Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Cavallo. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Dropped Out is: Dave Cavallo (guitar/vocals), Tron Carter (drums/vocals), and Ryan Searls (bass).
Dropped Out was formed in 2013 and has gone through a number of member changes since their inception. Their debut album, “by Dropped Out”, was recorded and self-released in 2015 and later remixed/remastered and re-released in 2019. Their sophomore album, “It’s Allgood”, started production, and was nearly finished, in 2017 but was halted while the band took a hiatus. Production was resumed when the band reunited in 2019, and the record was finally released digitally in March of 2020. In December of the same year, members entered the studio to record their 3rd full-length album with Drew LeClair. Just before the record was complete, the band made the decision to part ways with their bass player. The band then decided that, instead of waiting until a new bass player could be found, Dave would re-enter the studio to rerecord bass on all of the tracks. Once a final mix and master was complete, the record was picked up by Otitis Media Records, a Corpus Christi, TX-based record label. With the support of Otitis Media, the record, now titled “Get Lost!”, was released in June of 2022. It is the first Dropped Out release that was made available on vinyl. The band plans to continue to play live, both local and nationally, to support the new release. The band will embark on a tour this October to play, The FEST, a large three-day, city-wide, underground music festival in Gainesville, Florida. The FEST takes place every year, during the last weekend in October. The band also plans to return to the studio, to work with Drew LeClair again, to work on various releases in 2023.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Dropped Out has had its share of ups and downs. With multiple member changes, you’re bound to have ones that end on good terms and ones that end on bad. Ones that end on good terms, like a member leaving the band to move to another state, end up being smooth; and the ex-member remains supportive of the direction the band takes after they’ve left. However, ones that end on bad terms may also end in friendships lost. It’s hard to make the decision to remove a person from the relationship/band; but when that person has a pattern of behavior that is resistant to the other members and even contradictory at times, you have to know when your effort is wasted and it’s time to remove them from the partnership. It’s hard and it’s sad, but sometimes it’s right. Sometimes removing a puzzle piece that doesn’t fit right, and finding one that does, is all you need for success. We are very happy with where we are currently as a band and are very optimistic and excited for things to come.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We are a punk rock band known for our dark, depressing and self-deprecating lyrics, played to upbeat cheerful music. Our sound has often been compared to Green Day, Alkaline Trio, No Use For A Name and even Propagandhi at times; with some saying our sound is a perfect blend of the classic Lookout! Records pop-punk sound with the Fat Wreck Chords skate-punk style. We pride ourselves in taking influence from many different styles of punk rock and non-punk bands to create something we as listeners, would love listening to. Bands such as: The Weakerthans, The Mr. T. Experience, Bad Religion, Weezer, Groovie Ghoulies, Death Cab For Cutie, Mike Watt, Banner Pilot, Jimmy Eat World, Teen Idols, Pennywise, The Get Up Kids, Saves the Day, Face to Face, Jawbreaker and Jets to Brazil.
I think another thing that makes us memorable is our mascot, TAD the Ghost. People are always telling us how much they love TAD.
One of the coolest things we’ve done as a band is play Groovie Ghoulies songs with Kepi Ghoulie. On two occasions, Kepi has come through town and was gracious enough to come up on stage with us and sing Groovie Ghoulies songs. Kepi is a great performer and it’s incredible seeing him play and even more incredible to share the stage with him.
We are also very excited and fortunate to be playing The FEST in Gainesville this October. (thefestfl.com)
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Drew LeClair – for making our latest record sound so good. He really took us up 10 notches. Otitis Media Records – for believing in the record and wanting to release it.
Chelsea Carter – for being a behind the scenes member of the band, helping with coordinating tasks, booking shows, and helping with keeping track of inventory and keeping it organized and helping sell our merch at shows.
Rosey Armstrong – for lending her talent on the new record.
Rudy and Charles – for filling in when needed
Ron Hall – for booking us shows.
Kick Butt Coffee – for giving us a place to play so often.
The amazing people who listen to the songs and come out to the shows and support us (Craig and Charlie, Jen and Rory, Ronnie, Leslie and Thomas, and so many more!).
And obviously our parents – for giving birth to us and keeping us alive long enough to become the people we are today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.droppedouttheband.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/droppedouttheband/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DroppedOutBand/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/TADtheghost
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpVDNuNU5-XG54gXEluqdrQ
- SoundCloud: https://droppedoutatx.bandcamp.com/
- Other: https://otitismediarecords.com/products/omr-050-dropped-out-get-lost-vinyl-lp-colored-vinyl?_pos=3&_psq=dr&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Image Credits
Chelsea Carter, Jen Harris, Thomas Kudasz, Mizuchi Bellum, Noah Drumright
