyrics and the reason they were written. Our vocalist, Dakota, is an incredible writer, and the emotion he poured into the lyrics of that song is striking; you'd really have to hear it for yourself to feel the weight behind his words. The meaning will remain a mystery for now. The second is because it's the first song I'd had a substantial influence in writing music-wise. I'm proud of that song.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
All of them, there isn't a song on any of our setlists that I don't love to play. I know that's a cop-out answer, but every song that we perform has a specific, unique moment that is special to me. I love sharing every one of those moments with people when we play live. We're not big enough for requests quite yet, but that I'd be a flattering thought!
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
Mostly we jam. As a lot of other bands do, we noodle 'round each other, and say, "Hey does this suck," or, "Holy shit guys listen to this," or, "Hey, try playing this…(insert chugs of varying rhythms.)" I think the most interesting parts tho come from us arguing about what sounds best. The conflict and push-pull we have with each other make for very interesting and productive writing.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
Well, we don't like messages all that much. There are too many people out there trying to send messages and it's really tedious. We like to tell our stories through our music. About the struggles we have, the people who we hate, and the dreams we aspire to. Regardless of what we have in mind, however, let the listener take what they will. We hope yall will relate.
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
Oh yes! All of the time! We fight and have serious disagreements now and again, but it's all in the name of staying on the same page with each other. We resolve conflicts by staying respectful and reminding each other that we all have a shared vision and that we're all driven as all hell to reach the ultimate success of our band.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
The plan for the future is simple. Keep moving. Stagnation is a single ingredient recipe for regression. And regression leads to failure. We have a music video coming, an album coming, and we are about to tour across the American northeast. To be frank we've even already started on the 3rd album, even though we have released the 2nd! We just keep moving, and we're too stupid to quit.
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Tour Dates – Dreams In Peril w/ Pig Weed:
May 27 – The Graffiti Room – Bedford Park, IL
May 28 – Maple Grove Tavern – Maple Heights, OH
May 29 – Westside Bowl – Youngstown, OH
May 30 – Sovereign – Brooklyn, NY
May 31 – The Stoney Badger Tavern – Lynchburg, VA
June 1 – The Recreation Center – Fredericksburgh, VA
June 2 – Black Circle Brewing – Indianapolis, IN
June 3 – Vivo – Overland Park – Kansas City, MO
June 4 – Kendalls Bar – Oklahoma City, OK