Meet Dylan Alva | Musician and Creative Director

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

Hi Dylan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started jamming with my bandmates the summer of 2014. We would meet at our friend’s house and cover Sublime, Black Flag, and Operation Ivy songs. We spent countless hours cutting our teeth and earning our stripes learning how to play our instruments. We started writing our own songs and took lots of inspiration from our friends who played in a band called Gold Vine. We would go see them play and were introduced to the local music scene and dreamt of playing these backyard gigs that seemed like Coachella to us.

But in January 2015 we lost our dear friend Johnny in a fatal car accident. I ended up setting up a benefit show in my mom’s backyard and that was the first time our band had played, and the first of many shows to come,
It sparked this fire inside of me wanting to play and grow as an artist. it wasn’t easy at the time getting in with the cool promoters and bands, so I figured I could just do it myself. I started acquiring my own arsenal of equipment I would get second hand or on a Sam Ash credit card. I would ask all of my friends if we could throw a show at their house, and surprising enough a lot of the time they said yes. After a little while people just started asking us to come throw a show at their place.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I make rock music. I take a lot of inspiration from Punk, Ska, Funk, and a variety of other subgenres of music. I Started playing the drums when I was 3 years old. I would take the pots and pans and make them into a drum set. I got my first drum kit at 5 years old, and the rest is history. There’s always a little tune playing in my head. it’s like my own personal radio frequency. When I was younger, I felt the need to force it where now I’ve learned to tap into it and embrace it. at first, I had a very hard time coming up with my own songs. I didn’t know where to even start. I started making demos I would be too embarrassed to show any of my friends or family. But after a while, you start to understand what songs your good ones are and why they’re good.

I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to be a good listener. I took a few Semesters at Fullerton College to learn how to play my guitar better and understand how business works. that really helped me gain the confidence I needed. When I get into a room full of great musicians and Jam, I can adapt and play to many different genres.
I have an insane amount of determination to accomplish whatever I set my mind too.

I’m most proud of the songs we have written and how long Joe and I have been able to keep that creative spark alive. When Joe and I sit down and play together it just feels so effortless and free. I have been in a handful of bands and played with many different people, but joe and I have a way of being able to help each other express ourselves through music and art. Same goes for Jake. We can show him anything and he instantly knows just the right part for song. A true king to his craft.

We have gone from skateboarding teenagers into hardworking, Successful young individuals. in about 10 years’ time we have impacted each other in so many ways and can only hope we inspired all that we’ve touched with our art and music.
from all the backyards, bars, venues, living rooms, alleyways, warehouses, parking lots, veteran’s halls, dirt patches in the IE. we took our gear into the dirt, rain, muddy backyards, pissed on floors just to make some noise.

As for Leisure Life. I’m Very Proud of the Risks I took to grow and learn. Some were very hard lessons; hardest ones were always the financial ones. I started doing events in random backyards, halls, and bars, and slowly moved to small venues and small festivals. using pallets as stages, tablecloths as backdrops, and making anything I could to give the audience a memorable experience. Until we were able to start using actual stage and lighting rigs and became regulars at staple venues in LA. We recently sold out the Paramount theater with all local talent. We pride ourselves on being for the people and standing up for what’s right. I used to book just any bands that needed a place to play, but I’ve found it works best when you work with bands and artists that operate on a similar frequency. it keeps the vibes and spirits pure. We might not throw events every weekend, but our audience knows when they see Leisure Life on a flyer we never disappoint.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d start with a good breakfast burrito from a burger joint. a local Fav would be Tams or Norms burgers in Whittier.
I’m big into vinyl so you’ll catch me digging thru bins in uptown at Lovells or in Long Beach.
Small Coffee Shops are totally my vibe. Hole in the wall Pizza Places too.
My main hang in LA would be Arts District, Little Tokyo, Echo Park, or somewhere on sunset.
I love night walks at echo park. take you to get ramen and boba in lil tokyo.
Cant forget about Dodger Stadium, go Dodgers!
hit up highland park to bar hop. hit the Barcade or the Offbeat for some live music or dancing
catch a show at Alex bar on a weeknight
hiking in turnbull canyon
going for a nice drive in a cool car with the music blasting

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents Neal and Patricia Alva. Joseph Weaver, Jake Alva, Brandon Gilmore. all of the people who came to any Leisure Life event or came to see The Bizcuits or Hollow Drivers perform, everyone who has helped me with leisure life over the years. All of the Creative individuals I’ve been able to meet and connect and build lifelong friendships with. Abraham Parker, Peter Solorzano, and Cesar Ramirez.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leisurelife.la/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/rXN6ySh_Kt8?si=hQQDC_IE7J89WdTy

Other: https://youtu.be/TdQRMKt82ys?si=djIqDZ4MzEVMDAJz

https://youtu.be/pp2niZMVxGc?si=e21fH603JTRaGUIP