Interview with The Dramedy as they gear up for their new release of What Time Is Life?

May 12, 2016

The Dramedy

The Dramedy out of Los Angeles truly caught our attention last year. David and Abby blew us away with their music and they are ready to do it again. They recently announced that they will be releasing their new song, What Time Is Life? on a cassette through Wiener Records.  We took a listen to the song and are quite impressed with the musicianship that The Dramedy have brought to the table with the track.  It is quite a different style than what you might be familiar with of their music, but once you take a listen, you will love it.  It has a haunting mysterious vibe that grabs your attention and shows the softer side of the band with lyrics that have you pondering life and reminding you to grasp it and make it your own. It challenges you to not just sit around, it encourages you to take life by the reigns and control your destiny. David’s vocals on it are powerful and yet comforting. We had a chance to chat with David about the upcoming release and are pleased to share our interview with you here:

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Music Junkie Press:  We understand that your new release What Time Is Life? is set to release next week through Wiener Records. When is the release date?

David: Actually the release for “What Time Is Life?” is being pushed back to June because there has been a situation at the label. Without saying too much, let’s just say that there was a change of hands and the person who left didn’t leave things….organized. Basically a lot of “picking up the pieces” type stuff. It’s a real drag but these types of things happen. Wiener Records have been working on it so it IS getting taken care of. Just not in the time that we hoped.

People can check our Facebook page for more info/updates.

Music Junkie Press:  We listened to the new track and it is great. You really bring a lot of depth and emotion in the song that has the listener take a moment to reflect upon their own life. What was the inspiration behind the song?

David:  Thank you for liking the song, it really means a lot! Most if not all of the songs I write are about life. Things like sadness, happiness, love, bitterness, etc that everyone goes through during their journey. “What Time Is Life? is basically about waiting around for something to happen instead of making it happen. It’s a feeling that everyone can relate to I believe, even me. Focusing on the things we don’t have instead of the things we have that are right in front of us. The truth is anything IS possible. Sadly a lot of people don’t take the chance for whatever reason.

Music Junkie Press:  The song definitely takes a new direction for your music. Can you tell us about where you plan on going with your music?

David:  As an artist/songwriter I always like to challenge myself. The only way to go is forward and in doing so there is always growth. With the songs on this release I wanted to try out some new things, not just in songwriting but in performance as well. For example with “Little Lies” I tried things out like backing vocals, acoustic guitars and lead guitar. I’ve never been a lead soloist on the guitar, always preferring to focus on songwriting so it was new territory for me. What I put down is simple but effective I think in how I wanted the emotion to come through. With the song “What Time Is Life?” I wanted to show that there is more to the Dramedy than just loud guitars. We are capable of having a quiet side as well using other instruments. Hence a song with absolutely NO guitars or drums!

I also wanted to use my voice differently and not sing in such a “rough” manner. When we were recording the vocals for “Little Lies” I did two takes. One was clear / soft, the second more rough. I didn’t really know what I liked better and my friend Robert who was recording says, “I don’t really like stepping in but I have to say that the first take is way better than the second. The second take….it sounds like someone who just started out!” Haha not exactly those words but you get the idea! He is one of the people who has been there since the beginning so he knows. He felt the first take showed progression and I thank him for speaking up.

These are just some examples of where the Dramedy is heading. Different instruments, varying music styles, experimenting with performance. The newer songs we have been working on touch on different genres/styles. Nothing too drastic because we still have our identity. Just enough to move to the next level and so on. I’m also interested in what can be done with the studio’s effects and tools. When the time comes that kind of stuff will open more doors.

Music Junkie Press: Were there any particular artists that have inspired this new direction?

David:  Too many to list as far as songwriting goes! Scott Walker, Nick Cave, New Order, various singers from the 60s to name a few. Overall it’s the bands that have progressed consistently to the point that how they sound now isn’t how they sounded when they started are the major influences. The ultimate example would be Bowie (R.I.P.). Other artists like Depeche Mode or Metallica or PJ Harvey or Primal Scream….always moving forward and trying different things. Jack White. He did a lot with just a two piece band, “Get Behind Me Satan” is a great album that doesn’t have a lot of guitar on it. This kind of stuff is what excites and inspires me the most.

Music Junkie Press:  Music is emotion coming to life and it takes many forms and styles. That is what is so great about music and musicians, they evolve. Do you find this release and the song “What Time Is Life?” as a pinnacle moment for The Dramedy?

David:  Very much so it is a turning point. Like you said, music is emotion coming to life that takes many forms and styles. There are many ways to use song to convey an emotion, and the Dramedy is interested in touching upon those ways. As I mentioned I’ve always focused more on songwriting so my interests are always in moving forward. How I feel today will not be how I feel tomorrow. It will definitely affect my writing.

Music Junkie Press:  What can we expect from The Dramedy in the coming months? Will there be more new recordings?

David:  After “What Time Is Life?” there will be two more releases this year. If not two then definitely one towards the end of the year. A couple of music videos if they can be managed. The new songs we have been working will be appearing on an album that we have set to be released around the beginning of 2017. As far as shows we have nothing planned for this year at the moment. BUT, that’s not to say that we don’t have things planned to get the music out there. That’s the main focus, to get the Dramedy out there.

Music Junkie Press:   What would you like to share with your fans?

David:  A BIG THANK YOU goes out to our fans! Without their help we wouldn’t have been able to get “What Time Is Life?” produced! Because so many of them purchased our first release, those sales covered a HUGE percentage of the manufacturing for “What Time Is Life?”. We couldn’t have done it without them, so a HUGE thank you goes out to the fans. Also thank you for liking, connecting, believing in the music. It really means a lot. We know we’re not like other bands and we are grateful for your support.

When “What Time Is Life?” finally gets released in June please purchase the physical copies through the Wiener Records website (www.wienerrecords.org), or wherever Wiener/Burger Records are sold (ex. Burger Records, Gnar Burger). For a time those will be the only places where you can purchase it. Doing so helps us get more releases done. SUPPORT MUSIC! Going to shows is not the only way to support! Tell your friend’s about the Dramedy. Invite them to “LIKE” the Facebook page. Share the music, repost and help get the music out there!

“What Time Is Life?” will also be another LIMITED release (150 pieces) with a “Classic Columbia” cover design. Any future releases for “What Time Is Life?” will not have this particular cover design so it’s best to purchase this as soon as it is released. If you’re interested in purchasing downloads you can go to the Dramedy’s bandcamp, but only 2 out of the 3 songs will be available.

and again, THANK YOU!

For more info/updates:

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Make sure to visit their social media sites so you can stay up to date on their latest news and upcoming shows. We hope to see them head back to Northern California.

~ Marisol

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