West Hollywood, California (Thursday, June 4, 2009) - Whatever problems the music industry is having, however the “new model” is manifesting in the lives of musicians, it’s still all about the music. 
Michael, Dilana, Erik. Photo by Sean Patrick. WeHo News. |
It’s a blast, really, going to shows. New music comes up every day, and even good music seems to be easier to come by.
I’d almost give it up for meeting people, and having a laugh over a good dark beer though, but I don’t think I’ll ever have to; live music and good times come hand in hand for me.
I had occasion to run into an old friend of mine last week. I hadn’t really chosen the next band to see, and was on the lookout for a tip. “You’ve gotta come with us to see Dilana,” he said. “You’ll love it.” Sold.
It was a Thursday night at the Roxy. I like to be punctual, even early, when I go out to see a show or opening. I think you’re supporting an artist just by being there, but by actually showing up on time, then putting down your drink for a minute to give a listen, you’re fanning the flame of the singer especially.
You just might end up watching a phenomenal show because of it. They band wants to give it to you hard, when you’re really listening; the chemistry works every time.
Dilana with tambourine. Photo by Sean Patrick. WeHo News. |
I have to laugh about that, because in the world of rock and roll, you never really can tell when your band is actually going to hit the stage; there are so many variables.
People end up milling around sometimes, waiting for the main act, and usually they get to, or have to, listen to an act or two on the way.
Dilana was first on the bill out of two acts for the night. I hesitate to say she was ‘opening’, because she rocked that room. Inside the doors the milling around became a subtle, but abrupt, attention to the stage when Dilana was a few bars into the first verse. It was palpable.
When she walked onto the stage and, almost shyly, stepped up to the microphone, Dilana wasn’t in costume, but you could tell that life had costumed her, and she was real.
Sure she picked a hot outfit, but I got the picture that it was never the look that was the point. Whatever happened it was going to be live.
Dilana Stilletos. Photo by Sean Patrick. WeHo News. |
The listener got a taste of the passion with the fist note. “I can’t live with out you…I really hate you but I wish you were here.” I loved that the songs weren’t only hard, and still commercial, but there is a desperate, wall punching tension in the way she delivers her powerful voice, even in the quietest moments. At the end of Dilana’s first song, the house was hers.
The band hails from South Africa, Holland, Texas, and California, according to their MySpace, which fits the way she looks: Dilana has rainbow dreads flowing behind her, colorful tats and she wore a pair of very sexy stiletto heels that could pierce your body if her songs couldn’t. “Solid Gold” hit home for me. I love it when a song talks to me alone.
If as a kid you’ve ever listened to a record over and over because it was your life, you forever look for that in a song. “My Drug” takes you into the depths of being crazy for someone, but still has the strength to pull back. You’re my drug, not my savior. Nicely written.
Dilana’s records have the drive, and the passion I saw on stage, but what you can’t get off any record is a true catharsis of a performance, right now. Dilana, standing there, pouring what you can tell is everything into it, made me think that you’d get all of it, every time you see her, and you should. If you don’t see passion like that in a band, it’s time to go.
Dilana on Guitar . Photo by Sean Patrick. WeHo News. |
Did I mention there were only three of them? There were three people, three guitars, bass, a keyboard, drums, and a tambourine. Erik Eldenius sat, and kicked a percussive beat at the same time he played guitar in more than a few of the tunes, playing piano on the others, and he did it with bare feet (toenails painted black).
I only saw his dogs from the side as I was taking snaps, and I can see how when your brain is working overtime, you can use the sensitivity of your skin to feel your way through things. Between that and the heels you could watch the show from the floor.
Michael Martinsson played bass and guitar, and the mix and match of instruments, harmonies, and Dilana’s voice was smooth, and creative. I could pick out and hum lyrics, getting them down until the next batch came by and took their place.
It was an energetic, artistic, and very fun show. Check her out on Myspace (Dilanarox), and put Dilana on your radar, because the next time that line out front will be for her.
Sean Patrick is a blogger, musician and WeHo News’ Sunset Strip reporter. Catch his blog at www.SeanPatrick.us.
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