A Dirty Dozen with DALLAS DWIGHT from THE L.A. MAYBE – February 2021

According to a recent press release: “Carolinas based heavy rock band THE LA MAYBE–fronted by lead singer Alvi Robinson, made famous when he was nearly selected to front the legendary band AC/DC in 2016–have released the official music video for their debut single, “Mr. Danger,” originally showcased on Metal Insider. Directed by Ridge Beck, “Mr. Danger” is the band’s first single off of their upcoming, freshman album, Dirty Damn Tricks, due out March 26, 2021. The L.A. Maybe is a 6-piece rock n’ roll band hailing from the southern heat of the Carolinas. If you’re a fan of Guns N’ Roses, The Black Crowes, or Van Halen…you will feel right at home adding LAM to your record collection.” We get guitarist Dallas to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

“Mr. Danger” is a great representation of who we are at this point in our career. As a new band it was important to us to put our best foot forward and come out swinging. It’s the kind of blistering rock you get when you combine the singalong choruses of AC/DC with the punchy riffs of Motley Crüe, sprinkle in some Southern Carolina heat, and bring it all into the 21st Century. This track is an anthem for those who fly the flag of the New Wave of American Rock. It’s an ode to living fast and loose. But most of all, it’s a call to arms for rock n’ roll fans everywhere to stand up, get loud, and to never let the music die without a hell of a fight.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

This is an easy one. We were on a joint family vacation (us and another family) to Montana when I was about 11 years old. My friend’s sister was a bit older and just getting into rock music. She told me I had to check this song out and she put on “Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses. As the intro built, I thought it was cool but wasn’t totally into it… but as soon as the main riff dropped, I was 100% sold. Right away I knew that I had to do that. I didn’t know anything about music or guitar… but I knew I’d figure it out.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

So of course… Appetite For Destruction, Slash, and Guns N’ Roses guided my musical taste. From there it spread to all the other classic rock/metal bands. I definitely skew heavier and dirtier in my tastes. Typical “classic rock” (Eagles, Steve Miller, Journey, Boston, etc.) will always lose out to harder rock in my book. That’s not to say I dislike any of that, I actually love it all! But nothing beats a heavy rock guitar riff.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

For me it varies. I love every kind of music and try to pull various genres into The L.A. Maybe whenever possible. Top 5 would be Guns N’ Roses, The Black Crowes, Train, Prince, and Dream Theater.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

I’d love to work with Pat Monahan from Train. A brilliant songwriter, phenomenal singer, and funnier than most comedians. On top of that, Pat is perhaps my biggest songwriting inspiration.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I would say if you’re a fan of Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, or Van Halen… you will feel right at home adding LAM to your record collection. I have heard (more than once) people say we sound like Lynyrd Skynyrd. That doesn’t make me cringe, because Skynyrd is great, but it doesn’t compute for me. I disagree.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Our drummer Foz loves to grill, so you can find him cooking the burgers for the boys. Alvi is the first to crack open a brewski, and I’m is definitely the first to grab a guitar and start playing. For more insights to who we are as people, I recommend listening to our upcoming podcast “Your New Favorite Band”. There are simply too many funny stories to mention, and we’ll be covering them all in great detail on the show!

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Honestly, I don’t relate to the feeling of being starstruck. There are definitely inspirational, successful people who I’d love to meet, but at the end of the day I try to remember that we’re all just people.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part about being a musician is being able to put out your creative work and see how people respond. Positive, or negative it’s always a thrill to see people react to your work. If I wasn’t a musician, I’d be a stand up comedian. Am I funny enough? Probably not. But I’d still try. I’m highly envious that they can tour without carrying any gear, or splitting any of the money with anyone else (haha).

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Nothing comes to mind as far as what I wish an interviewer would ask. I’m also not tired of answering any questions. I’m just excited people want to talk about The L.A. Maybe at all!

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Looking back, I can honestly say no. I don’t have any regrets thus far. Hopefully I don’t make any decisions moving forward that result in regrets either. I see that every decision lead to where I am now… and that’s not so bad!

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would have to go back to the Appetite for Destruction sessions. Seems like an obvious answer, but it’s true. That record is the reason I am a musician in the first place. So seeing it get made would be amazing!

BONUS QUESTION – Due to the current world situation with COVID-19 / quarantine / shelter in place, what have you discovered you miss the most from your life before the pandemic struck?

The obvious answer would be live shows. But honestly, more we were more positively affected than we ever could have imagined. We are not the same band a year ago and we have very different goals. The pandemic cancelled all our shows and forced us to reevaluate everything we were doing. So we immediately jumped in the studio and got to work. The result is our first album Dirty Damn Tricks coming March 26, 2021.

THE L.A. MAYBE LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: Interviews