Tulsa World: DFEST

Stars Go Dim

Who is filling out this survey?

Joey Avalos is filling out this survey

What was your/the band's reaction when told you were picked to showcase at Dfest?

We were all thrilled. Dfest has become a must play festival in the Midwest. We are honored and looking forward to play in front of a hometown crowd again.

Have you showcased at Dfest before? If so, what was it like? If not, what are looking forward to most during your live set?

This will be our first performance at Dfest. We are looking forward to just having a good time and making Tulsa proud.

Is there a headlining act that you're going to drop everything to see (The Roots, Paramore, All-American Rejects, etc.)? If so, which one(s)?

If we have the chance I would like to see all of them. It's an honor to share the stage with some of the best bands in the world.

What are 5 indie/unsigned/local bands performing this year that you would recommend to a complete stranger as "must see"?

That's a tough one. I would say The Effects, P.D.A and My Solstice.

Do you have plans to attend the conference portion of the event? If so, who are you most wanting to see? If not, why?

I am afraid we won't be able to attend the conferences.

Where and when was your band formed, and how?

The band started in early 2007. I use to play guitar with another Tulsa band, Pillar. I started a side project with the bass player and drummer during that time. I then met Chris our singer through a mutual friend and soon after we just started writing together.

Are you released/will you release an album this year? If so, what's the album title, if you've chosen one?

We released three singles last fall which are all currently available on I-Tunes. This September we are set to release another EP in anticipation of our full length LP called "Love Gone Mad" set to release spring 2009.

How do YOU describe your sound to people who haven't heard your music?

We are a combination of soul and pop. Soul/pop.

How do YOU describe your live act to people who haven't seen you perform live?

We're all about having a good time and locking into a groove. We hope the listener will feel the combination of passion and soul from our music.

What's the most quirky, funny or intolerable aspect of your music?

Some say we are girly music, since we are a pop band with a blonde haired buff singer. But that's OK with us. We just love to write catchy pop songs and whatever people want to say about us is fine. If they are saying something about us then that means they must be listening.

What's the most quirky, funny or intolerable aspect of your current member lineup?

This is a tough one. I would say me. But you would have to ask my band members about that.

Where is the oddest place that you've found inspiration for a song, and which song was it?

At the post office. I was waiting in a long line to get my passport and out of nowhere I started hearing a rhythm in my head. Soon after that a melody. After I got my picture taken I rushed home and wrote the song "Walk On."

What does your band name mean? Or, why do you prefer being a solo artist?

Stars Go Dim means "as the sun sets a new day begins." It's all about loving life and being thankful for everything we have.

Are you going to be rich and famous because of what you've learned from, and the opportunity to play at, Dfest? In other words, what are you expecting to gain from this experience?

I guess we hope that Tulsa gets a chance to see a lot of good bands that they might have never seen or heard before. Dfest is a great way to showcase what the Tulsa music scene has to offer.

Have you attended Dfest before as a music fan? If so, what was the most fun? If not, what are you most excited about?

I haven't. I know our bass player, Michael Wittig, did last year. He was actually a guest speaker at some of the panels.

Will you use the public toilets (port-a-johns)?

I say if you have to go, you have to go. No shame in my game.

In 10 words or less, describe Dfest for someone who is completely unfamiliar with the event:

Dfest is a music festival with great national and regional acts. Sorry that was 11 words.

How has the price of gasoline changed how and when you perform and what gigs you choose to accept?

The price of gasoline has affected us in many ways. Well since I am the only member that isn't from Tulsa (I live in Arizona) I have to fly to every show. I use to get a ticket to Tulsa for $89 one-way. Now it's at least $139!!! If it keeps going up the band will probably kick me out.