Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex De Leon
Hi Alex, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
A little over two years ago at one of Andi and Laos’ house parties, I remember seeing Laos play this new kids drum kit he got and he drunkenly started playing and for some reason that stuck with me and a couple months later I was like, “damn it would be sick to start up a band with these two dudes f*ck it” and we all met up. I showed Andi how to play bass (with prior guitar knowledge I didn’t really have to teach them) and Laos had already learned how to play drums in school but just had to brush back into it. It’s funny, because we started off playing like indie or funky alt music before transitioning into the hard-rock/ punk thing. We played our very first show at a sold out Hole in The Wall, and there was a literal line outside the door! Looking back it’s still fucking insane we pulled that off. But we were a three-piece, and art the time it was super hard for me to play lead and sing at the same time. I struggle with stage fright like a motherfucker, 60+ shows in and I still do- but back then it was way more daunting. Having a fourth member became a necessity. Kiana, our now lead guitarist pulled up to that first show in support and I remember looking at her in the crowd during manic depression and I don’t really know, sometimes you just know when somebody or something clicks. I already knew she played guitar and bass so shortly after that show I asked the rest of the band if she could come jam with us, before even asking her if she was down. Within the first hour we had already posted a silly picture to the band instagram welcoming her to our baby, Deadtramps.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am speaking for myself here, but honestly no the road has not been the smoothest. It’s been more like radiator springs before the makeover. To put it simply- this is everyone’s first band and I think we all are constantly learning each other even to this day, learning how to respect one another whether that is in terms of what we create together or how we react/ treat one another. nobody is perfect and we’re all humans with big personalities. I think that’s what makes us so captivating but it also can be a struggle at times. but that’s also life, ya know?
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
for the real world I work at a smoothie/juice/soup shop. for my side gigs, if its not playing a show, I book them. I curate events under the name PUNK PLANET and while it’s been a minute since I’ve last booked one, I’m looking forward to getting back into it. I love the music scene here, and giving to the community that serves it. so many people in the city book such cool events. it’s something that gives me a lot of pleasure, getting to work behind the scenes and getting to know the sound techs, door people, venue employees, etc. there’s so many working parts that go into the local live scene. I love it. you don’t see that in places like LA, or NYC.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
don’t stop. if you have a dream, you need to explore every possible avenue to get there. don’t give up either. age is just a number and you are never to old to achieve your life’s purpose. I’m still working towards my dreams of being a professional working musician but shit takes time. Caroline polachek made it when she was well into her 30s. Also, fuck the 10 year rule. just work on your art and worry about the rest later.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0cVS2pxLRaGuEWI94d6Vbh?si=lbzUNF0vTUixH9HHWYiTpQ
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/deadtramps
Image Credits
LILLI LONG
BENJI FREY
