Special to Musiqtone

This month, You Gotta Know rolls around to Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is home to two friends who met completely by chance at a party. These two friends have combined forces to create a sound, which is a melodical buffet designed to touch all your senses and a lyrical creativity that is quite rare in today's music world.  Texas has its Ryan Cabrera and Kaci Brown. Head west on I-40 and you have New Mexico duo Dex & Kelly.

The Interview:

Alan Ho:  Thanks for taking time for this interview, guys.  Tell our readers a little bit about yourselves.

Both: Thanks for having us!  

We are just trying to share with people things we have experienced in life through music.   And show people a better way to living.  There is so much music out there that is based solely on controversial topics so it will sell… Well DK is all about pure music.  There is nothing controversial about music its from the heart.  Our motto is Better Music, Better Choices, Better Life.   Music gets you on a subconscious level, and you can never get rid of it… once you have heard it it is in you.   That’s why we say our motto in that order, you pick better music, it will influence you to make better choices, therefore you will lead a better life.

AH:  Our readers must know this, how did you get together?

B: We had a mutual friend that introduced us in November on 2004, and January we moved in together.   From that point on DK Music was our sole priority and fuel for life.

AH:  Did both of you know that music was something you guys wanted to do in life?

Kelly: I knew it from about the age of 12, when one of my buddies said he looked forward to seeing my name in huge neon lights in Las Vegas.  This is really the first time I have solely concentrated on pursing this and so far it is working out.   I love this and wouldn’t dream of doing anything else

Dex: Acting was my first passion. After taking some acting classes in middle school and high school, I quickly saw that acting was more than just getting on stage so I lost interest. Around 8th grade I started channeling that burning passion for acting into developing my music career. So in a sense I now get to do both on stage, so it works out.

AH:  We ask everyone this all-important question:  What is your philosophy on music? 

B: Music is a captured moment, or emotion shared through melody.   And we write all of our music and lyrics, and wouldn’t dream of playing other peoples music, even if written for our band to play… then we wouldn’t’ be “real”.  All of our music and passion is ours, so we are sharing something true, something real.. it is Beautiful.

AH:  Who are your influences in the music you perform and in your career? 

B: We are influenced by bands as comparative as Bbmak, John Mayer, Dave Matthews, and LIfehouse, and as easily influenced by bands such as Slipknot, Stone Sour, Staind, and 3 doors down. 

AH:  What’s the most definitive element in your music that sets you apart from everyone that is in your particular brand of genre?

B: All of our songs sound so different from each other…A lot of bands get stuck sounding the same song after song… just different words… DK on a song to song basis changes genres, style, and feeling.   Our shows are very easy to stay captivated because of this.

AH:  What is the best fan experience you’ve ever had? 

B: We drove to San Marcos/ Austin to play a show on (sept 8th) and we were lucky enough to be taken in for a place to stay by some fans out there… When we arrived, they had 3 gift bags with some Texas State shirts and a welcome cards, for both D,K and our drummer.  Then that night, they made us dinner before our show.   After the show, we all went out to 6th street in Austin and had a great time.  We stayed there for one more night then left the following morning.. Talk about great people…

AH:  Why is music important to you? 

B: It is a great emotional outlet, and it lets you connect with people you have never met, and might not ever meet on a very intimate level.   More so than you might with someone you know personally your whole life.   That is very special.

AH:  What inspires the writing process for both of you?

D:  People, places, life in general, and being alone. Also, the possibilities of sharing my music with thousands is inspiration to write the best that I can.
K: Anything that effects me through my own experience, or just noticing another persons  trials or joys on a deep level, then writing about it to share it with others.

AH:  Finally, what are your goals short-term and long-term? 

D:  I’d like to get noticed by our local radio stations, and then long term, have our CD in everyone’s household in the world.
K: To reach Number one on the billboard charts with more than 3 albums, and have more than 3 #1 singles on all three aswell… I would prefer 5, but we’ll see… baby steps right…lol


The Burn:

Thing or things you’d be doing if it weren’t for music…

D: I’d be acting or doing something in comedy..haha.
K: I’d be pursuing anything on stage, comedy or Investment Banking

What’s spinning in your music player right now? 

D: Trapt, Someone in Control
K:The Killers, Mr. Brightside

The things you can’t live without as a musician

somebody to play for

Music none of your friends (or fans) expect you to listen to

D: Hardcore!! I listen to alot of black metal, hard rock and country. Slipknot, Hatebreed, Lamb of God, and Rascal Flatts. I just love music.
K:Jazz, I used to play in some jazz bands in houston

The ultimate venue to tour in

D: Super Bowl baby!!!
K: any sold out arena/ Pavilion,  or ultimately Satuday Night Live

Which act or acts would you love to share the stage (or bus) with?

D: Maroon 5, Finger 11, 3 doors down.
K:Dave Matthews,  Goo Goo Dolls, Ryan Cabrera

Non-musical talents you carry

D: I just started back boxing, acting.
K: Web Design, networking with people, making people laugh

Three people you would like to have dinner with.

D:  Corey Taylor, Tom Cruise, Chuck Laddel (UFC)
K:  Donald Trump, John Travolta, Robin Williams

Favorite food(s)? 

D: Japanese, Chinese, Cheese Cake, and STEAK
K: Fettuccine alfredo with grilled chicken and STEAK are my two favorite meals!

Your most embarrassing moment on stage. 

D: At our last myspace performance, I had my fly down the whole show, and so many people afterwards were telling me about it. I just told everyone that, “It shows people that I’m free.” Lol.
K: when I was in the 8th grade, I played in the talent show.  The school I went to, lets say it had a vast ethnic diversity lol.   While I was playing Third Eye Blinds- semi charmed life, someone tripped over the guitar cord in the back, so the guitar got very distorted, and no one could really tell what I was playing…. So I got teased for playing Hanson’s Um-Bop for a couple months.

Ryan Cabrera, John Mayer, Lifehouse, Dave Matthews, or Jack Johnson?

D:  Lifehouse! They make music come to life. They are just a very original band.
K:  Tie- Dave Matthews/John Mayer,  it is my goal to play with both of them