bill bodkin chats with of the hottest duos in music …
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. is more than just a cleverly named band. The dynamic Detroit duo of Daniel Zott and Joshua Epstein have taken the indie world by storm with their harmonious Beach Boys-esque vocals and their subtly smooth electronic beats and drum machines. The band is a prime example of the crossroads of the current pop-rock scene — the traditional values of vocal harmony bolstered by the new wave of cool electro-beats.
Pop-Break’s Bill Bodkin spoke with Zott and Epstein over e-mail about how they came together, Daniel’s previous claim to fame and their love of Detroit.
Pop-Break: First question is for Josh. What was it about Daniel, when you saw him perform live, that inspired you to pick up the phone and call him and ask him to form Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.?
Joshua Epstein: I actually heard his double album he had self-produced and then called him up. I thought it would be nice to work with someone who can take a song and finish it completely.
PB: Daniel, what convinced you to take a leap of faith and join Josh in the band?
Daniel Zott: Josh knows how to act properly and has an amazing smile. He also can sing really well.
PB: Josh, I’ve read that before you recorded “Simple Girl,” the sound for the band had been in your head for a while. Can you talk about what inspired this sound, which is highly unique and genre-defying?
JE: I had a little ditty of a song and brought it to Daniel. He thought it would sound great the way it was. We kept it simple. I didn’t have a sound in my head.
PB: Daniel, you’re very recognizable as the lead singer in the FreeCreditScore.com commercials. Was there ever any worry that this could possibly hurt any Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.’s indie street cred at all? Or did that opportunity help the band out in some way?
DZ: I enjoy every piece of music that I work on. When I can make more music and be on TV like Ray Charles and Pepsi, then I’ll gladly do it. Being one dimensional is boring.
PB: I know it’s been asked a million times, but why go with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. as the name of the band?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.: Because sometimes you have to go with your gut. It’s like being in love.
PB: Can you talk about how the band has evolved since the recording of “Simple Girl?”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.: Our friendship has grown, but the same idea is being worked out. We make music that our ears enjoy. Period.
PB: The critical reception to your album, It’s A Corporate World, has been staggeringly positive — and for good reason, in my opinion. Have you guys been able to wrap your heads around this? Did you ever think that this band would ever become a full-fledged band, touring the country, receiving high critical praise? Or did you guys think this was just a cool musical collaboration?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.: We were just having a good time together writing tunes. Sometimes that’s how life works and you need to be ready and able … and thankful.
PB: In your career so far as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., what has been the most amazing moment? The moment that has made you look at each other in disbelief like “Can you believe this?”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.: We say that to our dogs everyday.
PB: What’s in store for the band for the rest of 2011 and early 2012? Any new recordings or touring?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.: We have a new album in the works and some more European dates as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sqqSRoFKmg
PB: You guys are very proud natives of Detroit. It seems recently with the Detroit commercials on TV, the Detroit Tigers beating the Yankees in the American League Division Series and the great run the Detroit Lions are having, a positive focus is being put back on the Motor City. Can you talk about the original music scene of Detroit, and do you think we could be seeing great things out of this scene soon, much like we’re seeing great things out of the city’s sports scene?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.:I think there has always been a great scene in Detroit. Hopefully, the attention will bring light to all the artistic elements flourishing right now.
Photos: Jeff Snow
