We had the good fortune of connecting with Dave Perea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dave, why did you pursue a creative career?
I don’t have any other marketable skills? Haha! I’ve been creative since I was young, and my parents encouraged art and talent in all their kids. Before I knew how hard it would be I decided to be a creator when I grew up. That vision has changed many times, and along the way I’ve become something of a Renaissance man, with a myriad of skills that help the band as an organization.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I write songs about my coma dreams with my brother in an all Latino, Rock & Roll band from Los Angeles. I’m most proud that we survived the pandemic and made art from that mess. We have a new EP coming out, with songs that reflect this ever stranger world I woke up in.

We all got here by saying yes. I used to be afraid to take risks, but after one catastrophe or another (there have been so many at this point), the next time someone asked me to share my art I said yes. People kept asking, so I kept sharing.

Our brand is Revolution, but we did not come to overthrow. If you’re angry, there’s a reason, and if you’re happy, don’t question it. Just be Donkey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You got to see a show at Fais Do Do in West Adams. From Rock and Funk, to Burlesque and Theater, you can see it all.

After that, find out where Pobres Tacos has set up and eat the best birria tacos in the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Alejandro Speranza, my band mate, and owner of Odd Zounds Studio. We seriously wouldn’t be donkeys without you.

Website: http://www.donkeyislandpenitentiary.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/donkeyislandpenitentiary

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonkeyIslandPen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donkeyislandpenitentiary

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCyS8kINWhmdAsB9ZUqXbfSQ

Other: https://donkeyisland.bandcamp.com/merch https://youtu.be/ZLYeE_RKJOk

Image Credits
Rory Alcantar, Vincent Perea

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.