Twitter

Tumblr

THE EVOLUTION AND MAGIC OF AN AMERICAN ROCK BAND

The Creative Original Artists Rock Radio Show showcases independent artist who are making their name in the music world. With keeping with this theme and as a partner with Mayhem Music Magazine, C.O.A.R. Radio showcases Diamond Lane as their Spotlight Artist.

To find out more about rockers Diamond Lane, we went straight to the source. We talked with frontman Brandon Baumann.

Mayhem Music Magazine: Diamond Lane is considered an LA based rock band. I believe the band also considered the Bay Area home for a while. Tell us the history of the band.

Brandon Baumann: Correct. The Bay Area is where it all started for Diamond Lane, specifically in San Jose. That’s where Jarret (Reis) and I cut our teeth as kids and started this whole beast. After a number of years honing our chops and playing every damn city up and down the 101, we knew it was time to spread our wings and see how far we could take this thing. Insert us moving to LA a number of years ago, and that’s where the band took on a whole new shape and really elevated to that next level. I like to think of it as an evolution of the band from the “garage days” to the mean streets of Hollywood. It’s been rewarding having “dual citizenship”, so to speak. Two hometown crowds. Two vastly different fan- bases with different memories and personal connections with Diamond Lane. Pretty rad. California is home and always will be.

Mayhem Music Magazine: How did the current members of Diamond Lane come together?

Brandon Baumann: When Jarret and I relocated down to Los Angeles, we knew we needed to find 3 other guys who had the same big picture vision, blue collar work ethic and a no excuses / anything is possible attitude. Like with any relationship that sustains, it takes a bit of trial and error to really find those proper pieces and those willing to make that commitment. There are endless amounts of smoke-blowers and people who promise you everything, but when the going gets tough, they can’t handle the action. Adios and good riddance. I’m proud to say that little by little, sometimes through bizarre circumstances and trials by fire, we’ve now got the team locked in and better believe when I say that this is just the beginning. The foot is on the gas and things are about to take on another life form. Even though Diamond Lane has been at it and technically in the circuit for many years, this very much feels like the beginning, and we’ve the firepower to conquer whatever stands in our way.

Mayhem Music Magazine: Diamond Lane has played some very prestigious shows in the past. Can you let us know some of them?

Brandon Baumann: Of all the radical shows we’ve been fortunate enough to play these past few years, it’s been a treat getting dialed into the festival circuit. We had the privilege to have our second showing at Rocklahoma this past summer, and what I can say is that it’s truly something magical to see tens of thousands of people from all over the globe converging in the middle of Rocklahoma this past summer, and what I can say is that it’s truly something magical to see tens of thousands of people from all over the globe converging in the middle of Oklahoma to celebrate great music, the culture and community of rock n roll. Anyone who says “rock is dead” needs to crawl out of their cave and experience something of this magnitude. So much love, so much support, and to even be mentioned in the same breath with some of the biggest headliners in the world is powerful stuff.

Mayhem Music Magazine: You have a new full length album coming out titled “Must Be Hell”. Tell us about the album.

Brandon Baumann: What I love about recording albums is that they are merely snapshots of those moments in time when the songs were written and recorded. For us it’s all about constantly evolving to be the best version of ourselves possible. To continually hone in on your identity and raise the bar of your writing and craft, tapping into something authentic and fresh, that’s what moves the needle for us. This collection of songs has some serious firepower, recorded in between tours last year, we were discovering all sorts of new things about our team and selves, and we captured that very potent lightning in a bottle. I can’t wait to share this body of work with the world, and soon. We’re having a few great discussions regarding partnerships for its release and all will get a taste when the time is right. We are very pumped for this.

Mayhem Music Magazine: Does the music on this album differ from what the band has released in the past? If so, how?

Brandon Baumann: I wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s different, because as long as we’re working our magic on it, it’ll always be Diamond Lane, but there’s no question of the evolution. When you constantly challenge yourself to raise the bar and your own expectations of what’s achievable, that should reflect in the music and presentation. And with “Must Be Hell”, it certainly does. The songs are fierce, the playing is powerful — it’s all the things you might enjoy about Diamond Lane, on steroids, with a lot of fresh approach and growth. There’s no need for redundancy, just awesome music played with heart.

: Karina Diane Concert Photography

Mayhem Music Magazine: Will you be touring to promote the new album? If so, Have you already secured dates and locations?

Brandon Baumann: We will absolutely be taking our roadshow as far and wide as possible in conjunction with the new album’s release. Where we shine the most is in the live setting. We revel in that passionate connection with an audience, where energy feeds off energy. That exchange is something otherworldly, and is one of the few things in life that blurs all lines of culture and opinion. Forget about all the bullshit in your life for 40 minutes and lose yourself in music. THAT is where it’s at. There are dates in the works that we cannot yet announce, but expect a plethora of new territories and countries that we will excitedly bring our music to for the first time.

Mayhem Music Magazine: The band has had time to learn the ins and outs of the music industry. What are the pros and cons of having a rock band in this day and age?

Brandon Baumann: Well the obvious pro to being a band in the digital age is access. Anyone with a phone can find everything they want to know about you through a multitude of social networks and music promo sites in an instant. The entire history of recorded music is accessible to anyone at anytime. Being able to interact with fans from all over the world at the click of a button is pretty mind blowing. It makes the landscape that music smaller to navigate. With that in mind though, it’s a double-edged sword. Now EVERYONE has a level playing field to get their music out there, it’s almost as if you are over inundated with music being pushed on you everywhere you turn. Too much access. No mystery. It’s to the point where you almost become desensitized because of information overload. There aren’t enough hours in the day to digest all the music that’s available. That’s why it’s utterly critical, now more than ever, to truly find YOUR voice and what makes you unique. There is only ONE of you. There is only ONE Diamond Lane. Copycats and clones of other bands won’t weather the storm in this day and age. The cream always rises to the top, or so it should.

Mayhem Music Magazine: What should the public know about Diamond Lane?

Brandon Baumann: The public should know that at we are extremely thirsty and driven to help carry the torch for a whole new generation of rock n rollers. The legacy acts are all, quite literally, on their way out and it’s time for the industry to champion the next quality acts that will permeate the years and not just be a flash We are fans and wear our influences and passions proudly, and always strive to write the best damn tunes possible, so we can watch them thrive on the stage. Live, real and in your face is the way it should be, and that personal and intimate exchange of a true rock concert is something that is a truly unique, soul enriching experience. We will not be stopped and have so much badassery to offer the music world. This is just the beginning, and it’s extremely exciting at the prospect of what’s achievable and what’s to come. To quote the great AC/DC… ”LET THERE BE ROCK!”

Mayhem Music Magazine: The C.O.A.R Radio has been a big supporter of independent artists like Diamond Lane. What can you say about The COAR Radio Show and its host Timothy J?

Brandon Baumann: I can say that Timothy J has been a huge champion for Diamond Lane for many, many years and we are grateful for his support and friendship. More overly, he is doing a great service for the rock community by providing an inside track to some fantastic acts, and selflessly providing another spotlight for all the hungry artists out there clawing and fighting for their piece of real estate. A big cheers to the C.O.A.R Radio Show \m/

Stay up to date on Diamond Lane by following them on facebook & twitter

and visit their website at www.diamondlanerocks.com

The original version of the interview with Brandon Baumann of Diamond lane can be seen in the following issue by clicking on the

MAYHEM MUSIC MAGAZINE Vol. 6 No. 4

Issue Cover

Facebook