The Dreamboats had a dream to bring back the golden era of rock n roll and if the older generation could see them right now; it would bring back memories of their childhood and the music that brought them happiness. It was the time in history where music was filled with raw energy that felt more like a cinematic experience. Everything was unpredictable because that’s when social media did not exist. So, you went to a show not knowing what was going to happen. There were no phones. You became part of the show, sang your heart out, embraced your friends around you, danced, and honestly treated the experience like you would never have it again. The Dreamboats brought that unpredictably back to the modern era for their fans.

Interviewer: For new fans; can you give us insight about the band and what led you guys to recreate the golden era rock’n’roll sound? 

The Dreamboats: “When Johnny and I first started the band back in 2009, we had a genuine love for 50s and 60s music. Mainly old American rock ‘n’ roll and British invasion bands. We really enjoyed the responses we received from performances mic’s as well as online videos that we were posting that Golden era. Our first lineup had a great chemistry for that style. We all appreciated the song selections as well as the fashion. We also felt that no one was really doing what we were doing at the time and we wanted to re-create a really cool space in atmosphere for people to be shameless enough to twist like they did in the past as well as slow dances to bring couples together. We felt this type of vibe was lacking at many life shows we checked out and wanted to do something unique and authentically within our interests.“

Interviewer: How do you balance nostalgia with making the music feel fresh for modern audiences?  

The Dreamboats: “We really try to capture this with elements of our performance and online content. Trying to create a fresh approach for a with viral type clips to peak, the interest of a younger demographic. But also offer a stage show that is extremely engaging, high energy, and a sensory overload of audio and visuals. We take the simplicity of the classic band dynamic, and stretch it to its peak. Offering dance moves, Four Port Harmonies, stage antics and so much more. By doubling down on this approach, we feel that our show has an appeal to not only a younger demographic to discover, but also for an older generation that grew up with this step of music, to appreciate once again. Delivered with the same passion and conviction from the artists, they once saw or grew up with, performing these songs. 

We have also geared our set list towards a lot of the popular 50s and 60s type songs that we loved growing up in the 90s. Influenced by major motion picture bio pics of our favourite 50s artists. There are some 50s and 60s songs that are very nostalgic for an older demographic, and then there are other the songs that hit home to a younger generation that appreciate this era, its own sense of our nostalgia. “

Interviewer: Which classic artists most shaped The Dreamboats identity? 

The Dreamboats: “In the beginning, our hands-down say the Beatles. A Four piece band, with everyone singing and playing their own instrument. 

They definitely helped us shape our appearance, camaraderie, and song selection in the beginning. Some other great influencers have been also Chuck Berry. Heavily inspired by the enchantment under the sea dance scene in back to the future, where Michael J. Fox absolutely loses it on stage. Performing Johnny B good at open mic’s seem to get the crowd into a frenzy and had bar owners asking us to perform full shows at their venues after that. Ritchie Valens was also a big one for me personally as in some way, I’ve felt my life has parallel, the artist in one way or another after watching the movie La Bamba. The movie “Great balls of fire” was another big one as it displayed the type of raw energy rock ‘n’ roll could bring to the masses. One can argue that a prerequisite of joining the Dreamboats has been your ability to execute the surf style instrumental “Miserlou” as an audition piece. That example comes from the movie pulp fiction. There are so many movies in bio pics of our favorite artists that inspired us to keep this era alive and well. “

Interviewer: What makes 1950s and 1960s rock music timeless to you?  

The Dreamboats: “There’s not many musical eras over the past century that have stood the test of time. When these 50’s and 60’s songs hit the radio, it takes you back to a place of love, great music, fast cars, and innocence. To me personally, I believe this was the best time. In all of human history to grow up or have been born in. Things were simple and the main topic of 95% of these songs would’ve been about love. A topic you can’t go wrong with in songwriting, and a topic to enjoy endlessly. It’s also an era of music I believe most melodies have been emulated the most from. Because of that, this era has remained timeless to the modern day. From its songwriting, all the way down to its fashion.” 

Interviewer: Your live shows feel almost like time travel, how important is stage presence to the experience?  

The Dreamboats: “One of the greatest compliments is when your audience can recognize the influence you carry of your favourite artists. Creating an nostalgic experience is what the main goal of our show is at its core. Taking it beyond that with your own personality and special attributes add to the performance is what makes the show unforgettable. These first generation rock and rollers were larger than life, and to capture that charisma and personality on stage, I feel is something lacking in today’s modern life shows. Ability to engage the audience, to take risks. But also to deliver musically, there’s something I feel most performers overlook these days. All these artists were the full package, and I believe that with the intention of crafting an intentional stage show, audiences are left always wanting more. “

Interviewer: What’s the wildest crowd reaction you’ve had during a performance?  

The Dreamboats: “I think we all live for the applaud as a performer on stage. My biggest audience reactions were not from performing the music, oddly enough. But from taking physical risks and really putting yourself on the line is what has driven the most crowd responses from me personally. Things that are very unusual or unorthodox for most performers to try doing on stage. I really do my best to do things that I have not seen done before, but merely draw inspiration from moments that I love and try to make them my own. A few last year that I can recall have been when I climbed up the side scaffolding of the stage and did a human flag at the top, pretty much risking my health and giving our promoters near heart attack from anxiety. Another great one for me was when I put on my rollerblades during my performance of La Bamba and skated around the stage and jumped over staircases midway through the song. I heard Ritchie Valens would rollerskate during some of his performances. I tried to take it one step further.”

Interviewer: What’s harder: recreating the vintage sound or recreating the energy?  

The Dreamboats: “Re-creating the energy is the hardest part in my opinion. Anyone can dial in tones with enough patience. But bringing a consistent over the top and dynamic energy night after night can be very demanding on you mentally and physically. Moods can differ, audience sizes can vary, layouts can change. But keeping your energy consistent night after night is the sign of a true professional. “

Interviewer: Are there modern artists outside of retro rock who inspire your songwriting?  

The Dreamboats: “Personally, I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from some of my favourite 90s alternative rock bands that I enjoyed growing up. Weezer being one of many. Very vulnerable lyrics, catchy melodies, and formulated song structures. I also draw influence from many modern artists that are trying to re-create the vintage sound of the 1950s and 60s. This helps me try to narrow in on similarities as well as try to find what makes me unique amongst other artists. Finding your edge is what’s important. Staying true to your influences and writing for yourself will take you farther than trying to craft songs that you think or hope people will like. “

Interviewer: If you could open for any artist from the 1950s or 1960s, who would it be?  

The Dreamboats: “It would be a dream come true to open up for my favourite band of all time, The Beatles. And I wouldn’t say it’s out of the question at the moment as Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are still alive and performing till this day. Opening up for one of these artists would be an absolute dream come true and extremely surreal, coming back full circle to the artist that inspired me to start this band in the first place. “

Interviewer: What’s one vintage fashion trend you wish would fully come back? 

The Dreamboats: “I wish everyone would bring back wearing a suit and tie every day for every occasion. Looking good results in feeling good. There was something about that timeless style of the 1950s that created a clean, well put together individual. Thank you. Women can’t resist a man in a nice suit. I would also like if varsity Jackets came back into heavy style and women would take pride in wearing their oversized varsity jacket with their boyfriend’s name on it. “

Interviewer: Why do you think younger generations are reconnecting with vintage music right now? 

The Dreamboats: “I think the young generation is hearing these familiar melodies at their core. I think they are also inspired by the type of fashion and vibe that retro inspired styles seem to show. I think this generation is also longing for a real type of raw uncut music with no bells and whistles to hide behind. This timeless music was created with such simplicity, and its songwriting that this next generation can help to try rediscover. This digital age seems to have all flash and no substance. Vintage rock ‘n’ roll was as real as it came and I think this next generation is longing for something that can truly stand the test of time. “

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