As local music in Denver continues to flourish, it seems like great new bands are popping up faster than we can keep up with. One band that most definitely will not get lost in the shuffle is Air Dubai. The recent winners of 93.3's Hometown for the Holidays have an excellent record out now called Wonder Age and an ever expanding live presence, and have all the ability in the world to push themselves into national notoriety. I was very fortunate to get the opportunity to talk with Jon from Air Dubai about their new record, and their love for live shows amongst other things.
ALDM: Can you give me a brief history of the band and its formation?
Jon: Air Dubai was started by Julian and I (Jon) back in 2008. We started out as just a hip hop duo before deciding we wanted to become a full band in 2009. The band then grew to seven members which now include Nick Spreigl (Drums), Lawrence Grivich (Guitar), Wesley Watkins (Trumpet), Michael Ray (Keys) and Taylor Tait (Bass)
ALDM: When I listen to you guys I am reminded of The Pharcyde a little. Are they influences of yours? And what are a few other key influences be they artist or styles of music?
Jon: I don't think we've ever actually been compared to the Pharcyde although their music is something we've listened to. I think our influences really stem from our experiences in life etc. I like to write songs from a personal place and most times that's reflected in the music that we create.
ALDM: I feel like your sound is very diverse, and that you could go in a number of directions if you wanted. Is expanding your sound a goal in the future? And what might that entail?
Jon: I think our goal is to always challenge ourselves to be different and new. That being said we don't play songs with the idea of "making it different". We just as musicians and artists like to not settle on a certain sound and I think that so far has reflected in the music we make.
ALDM: How important of an influence is Jazz to the sound of Air Dubai?
Jon: I think Jazz is just one component of our sound. I think with seven members and the different backgrounds we've come from musically you'll get everything from Jazz to Rock to Hip Hop to Pop when you listen to us, not because we're trying to make it sound that way but because we're very immersed in the music that we've listened to growing up.
ALDM: Do you have a single proudest moment on Wonder Age with the understand that each song is important to your band?
Jon: I think our proudest moment within Wonder Age is the fact that we were able to complete it. It was a long process getting to it's finish line and even down to the last seconds of the recording process it was one big experience to remember.
ALDM: What was your recording experience like? And would you like to try something new next time around or do you feel so comfortable with your last recording experience that you would like to do it that way again?
Jon: I think with the way that we recorded Wonder Age we were extrememly happy with it but there are always new things that we want to try. I don't feel like we'll ever be able to settle in to familiar techniques, we'd always want to grow and see where the recording experience could take us.
ALDM: The music translates so well live and it has an incredible energy. Did you recognize this from the beginning or is it something that has developed over time?
Jon: I think the energy of our shows comes from us enjoying playing with each other and playing the music that we've created. When the crowd is there and everyone is having a great time you can't PLAN that. In fact I've heard the feedback about how "energetic our shows are" but I'm always just like, hey, I'm just up there doing what I love.
ALDM: How can musicians better utilize the live concert experience, and how important is progressing in this regard to Air Dubai?
Jon: I think for us live shows are so important. Sometimes I'll forget just how much I love playing music but it's all revitalized when a crowd is there singing your words and dancing along. For other musicians I just feel like everyone should try and connect to their audience as much as possible, the crowd is there to see you so bring them in!
ALDM: I see the bands in Denver really helping each other out, and supporting each other, often taking turns playing each others shows. What do you think of this camaraderie? Do you feel that Denver's current music scene is the strongest its ever been?
Jon: I love how supportive Denver is, and it's not just fans but the way that other bands will help you out is incredible. Sure everyone's out here making their own music and doing their own thing but I've never felt any "competitive" nature with any other bands. We're all here for one goal and that's to play good music!
You can listen to Air Dubai's album Wonder Age at their official website here, and check out their facebook here. Or just do yourself a favor and click the link below to buy the album form Itunes, its totally worth it! :)
Wonder Age - Air Dubai
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