Right before New Year’s Eve, we released an article for Dixon Rose‘s hit song “One More Chance.” A track our readers loved and is still gaining traction and critical acclaim. The solo musician has been working hard at putting his writing skills to use to pump out new tracks for 2021 and so far has diligently succeeded in solidifying a very catchy signature sound. So while he continues to rise his way up through the music industry realm, we got a chance to do a comprehensive interview with the alt/rock artist exclusively here at Artist Reach to get a closer glimpse into Dixon Rose‘s career.

•You’ve been playing music for 15 years now. How old were you when you first started playing and what got you into it?

I started playing guitar when I was about 15 or 16. I remember watching Guns ‘n Roses concert and hearing Slash play a solo of the godfather theme. And when I heard that, I immediately knew this is what I wanted to do! And actually a good friend of mine in high school taught me how to play in my beginnings, he was one of those guys that can pick up any instrument and learn how to play it almost instantly, so I was luckily I had him in my life to work with me.

•Your newest music has a vast array of versatility. What are some of your personal musical influences that help you mold your signature style?

There’s so many cause I listen to practically anything. Everything from rockers like Guns ‘N Roses to Limp Bizkit, and others like Jay-Z, Madonna. Lady GaGa, REO Speedwagon, Ronnie Milsap, Garth Brooks, The Beach Boys and even Korn. I pretty much listen to everything, I have an eclectic taste and I think that’s why my music crosses over different genre tastes. I never understood why most groups or bands stick to one thing for most of their careers. I think music is all about experimentation and trying new things. But if I had to pick one artist as an inspiration for me personally, I’d still have to say Slash – you can just feel his music when he plays.

•Throughout your career, tell us about your best show and your worst show.

To tell the truth, I’ve never had a “bad show or good show”. My old band in high school practiced a lot and were pretty well oiled. I’d have to say that the hardest part about me performing is dealing with anxiety, and BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) plus frankly I do tend to have self esteem issues of my own, so theres that.

•As a songwriter, what kind of topics do you see yourself writing about most often? Whether it be lyrically or instrumentally. Shed some light on your songwriting structure(s).

I try to write about things that people have experienced in life. Gay teen suicide, bullying in high school. Gay relationships. Mental disorders. But at the end of the day I don’t really “decide” on what I’m going to write. It’s hard to explain but it’s more like a feeling. Or how I’m feeling when I start writing. As far as my structure goes, I’m self taught, so I don’t know much about music theory. So honestly when I start writing, I typically just fiddle around with some power chords then when something catches my ears’ attention, I run with it. And if the song reminds me of a song from a band I like, I’ll give my song that same skeletal structure so to speak. So say a verse, chorus, verse, chorus then a bridge back into another verse and chorus. But a lot of it also has to do with the style of song I’m writing. And really I’m fairly new to writing my own stuff. So I’m still learning a lot of new techniques and writing structures.

•What’s the biggest message(s) you put out through your music? What do you hope to inspire your fans with, and what do you hope they gain from listening to your songs?

Well I suppose world peace is too much to ask for. So my message and goal ultimately is to get people into listening to different music and learning music. And to try and educate on a personal note as a gay man. I’d like to touch on the gay community, if my music gets a few people into picking up a guitar, or stopping a bullied teen from killing themselves then my music is worth it and I feel as though I’ve done my part in making the world a little bit better.

How’d you come up with the stage name “Dixon Rose”?

I’m a big Daryl Dixon fan and the rose part is actually an homage to my mom, plus Roses are my favorite flower. And the name sounds really cool altogether as well, so I stuck with it.

•Your debut single “One More Chance” is definitely far beyond your average debut track from artists these days. How has the fan reception been so far?

I think the fans have been great about the song. I’ve had a few gay people tell me they love that there is finally a love/rock ballad about a gay couple . The song was inspired by a guy I’m kinda seeing and through personal events between us both, the song just kinda came about. And for anyone that’s interested in knowing, yes the guy I wrote it for loves the song, and things are going pretty damn good.

•We can’t wait to hear more of your future releases. When can we expect new music? And is it gonna be another single, or is it gonna be an EP or album?

Actually I’m working on like 5 more original songs currently, and 3 or 4 cover songs. And I’ve been on the grind with laying down more tracks, so I’d say in the next upcoming month or so there’ll be more coming out.

•How has the coronavirus affected your career this past year so far?

Covid hasn’t really affected my music much. If anything it has caused me to play and write more. But I’m definitly ready for it to end so I can go out and have a bit of fun and get live shows rolling again.

•What can we expect from Dixon Rose in 2021?

For the future it’s hard to say. As of now there’ll be more music. And I’m looking into trying some things with rap, dark synth music, and even some country. So it’ll be interesting. But I do want to give a couple little special thanks to some people…. I’d like to thank Slash for giving me the desire to play music. Thanks to Geoff for teaching me guitar and giving me the will to keep up with it, and a special thank you to JP for giving me the inspiration to write my own music and encouraging me to do it, and to all the fans that encourage me to keep doing it.

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