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Interview with
JONATHAN JOURDAN,
DEXAS VILLARREAL,
and ROBB MARS
from
TO WHOM IT MAY

(20th March, 2022)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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How did the band come together? Is there someone who is a “driving force”, or do you all make decisions together? 
Robb: I crossed paths with Dex and Jon only a few times in previous projects.  I lived in Austin and Dallas for a few years with my old band, but Houston was home, so I ended up back there in 2007. Sometime in 2011 or 2012, our bands played a show together in The Woodlands and we stayed in touch after that. I played guitar in all my projects before, and they always had new music in the works, so it was a perfect time for me to try out bass instead. 
Dexas: It sorts of fell into place after our previous band “MELOVINE” came to an abrupt end. Jon and I have worked together for years, and Robb joined Melovine towards the end, so it just felt right to continue on with 3 of the 4 members. Jon does most of the songwriting, but as a team, we definitely try to include everyone in the decision-making.

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think people resonate with your music? 
Dexas: I’ve always told people we’re just a rock band because I’ve never really been into pinpointing and trying to fit in one of the many subgenres that are floating around now. I think what people dig the most is the sincerity and vulnerability of our music. We strive to make things passionate.
Robb: “Radio Prog” Just kidding, but kind of serious.   It’s got the right amount of weird for me. 

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Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?  
Dexas: I’ve been listening to a lot of Quicksand recently. Their latest releases have been very influential to me. Turnstile as well. They’re such a great band with a killer live performance and feel-good energy.   
Robb: He Is Legend is one of my all-time favorites, live albums.

How has COVID affected you to date? What have you introduced to balance the losses from missed events? 
Dexas: It’s been an experience, to say the least. It was definitely a bummer to have to cancel tours and dates here and there. We continued to do the writing and recording process throughout when given the green light to do so. I personally picked painting in the meantime to help make ends meet while not being able to play out. It was a nice stress relief during the lockdown.
Robb: Live shows are where it’s at for me, so two years without hitting the stage was a bummer.  But the timing of it was perfect to start and finish recording OG. I had some help getting set up on Twitch, and I’ve been doing some live writing/recording streams. It was a nice outlet, to keep doing music, but in a new way. It was a challenge for a while.  

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If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?  
Dexas: That’s a hard one, But I’d have to say Deftones. I think it would Jell with them the most, and also benefit from playing to their crowds and like-minded people. 
Robb: I always wanted to open for Every Time I Die. 

Do you have any long-term aspirations as a music artist?  
Dexas: It’s been a dream of mine to have my music be the reason why I see the world. So, in due time, I plan to make that a reality.  
Robb: As a kid, I used to dream of “making it” and accepting an award on one of those big shows.    But that’s not a driving factor or a goal anymore.   Being able to connect with people in various ways day to day because of music is more fulfilling. 

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What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far? 
Dexas: The high. It’s intoxicating and addicting while being completely nerve-wracking. For me, playing with Karnivool (One of my favorite bands) is still the highlight to this day.   
Robb: Feeling the work/practice/rehearsal pay off in a good live show. Buzzfest was always a top memory for me, but the Fillmore Detroit with Candlebox is a new favorite. 

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers – 
FAVORITE: 

Dexas:
Album – White Pony _ Deftones 
Artist – David Choe 
Movie – Swiss Army Man 
Place to visit – Art Galleries   
Venue to play – I generally like ALL house of blues locations (except Chicago’s load in) 
Food – Indian Food or anything spicy!  
Drink – A chrysanthemum w/ gin 
Person in History –  MLK 
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) The fly on my left hand. It’s a nice and personal reminder of mine.  

Robb:
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) I used to consider getting the Marshall Amps logo somewhere, for (not so) obvious reasons. 

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Follow TO WHOM IT MAY
 Instagram – YouTube – Twitter
Facebook – Website

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AMNPLIFY – DB