Delilah DeWylde’s love letter (of sorts) to fans marks the Spins on Music debut of guest columns written by West Michigan musicians.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to the first installation of an occasional but regular feature on this website: local musicians expressing themselves on issues that inspire them or rattle their cages. I’ve long wanted to give a voice to those laboring in the music scene, to allow them to express views on musical matters, the business of music, the foibles of entertaining — things often left unsaid, or merely muttered under-the-breath. Some topics will be serious, some will be amusing, some will be thought-provoking or agitating, thus the usual caveat, “Opinions expressed here don’t necessarily reflect the views of Spins on Music.” Consider these behind-the-scenes, behind-the-mask insights. And off we go …
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“OMG, OMG, OMG, Delilah! I love you, I love your band! I love it when you dance on the bass!”
Aw, shucks! Really? (Blush.) That’s very kind of you to say. Now here’s what I am hoping you’ll say next: “What can I do for you? I want to make you happy!”
I thought you’d never ask. We adore making you happy, so let’s keep this a mutual love affair.
OK, maybe that’s not the way it usually shakes out, but I feel it’s important to tell you all of the things we love about you as fans. Why? Because as musicians, you’re the most important thing to us.
Your enthusiasm and your attention really keep us going and inspire us. It’s a partnership, and we all want to have fun. I know you probably don’t think that you have a “job” as the audience, but you do. It’s a very important one, so please take it seriously.
I know, you’re thinking, “Oh, come on, I just want to have a drink and enjoy the music. I don’t need a list of job requirements.” That’s probably true. But the audience holds the power to make it a decent show, or a really great one. The more excited you show us that you are, the more we will go over the top to please you.
So, as a working musician, here’s a guide to making that happen; just a few suggestions to make sure our mutual love creates the best night possible:
• Having fun? Great. If you want to dance, well, dance. Who cares what everyone thinks? Maybe have a few drinks, cut loose and forget about all your cares. Besides, the bar is happy when they sell drinks, and when the bar is happy, everyone is happy. All we ask is that you please don’t drive if you’re over the limit. We’ve got a good thing going here, don’t ruin it.
• If you really feel strongly about getting us to play a song you want to hear, you have to time that request just right. Hint: In between songs is the magic time to do it, not during one. Or, write us a secret message on a bar napkin and deliver it to the stage when we’re between tunes. Also, it’s super extra cool if you throw a tip in the jar when you have a request. I know this is a novel idea to most people, but I feel if you want personal attention among a crowd of many, it’s nice to have a little token of your affection. And it’s great to get a little help in the gas tank, too. On the other hand, trying to join in as an extra member of the band to play that tune might not be advisable. The Lost Boys once played late into the night in Saugatuck, kicking into a rockin’ version of a Hank Williams song when we heard this startling noise. We looked up to see that a very excited patron had grabbed a large metal spoon and cooking pot from the kitchen and was clanging along. It was SO loud and off the beat that we all started to mess up because we could no longer hear the drums or each other. The song turned into a complete train wreck and I’m not sure if we even finished it. Thankfully, a quick-thinking staff member apprehended the utensils and the show was able to go on without the extra “accompaniment.” As for exchanges we encourage, we love it when you buy our merch, and of course, we will sign CDs. Want a photo with us? Sure. Strike a pose that’s Facebook-worthy.
• Another awesome thing? Bring a friend to the show who’s never seen us before. Stop by on a break and introduce yourself. I’m pretty bad with names, so you might have to remind me a few times, but if you want to know details about how we got into music, our influences, when we’re , coming back, what the name of a song was, just ask. Have questions about our instruments? Bring it on. Danny (DJ McCoy) plays vintage drums, and can talk for hours on the subject, if you have the time. Maybe you have a story about a friend or family member who ties into our music somehow? We love hearing about it. Feel free to drop a message at our website and/or Facebook page the next day, letting us know you enjoyed the show. Our off nights, we can scroll through them in case we feel lonely.
• Want to hire us? Just ask for a business card and give us a jingle. Even if you’ve never hired a band, I’m happy to walk you through the process.
• On the flip side, we hope we never have to tell you “No,” but just in case you were wondering: Touching our equipment or coming on stage at any time (unless invited, and it’s rude to ask) is NOT OK. Ever. This goes for the young drunken girl who sneaked past us at a recent gig while our backs were turned for three seconds. By the time I saw her, she was sitting behind Dan’s drums with his sticks in her hand. I very calmly said, “I’m sorry. You need to get out of there right now.” She flippantly tilted her nose in the air, flipped her hair and twirled the sticks around clumsily. I asked her to leave again and as I started making my way toward her, she went the other way, over Lee Harvey’s amp, guitar, pedals and full beer pint glasses. Magically, after leaping over $5,000 worth of gear (and beer), nothing got broken or spilled. I’m not sure how she managed that, but she did almost give me a heart attack.
• We don’t mind rowdiness, but please be a little polite with your requests. Screaming or demanding that we do or play something is just plain rude. Mind your manners. Your mother would be ashamed. And as good-looking as Lee Harvey is, I understand how inviting it might be to try and touch us while we’re playing. But I think you already know, it’s hands off. This is for your safety and ours.
• This last topic is a sensitive one: the practice of burning our CDs and making copies to give to your friends. I know you’re thinking, “Everyone does it,” but to a musician, it’s like photocopying a $20 bill or stealing our lunch. If you love our music, please pay for it.
I hope all of this helps to lay the groundwork for a beautiful relationship … and a more compelling evening of live music. See ya at the show.
Nobody rockabillys better than Delilah DeWylde. And anyone who’s seen her twirl and perch upon her standup bass knows that few put on a more entertaining honky-tonkin’ stage show than the popular West Michigan singer and musician who fronts Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boys (and who’s also made a name for herself in bands such as The Veloras, Nobody’s Darlin’, DangerVille and Chasing Our Tale). The Lost Boys’ most recent album, “Win My Love,” recorded at Mackinaw Harvest Music, is in the running this year for several WYCE Jammie Awards, with honors doled out Feb. 22 at The Intersection. For more information about the band and to purchase CDs, visit DeWylde’s website. And catch the group live at any of these venues on the following dates … especially now that you’ve been schooled on concert etiquette.
Saturday – Club 411, Kalamazoo
Jan. 19 – SpeakEZ Lounge, Grand Rapids
Jan. 26 – Rubbles, Mt. Pleasant
Feb. 1 – Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill (with Nikki Hill), Grand Rapids
Feb. 2 – One Eyed Betty’s, Ferndale
Feb. 7 – RED Vodka Party at Cygnus (Amway Grand), Grand Rapids
Feb. 8 – New Holland Brewing, Holland
Feb. 9 – Traverse City Winter Music & Microbrew Festival, Traverse City
Feb. 16 – Odd Side Ales, Grand Haven
Feb. 21 – St. Cecilia Music Center (Local Spins Live with The Crane Wives), Grand Rapids
Email: jsinkevics@gmail.com
Seems like Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boys would be regular entertainers in Pentwater during the summer season, but no. Might have to start my own bar.