THE DML CARTEL - WORD OF MOUTH
Everyone in the music industry knows that timing and luck are the essential keys to a successful career in this business.
It’s easy to get chewed up, spit out, and forgotten among the carcasses of the majority that never see the light of day.
It seems, the stars have been lining up for Derek Prather (guitar), and Dodd Michael Lede (vocals), co-founders of Houston's premier band, The DML Cartel.
But the past four years have not been entirely dedicated to The DML Cartel. Prather and Lede cut their teeth together in a cover band called Bare Necessity.
"Derek called me up and asked me if I'd be interested in singing for his cover band. Their singer was quitting." Lede recalls, "They had seen me perform with my previous band while I was promoting my CD, Sophomore Jinx. I didn't even have to audition. I had the job as soon as I walked in the door. How cool is that?"
With a steady rotation of gigs and a song selection in excess of 150 songs, Bare Necessity was able to land the coveted spot as the 2007 Houston Texans House Band, performing at all of the season home games.
"It definitely is an honor to be associated with such a great organization," says Lede. "It has been a great vessel in which to introduce our original band, The DML Cartel."
With this honor, came a lot of attention which they have been able to channel toward The DML Cartel.
With the assistance of John Rinkus (guitar), Mark Head (bass), & Richard Magallanes (drums), rounding out the band line-up, Lede and his Cartel focused their attention to putting together a collection of experiences which they have committed to music.
What they ended up with was 13 tasty little gems that create their latest release, Word Of Mouth.
Musically speaking, Word Of Mouth is playful, it's charismatic, and it's sexy. It's 100% pure unadulterated rock & roll attitude with acoustic undertones.
But, if you strip back the electric guitars, and the pounding beats, the bare essentials of each song would still tread water well enough to be recognized for what it is; a great song.
The Cartel, instead of plucking the fruit of today’s popular music tree, unearthed its roots to reveal the true spirit and genius of its essence.
"We went back to what we believed rock & roll should sound like, and then put our own twists and spins on it." Lede offers.
Lede and band mates have been showcasing their music around the Houston area in the hopes of taking it to another level.
May will be a busy month as The DML Cartel showcase their music at the Engine Room on Friday, the 9th, My Brothers Bar on Saturday, the 17th, and the Howlin' Coyote on Friday, the 23rd.
In addition, they will also be headlining the Texas Star Stage at this years Strawberry Festival on Sunday, the 18th.
For more information and music selections, check out their website at www.dmlcartel.com or www.myspace.com/dmlcartel.