Statistics

Dalley does Denver

‘In the face of adversity and a long-term indefinite hiatus from his one-time main musical project, Desaparecidos, Denver Dalley has taken a liking to his newfound motto of self-reliance. Standing by a personal declaration of independence for his current one-man band, Statistics, is the only way to he knows he will definitely get things done.

Dalley admits that he intended for Desaparecidos to be his full-time gig but the different schedules of the band members have made it difficult for them to find time to play together, let alone record their supposed follow-up to “Read Music Speak Spanish.”

The big problem: the media and pop culture’s obsession with Conor Oberst. He simply will not be let out of the limelight. So, the rest of Desa has had more than their fair share of downtime while he focused on his other band, Bright Eyes.

Originally, Desa had plans to spend this January and February in the studio recording their new album. Now, it’s uncertain if and when that may happen. Fortunately, Dalley – who admits that he has never been to Denver – is no longer waiting around. He’s got his own band and a packed touring schedule to boot.

“As an artist, you may be happy with what you’ve done but you’ve always got to look ahead to the future,” Dalley began. “You’ve got to think of what to do next.”

About a year and a half ago, he decided to focus on synth-pop, a new genre for him. Citing musicians who have a different take on the traditional elements they use, like Rage Against the Machine and The White Stripes as examples, he attempts to redefine the way he uses the instruments at his disposal. With a highly touted EP and newly released full-length under his belt already, his intentions appear to be working out.

“It just feels so rewarding because I did it all on my own,” he said. “It’s difficult when you don’t have anyone else to rely on but the payoff is greater. It’s not like I did all these things and I’m so great. It’s just that I did it all on my own, you know?”

As part of his current sovereign stance, he decided to seek out a new label with whom he could work. Saddle Creek and Jade Tree have been known to produce his favorite bands and albums. Since he has already worked with Saddle Creek, Jade Tree was the only logical choice for his Statistics project.

Not knowing what to expect, he sent them a demo. A week later, the label flew him up to Delaware and signed him. Neither party ever looked back.

Statistics has afforded him the opportunity to test his limits and, possibly, provide a friendly rival to Oberst’s confessional songwriting in Bright Eyes.

“Conor and I literally grew up together,” he said. “I’ve known him since we were in the fourth grade. He put out his first tape when he was like 13. He’s been working on music for over a decade now and I think that his work has paid off, big-time.”

He shows no sign of being bitter. He believes that Oberst is very likeable and it’s just odd to think about someone you know becoming so popular. To him, “Conor’s always been the same guy.”

The true question at hand has little to do with Bright Eyes, Statistics or any of the musicians involved. The inevitable occurred when the question arose about whether or not Oberst groupie Winona Ryder is as attractive in person as she is on screen.

Sadly, he has not accompanied Bright Eyes on any of their tours and, now that Oberst lives in New York, he did not have the opportunity to meet Miss Ryder.

On the other hand, he did discuss the matter with the Bright Eyes tour manager who “managed all these big acts back in the day.”

“In sports, when you do something really great, the President gives you a call,” said the tour manager to Dalley. “In music, when you do something really great, Winona Ryder gives you a call.”

Well, folks, if there ever was a reason to be a rock star, this is it.