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11.26.03
It was a surprise to them when their music turned
up on MTV. Now, Justin Dillon of the band, Tremolo,
talks to us about optimism, inspiring musicians and
playing with alligators.
 Give
us some background about the band. How did you guys
meet? When did you realize that you had potential to
be more than a local sensation?
Tremolo started with songs. I wrote recorded some
tracks with friends of mine in the San Francisco Bay
Area including drummer Steve Bowman who played for the
Counting Crows and Matt Slocum from Sixpence None the
Richer. The tracks came out great and defined the sound
I was looking for, "U2 and TREX exiled on main
street".
Immediately the songs started getting some heat in
the LA music industry community and our first show sold
out at nearly 200. So I knew this was making sense.
I started looking for players in LA and one by one I
found all the guys that fit this vision.
 Who
writes the songs?
I write the songs. On a few tracks the producer, Mike
Busbee, had some co-writing credits. But for the most
part it is me with my guitar, then taking it to the
band with some kind of aesthetic or direction for arrangement.
Then everybody is able to lay their imprint on how the
song is set in a frame.
What was your reaction when "Evil Twin"
was selected for MTV's show Dismissed?
The MTV thing was weird because people were calling
us saying they heard us before we even knew.
What about being on the movie soundtrack for How
to Deal? Have those accomplishments opened up more
connections for you?
 The
soundtrack and movie placement was a new experience.
I went to the premier in NYC, and when I heard "promise
ring" come up in the film I wanted to hide. It
was strange hearing yourself sing in this theater full
of movie people, and nobody knows it’s you singing.
Being the only unsigned band on a Capitol soundtrack
alongside heroes like Cat Stevens, Beth Orton and the
Flaming Lips has helped a great deal. Both in exposure
and opening doors.
What is your ultimate goal with your musical career?
When I was a kid I saw U2 play and I remember walking
out of the concert inspired to be a better person. Their
music and performance did that to me. I hope we can
do the same.
Who are your musical influences? What are you currently
listening to?
Sly and Family Stone, Adam Ant, Bob Dylan, Johnny
Cash,U2, Anything
Rockabilly growing up. Now: Spoon, Black Eyed Peas,
AC/DC, Grandaddy
 Tell us a funny tale from the road.
We played a gig at the Jackson County Fair in Florida.
When we were sound checking the promoter made us promise
by blood oath that we would stop playing music at 8pm
sharp. Over and over he kept telling us. Finally we
had to ask why the strict set time limit. He walked
us out of the tent to the tent next door with a sign
that read "Alligator Wresting Show, 8pm".
I guess loud music gets them spooked.
Woah! So what do you guys like to do in your spare
time?
Write music. Design stage costumes. Figure out lighting
plots. Pack stage explosives.
What's the hardest thing about being in the music
business?
Controlling your optimism. And keeping your eye on
the ball. The ball is music. Music is what connects
us as people. When "making it" becomes the
focus, music suffers. A good song performed well is
eternal; it will live in people’s hearts and memories
forever.
Thanks so much, Justin! Keep us posted!
Interviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
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