"I grew up for a little while in New Mexico. All my brothers were hicks," begins Justin Stevens, vocalist and songwriter for Dime Store Prophets. "During the 70's, when I was a little kid, I had to listen to Charlie Daniels Band, Hank Williams, Jr.--not even as cool as Senior, but Junior. Kind of the whole 'country music thing.' My first rock and roll influence was Adam and the Ants."

Describing one's influences sometimes lends a peak at where they've come from to arrive where they are now. Fortunately, growing up through his 20s, Stevens discovered the classic 60s sound--mentionably, The Doors--and began to develop his own wings. Today, he and his bandmates tour the country with their own brand of post-rock-a-billy, straight-ahead rock with a wedge of groove, influencing a new generation along the way.

While bassist Sam Hernandez-sporting a very fine mustache-and drummer Joel Metzler worked the merchandise table at a recent show, I sat down in the grass with Justin and Masaki to talk about life as Dime Store Prophets.

70s Redux

Dime Store Prophets released their second national effort, Fantastic Distraction, earlier this year on SaraBellum Records. It continues down the road began with 1995's Love is Against the Grain: immaculately produced rock, incredibly dynamic lead vocals, and interesting stories set to lyric.

Included in the set is a definite influence, "King of the Tragic Ones." The song is the brainchild of Masaki, guitarist and producer for the band. "I was definitely looking for a sound. I like a lot of the old funk:: Sly and the Family Stone, Parliament... I mean the real funk, not the hashed out stuff that some people call 'funk.'" One listen to then song confirms that it works, and very well.

Not Kriss Kross

Masaki shared what their aim is for their music, especially when they play live. DSP tries to create a mood with their music, and hopefully have the listener hear something they can relate with, in word or in music. "I don't think we write very much for motivational type things, thinking 'We're gonna write a song that's going to make kids jump.' We might say, 'We're gonna write a song that is going to make us jump,' like Yeah Sure OK Monet... We're not to into worrying what the audience is going to think as much."

That honesty and integrity is an essential ingredient to DSP. It is by no means an attitude that disassociates itself with those who are not attracted, but instead focuses on those who will lend an ear.

Between Love and Distraction

After the release of their first album, Dime Store Prophets experienced more than a few things that had effects on them personally and musically. Masaki learned a lot about arranging songs. "Love is Against the Grain is 12 songs, 60 minutes, whereas our new record is 10 songs, 40 minutes. Somewhere between two songs we lost 20 minutes worth of music. I don't know if I've matured or immatured or condensed or whatever, but I have grown... in how I think a song should sit in its final stage."

The non-stop touring, a different drummer and living on the road were factors that, according to Justin, "brought different colors to the palette." Those are evident in the vibe on the new album, as well as the stories told.

The Pain and Comfort of Alchemy

When asked which song on Distraction was the most painful, Justin paused. To explain "Sucker's Alchemy," he first started with a little Chemistry 101. "Alchemy is the chemical process of turning base metals into gold." That defined, he continued: "[The song is] the idea that God does a spiritual alchemy in us, that He takes painful things, draws those and uses them for good in other peoples' lives. II Corinthians 1 says we'll be able to comfort based on the comfort we've been given (v. 4 paraphrased). God comforts us and that does something in us so that we can comfort others.

"[The song]'s not necessarily based off of hurtful things in me, but rather hurtful things in my family." Not that any gold was seen, though. The experiences left the family with a longing. "It was not written from the empathetic point, it was written from the real needy point."

Still, from this intense point, the music is not their point of resolution. Justin makes it clear: "I don't write for myself... Whatever comes out of me lyrically, I want it to help somebody. I'm not into trying to understand myself or especially trying to have someone to need to understand me; that's between me and God. I've really never used my songs for a platform for that.

"Maybe once I've been given understanding about myself, then I'll be able to put it down. For me, I'm in a band. It's not my platform to go and just bleed."

The Road Ahead

On looking down the road, there are a few bands that Dime Store would like to tour with. They 'd prefer a tour to play to both markets, to have their music exposed to more people. Masaki yearned to "get the feeling that we're moving forward."

Last year, they went on the road with Lost Dogs. That tour included a stop at St. Cecilia's in Grand Rapids. The night before, in Columbus, the band's van was broken into a robbed of cash and equipment. Besides that, the tour was hard in general due to having to handle all the production-the set up, the teardowns, the drives. And then there were the turnouts.

"There were nights when the Lost Dogs would buy pizza for the whole audience." No way, I thought. "In South Carolina, there were six people. And we loaded the PA up two flights." Justin sounds as if that was not what the promoter had promised. "The best part was that the Lost Dogs were in the audience, so there was about 12 people," Masaki joked.

But the experiences suffered have brought them closer together as a band, both musically and socially. They are looking forward to a new tour, especially to people unfamiliar with their music.

Justin concludes the interview by reiterating his love for his job, especially performing live. "I, for one, and the rest of these guys as well, really value the audience. We want to disconnect the barrier between [us and them]. We'll do everything we can to keep that from happening." Even so far as to share a pizza.

Since the time Fuse interviewed the band, there has been a change in direction for the four guys. According to an official release from the band, the last-ever show for Dime Store Prophets will be January 3 in California. According to band leader, Masaki, "We feel that God is asking us to part ways, so 1998 will bring us new things individually." A release from 5 Minute Walk/SaraBellum insists that "the band doesn't have any of those bitter feelings associated with break ups."

Masaki is said to have plans for his side project, Rivulets and Violets, including an anticipated release in 1998. Justin and Sam have been working together on some worship material. Drummer Joel "is full of surprises."

The band expresses thanks to all who have supported, encouraged, and prayed for them during their time together as DSP.

We thank you back... and fare thee well.

Dimestore Prophets (homepage)

Related Links