E: Aymen, you sing and play guitar for Dexter Danger, a band with a loyal fanbase that seems to multiply by ten every hour. What do you think the band has done that has achieved so much fan attention?
Aymen: We consider ourselves an honest and genuine group of people. We and our fans have an unexplainable connection, and we feel it every time we see each other or yell or sing to each other from on and offstage. A lot of people have told us that we're a band that truly breaks the barrier between the audience and band... and we completely agree, because we feel that they're just as much a part of the music as we are.
E: How are fans essential to a band's success?
Aymen: I personally believe that fans are the ones who will speak for us in the end. They're the ones who will bring out the best qualities of our band. There must be something spectacular going on if herds and herds of people can acknowledge a band for what they're doing. Fortunately, we've been given a chance to do what we love and be able to share it with the world. As far as Dexter Danger goes, we put our fans on a pedestal--they mean the world to us, and give us enough strength to get through another day, because we know that we're making someone out there happy.
E: Does songwriting become easier through experience?
Aymen: I don't know if it necessarily gets easier, but I think I get a better feel of what I really want out of a song every time I write a new one. It's a process of learning, knowing yourself, and following what your mind and body tell you to write. I just let go, feel what I need to feel, and say what I need to say.
E: How many changes will the lyrics of a song go through before they are considered finished?
Aymen: I usually write out a rough draft of the song, then I look it over and fix stuff... like syllables that might not match up correctly. *Laughs* I'll never go back to a song I have written and change the lyrics, because those lyrics won't come out any stronger than the way I wrote them the first time.
E: How close-to-the-heart do the words you write come?
Aymen: Every song I write is personal in some way. Personal experiences are always subjects I tend to write about, because they mean the most to me. My friend, Jessica, says that my lyrics are "very personal, yet not so personal that someone can't relate to them." I guess I'm on that border somewhere. *Laughs*
E: Do you ever feel awkward knowing that something so emotionally tethered to you is being scrutinized by public music listeners?
Aymen: Sometimes I get aggravated. For example, in a CD review, someone said our song "Promises" is about a girl. I don't understand how people can judge a song without researching any facts behind them. I mean, it might have related to them by thinking about a girl when hearing it, and that's good that they put thought into it. But don't put words into my mouth... and for the record, no, the song isn't about a girl, dumbass... it's about a certain parental unit of mine.
E: What sort of relationship is necessary between band members for the group to be successful?
Aymen: You've got to be friends, and must have a common love for music. I can't really say what kind of relationship is necessary, because all bands function differently. But in DD's world, we're all best friends that have the same goals, interests, and loves. We're brothers from different mothers.
E: How does the crowd at a venue help decide the direction the show will end up going?
Aymen: It's all about staying positive. I've gone to shows where fights break out, and that's not what music is about. It's just not cool. You go to shows to enjoy yourself, to experience good music, and have a fun time while respecting the people around you. It's great to be from the bay area because the amount of respect and open mindedness is tremendous. Positivity is always there at home, and we're very lucky to be a part of it.
E: Even though the band follows the usual pattern of instruments, in what way do you think Dexter Danger's sound and style differ from that of its neighbors?
Aymen: I think we've always been a unique band. We don't really fall into any category, and I think that's rad. We're a rock band. I guess that's the best way to say it. There has always been something about us that has been a bit off, and not like everyone else. Of course, we have our influences, and they usually pop their heads into our music... but it's cool, 'cause we're representing our idols. You can hear a lot of bands' idols through their music. It's really interesting sometimes.
E: If it all ended tomorrow, what would you think of the run that Dexter Danger has had?
Aymen: Dexter Danger ain't going away, ever. We'll be rockin' 'till our hearts be stoppin', biatch.
E: Thanks for doing the interview.
Aymen: Thanks a ton for the interview, great questions. Make sure you check us out live, go to dexterdanger.com for tour dates. And if you want some free music, visit purevolume.com/dexterdanger. |
