Dalton to jam at Cranberry’s for intimate show
By Jess Decina
It’s not exactly the SEC spring show, but it’ s just enough rock to keep the Lawrenceville campus musically satiated. As his concert in Cranberry’s, slated for Thursday, March 29, approaches, Micah Dalton took some time out of his schedule to share some of his less-than-memorable experiences on tour, as well as what fans can expect from him in the near future.
Q: Are you nervous for this performance? Do you ever get nervous?
A: I wouldn’t say that I’m nervous for this performance, but I do get nervous. I’m usually more nervous with less people present at the concert. I’m not sure why. I guess the odds are seemingly slim with less folks. When you’re a building indie artist, you always “lay loose in the saddle,” but exterior variables still, unfortunately, can cut through and make a difference from time to time. The emotions that come as a result run the gamut — indifference, anger, excitement. Welcome to the wild world of an indie musician!
Q: Do you have any funny or memorable experiences from going on tour?
A: I tour very often. I have loads of tasty stories about car trouble, interesting human interactions and horrible shows. One in particular comes to mind. I hit a dead deer on highway 81 through Roanoke driving from a show in D.C. It was three in the morning and I had two or three peculiar conversations with cops, tow truck drivers and car rental people. I had a 12-hour trek from Roanoke to Georgia with no car. My engine was blown, so I had to rent a car and then drive it back up the next week. Within 15 minutes of renting my gold Saturn I got pulled over for going 12 mph over the speed limit. I made it to the show, if it matters.
Q: What inspired you to become a musician?
A: Other musicians that had the gall to write from a sincere place. [My inspiration is] a genuine belief in the person of Jesus Christ and his desire to communicate a love to all people. Music is like an interesting language and you don’t have to be good at math to get good at it. So it worked for me. All kinds of stuff. I love music.
Q: Who are your musical influences?
A: Bob Dylan, Essential Motown, Randy Newman, Rich Mullins and Neil Young. [It] depends on what month you talk to me and if the CD’s scratched or if my iPod transmitter works right. There’s tons of stuff that’s influential, but it wouldn’t serve too well to take from it all.
Q: What’s your favorite aspect of performing?
A: My favorite aspect of performing is the communal element involved — people coming together to meet, listen and share. I happen to land as the focal point of the event, but it’s such an interesting way to connect with people. It’s also fun to hear people clap and laugh. If nothing else it’s re-affirming. Most days I really need that.
Q: What can your fans expect from you in the future?
A: You can always expect more recorded music. Right now, I have half an album done that I recorded in January, but nothing will hit the streets until, at the earliest, January 2008.
