Today I will be interviewing LA based rock Duo Little Dove featuring Female fronted (Vanya James) & Drummer (Dylan Cooper) with their gritty rock vocals and their punk edge.
Tell us a little about yourselves and your music?
Vanya: I moved to LA in December to pursue music. I’m from San Diego – prior to this project I was playing music solo for a long time.
Dylan: I’m an LA native. I’m actually an upright bass player, but I’ve been building my own instruments for a few years now. When I started making drum kits, and realized there’s no turning back.
How long has Little Dove been creating music?
Vanya: Officially together as a duo, only about…oh, a month.
Where does Little Dove draw it’s inspiration from?
Vanya: My influences are all over the place. Aretha Franklin is probably my favorite vocalist. But I definitely look to bands like Against Me!, Rocket From the Crypt, Queens of the Stoneage – as influences. And Rival Sons! Love those guys.
Dylan: Led Zeppelin for sure.
Your love for music shows through the music you create. I especially love your song “Your Misery”. How do you capture that unique sound?
Vanya: Cut your soul wide open and bleed out a song. Thats pretty much how I do it. Oh and lots of practice singing. Lots and lots.
Dylan: Groove as hard as you can for as long as you can.
Tell me about the instruments you use?
Vanya: My setup includes a 1994 american made Tele, a smarvo amp, and a Kealy modified distortion pedal. Sometimes I will play a Heart Shaped Daisy rock guitar which I got an additional pickup put into it so it actually sounds amazing, and I also have a Gibson Les Paul artists series I use for recording.
Dylan: I found an old clothes hamper on the street… added some springs, sheet metal, a salad bowl, a candy dish, bottle caps, tennis ball, and old chandelier stand… drilled a few holes, screwed a few things together…and BOOM!
The Drumpster was born! It’s a drum kit made from stuff I’ve “recycled” off the street.
What was your first live gig like & where did you play?
Vanya: The Viper Room! But in general….I think my first live performance was in school.
Dylan: We rocked the Viper Room. They’re still not sure what happened… but everybody was digging it. When the door guy is nodding his head to your tunes… you’re doing something right!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
Vanya: Hopefully we will have some serious tour dates and big festivals in the US and Europe under our belts. I hope we get to break through to the masses so hopefully Little Dove will be a household name, and our bills will be paid, and we can afford to drive decent cars, n’ stuff.
Dylan: Japan, Brazil, Spain, Mexico… look out for Little Dove!
Where can we hear your material?
www.LittleDoveBand.com or www.Youtube.com/LittleDoveBand - our fans have been amazing posting videos. Thanks you guys!
Can you name some tips for those who want to learn more about developing a music career?
Vanya: When you are starting out, try to collaborate with as many people as you can. If you plan to thrive (make a living) in music, then study up on business. Talk to business owners and people that own their own businesses, even ones that aren’t related to music. You’ll be putting in long hours, and if you want to get stuff done, and you want to see your project go somewhere – you’re going to be doing the hustle yourself. Don’t expect any magical band fairy to come along, go “poof!” and make you famous. Do it because you love it, treat people with respect, and play from your heart, always.
Dylan: Don’t give up. That’s the only difference between musicians and regular people… Musicians don’t give up.