March 28, 2024

How did you all meet and become a band?

I met our drummer Michael back in 2011, at a music program called School of Rock. He was known at school to be complete beast on drums, being able to play extremely complicated songs such as “CAFO” by “Animals as leaders” even at a super young age. He was also known to do backflips on stage ! So I thought he was dope. About 4 years later I hit him up about forming a band and he was too down. Although he lost his backflipping skills… (Trust me he tried, let’s just say his landings aren’t the best for his face) Haha a few months later we were still trying out different band members and auditioning tons of different people when I finally met Will, randomly through mutual friends. It turned out he was actually the music director of another project. Knowing I still needed 2 other band members, I decided to hit up Will about joining my own band as the lead guitarist. He was down, and out of the blue recommended his best friend Chris to join on bass and it all too perfect. And boom ! Just like that, Dylan ‘N’ Alice was born – Dylan (singer)

What’s the meaning of the name Dylan ‘N’ Alice?

Well it’s supposed to be a 1st person perspective on my life and what I see around me. With myself, “Dylan” being the main character. Although, sometimes the story we’re painting isn’t about my own life. Sometimes I’m just the voice for those who have lived a similar life to whatever story I’m trying to tell. Like in our “Lonely Hunter” music video. But, in our next few releases I would like to go way more in depth into my own personal thoughts, and life experiences. It’ll show the true side of “Dylan ‘N’ Alice” – Dylan (singer)

Can you tell us a bit about each of you?

My name is Dylan Leonte I listen to music basically all day. Sometimes, I feel like I’m the real life Naruto. I enjoy watching Instagram clips of the GOAT Kobe Bryant make people look silly on the court. I wish I could do the same but I’m not 6’6… I like to skateboard, and I’m basically a Call Of Duty, Black Ops 1 champion. 1v1 me bro – Dylan (singer)

My name is Will Galarza. I’m a self-taught musician. A power outage led me to pick up the guitar and just figure it out. Over time and with a lot of patience I could figure out chords and phrases. Sometimes I would practice up to 12 hours a day! I was never able to take a class or study theory, I am just a musician who plays from the heart. – Will (guitarist)

My name is Michael Moore. I’m the drummer of Dylan ‘N’ Alice. I started playing drums at 14, went to musicians institute after high school, graduated in 2014 and formed Dylan ‘N’ Alice with Dylan in 2016. – Michael (drummer)

My name is Chris Wyckoff. I moved back to California to pursue music with Will during which time I met Dylan through a project me and Will we’re working on. Dylan asked me to be the bass player in his band and here we are today. – Chris (bass)

What’s it like being in a band?

Being in a band is fun especially when the vibes are good. Also the idea of touring with your friends and getting into some crazy tour adventures together is awesome.  – Dylan (singer)

How would you describe the musical style of your band?

We fit under multiple categories. Hard rock, Alternative Metal, and Post-Hardcore. – Dylan (singer)

What artists are you influenced by?

Well my favorite 8 bands that I owe everything too is – Sum 41, Trust Company, Chevelle, Dead Poetic, Deftones, Of Mice And Men, Memphis May Fire, and Linkin Park. Now that’s a huge range of music that includes everything from Punk to Metalcore, but hey I guess I took a little bit from each of them haha – Dylan (singer)

What’s the difference in your band and bands that have come before you?

I want our on stage presence to be un-matchable. In my opinion I think Slipknot have been the kings of on stage presence. But we’re seriously coming for their crown, because I’ve always been wanted to be regarded as a live performance juggernaut. And we have some really crazy, and very unique ideas coming to our shows soon. We just need to create 2-3 heavier songs to make my ideas work. We’ll get there. – Dylan (singer)

I think your band is so unique because you guys have made your music about real life issues. What made you go in this direction?

We play and write about real life because everyone goes through it. We all have a plethora of issues and challenges we all face as human beings and it’s really cool to explore that in our music. It’s nice to see people relate to what we write. Makes us feel connected to our fans.
– Michael (drummer)

Do you guys have a creative say in your music and videos?

Yes, we do. The music is constructed around the chorus, which is the part that drives us. The songs and videos that we create are all a group effort. – Will (guitarist)

Yeah everything in our music videos we personally create ourselves. And once we’re there shooting the video, the co – manager Lisa (who is also my mom) happens to be an art director, so she has an eye for how certain shots should look. Everyone adds their input if they have a good idea, and it works. – Dylan (singer)

What do you hope to gain out of your music careers?

Longevity, honestly. I would love to keep creating music for a long time. Nowadays it can be hard to craft a long term career out of music. I would love to be able to make a living doing what I love and share my creations with the world. – Will (guitar)

Writing has always been a form of expression for me. While I’m alive I would like to express myself as much as I can so I feel like people understood me while I was here. Also I would like to leave a positive message behind that changes around people’s lives for the better in some way. Even if it’s just some music that gets people amped up and makes them have a good time. The other most important part about what I want out of my music career is success. I started pursuing music before my mom passed. And since she’s passed, it made me realize that she never really saw me succeed in much of anything because I’m still a young adult. So I do aspire to attain a lot of success because I still have something to prove. – Chris (bass)

What’s the benefit of having a social media following?

Having a following is important for two main reasons. One, so people that support you can find you online. And two, people that have followings are getting booked for more things in the entertainment industry now. So nowadays, it’s turning into a huge part of your resume.
– Dylan (singer)

The benefit of having social media in the music industry is that you’re out there, you’re constantly under the spotlight, you’re always being seen and you can deliver things to your audience and to your fans right from your phone. But tbh I miss the days of just pulling out your Nokia to play snake or Galaga. – Chris (bass)

What is the feeling you guys get performing in front of your fans?

Performing feels just normal, like being home. I feel alive and vibrant performing in front of the fans. I know that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing unlike in everyday life when I feel a little out of place and unsure of what I am doing. Performing just feels right.
– Will (lead guitar)

Does your fanbase have a name?

We don’t have a name for them yet, but maybe we’ll think of something soon ! – Dylan (singer)

I don’t know I’m creepy so I’d probably call them like my goblins or something. – Chris (bass)

What do you want your relationship to be with your fans?

I wanna stay very close to the people that support us. I “like back” pictures and respond to as many DMs from our supporters as possible, seriously ask any of my friends. Sometimes I spend 2-3 hours talking and responding to everybody. It’s fun, and I love hearing everyone’s input. And In person I just want everyone to let loose, and go crazy at our shows! I don’t mind if people wanna hop on stage with us to stage dive or any of that. I just want everyone to feel at home, my stage is your stage. If I’m playing at any venue, it’s your venue too. Life is about having fun, so let loose. – Dylan (singer)

What social media platform do you use the most to stay connected with your fans?

Definitely our Instagram which is @DylanNAlice – Dylan (singer)

What’s your craziest fan encounter?

Okay so this isn’t actually a physical in person encounter but I want to note this one because it was my favorite and the craziest for me, there is this guy online that posted a video of his cover of one of our oldest songs on YouTube and he’s like from a different country and playing our song on a little miniature guitar or like a ukulele or something but he killed it, I mean absolutely destroyed it on that guitar. He was amazing and I was thoroughly entertained. – Chris (bass)

My craziest encounter wasn’t really “crazy” but I was at a party, and the homie recognized me and got me a drink ! (I’m over 21) but it was dope, and I love having cold ones with the boys! – Dylan (singer)

Is there an EP / album out right now?

Yeah we just released our self titled EP a few weeks ago on Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, and there’s a few music videos on YouTube ! Just search for “Dylan ‘N’ Alice” – Dylan (singer)

What’s an average day look like for you?

Well if the band is available we’ll jam! But If not, here’s a list of things I do. Go skateboarding, or play basketball with some homies. If it’s a Friday or Saturday I’ll probably throw a little party. Occasionally I’ll go outta town with the squad, usually to Santa Barbara or San Diego.
But regardless of what I did during the day, I always come home late and either play a bit of Black ops 1, or fall asleep watching Hulu. And repeat – Dylan (singer)

Where do you see the band in 5 years?

I think everyone in my the band can agree touring is our main goal. We all wanna tour for various reasons. Some of us wanna get away, some of us wanna prove something, it’s a mixture of reasons. But I know the main reason why we all want to tour is because, we would love it. I’ve always dreamed of going on tour and being a “rockstar” the whole nature of it seems like so much fun and unbelievably cool.
I also wanna gain recognition from all my favorite bands and go on tour with them. – Dylan (singer)

Do you guys have any any last things you wanna tell your supporters?

Follow your dreams, don’t let anyone tell you “you can’t do it” Life goes on, there’s a whole world out there for you don’t get trapped in a box. Which could be your hometown, or a toxic environment, friendship/ or relationship. You only live once so live your life to the fullest. And most importantly, the main thing in life is to have fun. If you have fun, you’re winning regardless of any situation. Stay blessed. – Dylan (singer)

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