By Jaci Jedrych
Dream Demon is not your typical band. It is a collective of West Coast-based bands: Scott Mercado of San Diego’s Manuok, Via Satellite, and Black Heart Procession; Mike Sparks, Robert Cheek, and John O’Connell of Seattle’s By Sunlight; and Ben Heywood of LA’s Giant Waste of Man. Dream Demon began as a “late-night brain-strike you have when you’re on tour with a couple bands whose company you enjoy,” and 14 songs were made in just four meetings in 28 months.
Before meeting, each member would write one or two songs to share. Among the first songs to be released is one of Ben Heywood’s songs, “The Bargain,” inspired by the struggles he feels in his gig as a bartender. Seeing the low points of human nature, he felt very pessimistic about human nature and his will to live.
“’The Bargain’ is simple: I’ll stay alive for you, if you stay alive for me. It’s the theme of Dream Demon. Five guys trying to hang on,” said Heywood.
Fans of experimental rock like Talk Talk or Sonic Youth, or individuals looking for a grungier version of alternative music like Nirvana, should check out Dream Demon. Their songs create a sonic landscape that feels reminiscent of old rock, while discussing deeply personal topics.
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Jaci Jedrych is a World Politics student at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She loves going to concerts and exploring different genres, and has a passion for arts and news writing.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
