Dupree
Interview on June 29, 2020
By Dan Locke
DUPREE is an American Christian Pop/Rock band led by Dylan Dupree (son) and Lauren Dupree (mom). The band’s positive, upbeat music has elements of heavy pop, rock, harmonies, and Dylan’s energetic, soulful {left-handed} guitar solos. Lauren & Dylan are both singers/songwriters/producers.
What is your upbringing?
Lauren was raised in East Tennessee and comes from a musical family. Dylan was raised in Georgia/Florida where live music was a part of daily life in the home. The band is based out of Orlando, FL.
How did you discover music?
Lauren was around her grandfather and father who played a lot of live music at home. Dylan had a full stage of instruments always available to play in the music room growing up. There has always been live music in our home from the beginning.
How did you start to write music?
We would sit around and jam together, and song melodies naturally started pouring out of us. Dylan is very strong with melodies, and Lauren’s strength is lyrics but we both work together and produce/write. We know that God works through us and we use our gifts to bring the songs to life.
Dylan-How did you get your first guitar and do you still have it?
My parents gifted me a Left-handed Squire Stratocaster Christmas morning at the age of 7, and I never put it down. I don’t have it anymore, since it was kid-sized and I grew out of it.
My next guitar was a right-handed Strat but I strung it upside down like Jimi Hendrix, who I was enamored with.
Dylan- I like your Very Heavy Metal Christmas.
Thank you! We want to do a Christmas album. I am releasing my first guitar instrumental soon. We have so many songs in the works, we can’t release them fast enough. We love making music!
Dylan- What is the model, make and year of your favorite guitar?
It’s hard to choose. I like all my guitars for different reasons. But if I had to choose it would be my most recent guitar which is a Left-handed Fender American Original 50s Stratocaster with some of my own customizations. I’ve always liked the sound of a Strat.
What was your first performance like?
Technically, our first performance was at a church service which is certainly appropriate for what we are trying to do with our music. It was incredible seeing the reactions of the people in the congregation. You can tell they are being inspired and filled with the spirit. It’s very rewarding.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
“You Are” was the first official recording. I recorded the tracks and sent it off to mix. Since then, I have built my own studio and have more tools for production. We really enjoy the production process.
Dylan- How was it to tour with LFO?
It was an amazing experience. I got to visit all sorts of neat places like NYC, Niagara Falls and Philadelphia. It was really cool to play at some iconic venues. It taught me how to be a true professional on the road. I love touring.
Why did you start a mother/son band?
No one has done it! The world needs variety. We know each other so well; the music process comes easily to us. So, we’re meant to do it.
How did the band get its name?
It’s our last name, so it made sense. Everyone calls Dylan by his last name anyway, so why not?
Your new song “Mighty” just came out on June 26th. Tell me why you recorded it?
Yes! We’re pumped about this one – it’s high energy with some fierce guitar. We often write about our own experiences which, in turn, helps others through our music. This one is an anthem for those who need a confidence boost and motivation to press on during challenging times. It’s great for working out, too.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
Green smoothies. Stay Active. Laugh. Sleep. We’re night owls, so we have to force ourselves to go to bed.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
It’s a great way for fans to easily listen to our music, but it doesn’t sustain Artists enough to make a living. We love to tour, so that’s how we can keep going.
Digital vs. Vinyl?
Digital is easier. Vinyl is cool.
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
It’s sad to see division in our country. We find ourselves praying for peace and unity, and for more people come to Christ. Some people seem to have lost the fear of God. We need to bring that back. God Bless America!
What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what is the meaning that song means to you?
Right now, the song Deacon Blues by Steely Dan is running through my mind. It’s one of the first complex chord progressions I ever learned on guitar.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
We hope this virus continues to weaken and things pick back up for Artists as well as fans. We need to get creative as Artists and find new ways to connect with fans because music is such an integral part of the world and can help people through uncertain times.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Working on an album. We have released several songs so far during this time and we will keep releasing until we have an album. Being stuck at home was difficult so we focused on our music, which is cathartic to us.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Our hobby of music production has become full grown. Making music is a passion of ours, and it’s always awesome to turn a hobby into a career.
Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. During the lockdown, you were making big on the internet. Have you found any new fans?
Yes! We have so many new fans and we’re humbled by that! We have people who have tattoos of our lyrics, guitarists covering our songs, etc. It is so cool to see we are touching the hearts of many people all over the world with our music.
This week Live Nation announced their first ever U.S. drive-in concert series — LIVE FROM THE DRIVE-IN — This will bring fans a live music tailgating experience unlike any other, kicking off July 10-12 in Indianapolis, IN, Nashville, TN, and St. Louis, MO. Brad Paisley will headline performances in all three cities, marking the start of a much anticipated return to in person live events. Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi will also headline the series. Is this something you would be willing to do?
Heck yeah! Also, I’d love to play with Brad Paisley especially on our next upcoming release which has some cool country lead!
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it maybe is the end of music fest for the next couple of years?
We hope not because there’s nothing like a live show and having fun together! Festivals are a great place to bring people together which is what we stand for – belonging.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Sure, we’d be down for that! Sounds like fun.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
Somewhere on stage evangelizing to as many people who will listen. It is our passion.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
Thanks for the interview! We support our US Military and Veterans and are honored to be part of the Veteran-run UnRated Magazine! You rock!
