I have been writing about Dayton and the music being played here since April, and one of the majestic things I have discovered is the people that I have met. At the beginning of my journey, I couldn’t imagine where I would be headed, but I know that the road was going to be paved with excitement. This past Thursday, another story was added to my book. I arrived at the local establishment Tank’s, and I met up with local music artist Dan Raridan. Dan is the lead singer of the band Dan Raridan and the Calientes.
I have previously met Dan recently at a show his band played at Canal Street. Our exchange was brief, but the kindness he displayed to me was long lasting. He came up to me as I was sitting at the bar, talking to another patrons that just was passing through town. The patron heard from someone in town that they needed to check out Dan’s band, along with the other bands performing that night (Tim Pritchard and the Boxcar Suite, and Kyle Byrum). Dan thanked each and every person that was at the show. We sat down for a minute and he talked about how he was working on a new album, and it was near completion. It was cool that he sat down with me, and we kept in touch thru social media. So, when we met again at Tank’s, the night promised to be even better than that first meeting.
Pitchers of Guinness later, Dan (along with his friend, amazing photographer Gary Mitchell) and me dove into all kinds of topics. We talked about the country of Costa Rica, and the wonder of how they don’t have an army. We talked about surfing, as Dan is an avid surfer. We talked about Mitchell’s photography, and the great places to do photo-shoots. Dan gave me a CD that includes a lot of solo work from 2008. The night felt as if the three of us were friends for a long period of time.
Dan Raridan and the Calientes have recently released their newest work, Give It Up. The album is longer than the band’s previous work, 2008’s Bus. The album dives into a list of topics, with the garage rock influenced ‘Would You Liked To?’ which talks the beginnings of asking a girl out. The moody ‘Sunshine In The Rain/Be My Love’ discusses losing the one that you love, and wanting them back. ‘Dream With Me’ has Buddy Holly influences in Dan’s guitar play. ‘Take This Ship To Shore’ has a Cali feel to it, with its laid back sound.
The band’s inception began back in 2008. Raridan worked on many projects, diving into electronic music, performing at art shows, and was even DJing at one point. It got to a point when Raridan wanted to do something different. So, he picked up his guitar and started writing shows, and started going to open mic nights around town. During this time, he met bassist Alessandro Cortez and drummer/percussionist Erich Reith. The three met at South Park Tavern. The trio played together briefly, as Reith was part of another local band, Puzzle of Light. With the opening, Raridan met drummer Larry Smith. Smith was part of a successful Clash tribute show. Raridan fell in love with the drumming style of Smith. He enjoyed it so much that he invited Smith to a rehearsal. Immediately, the energy and the connection with the three men was there. “I loved the moment that we started playing”, Raridan explained to me during our sit down conversation. “Alessandro is such an amazing bassist, and have Smith playing with us, it was just so incredible. The chemistry was there right off the bat.” When I asked if that happens to most bands, Dan replied simply, “No.” In 2010, Dan Raridan and the Calientes released their first album, Bus. The album is heavily charged, with influences Smith’s time with The Clash tribute band, along with influences of Bruce Springsteen. The end result is a passionate blend of rock, punk, and blues. Here’s a video from the band during a set in 2011. Song is called ‘Hold On’
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeaKSHhujc&feature=youtu.be’]
Raridan has been working on this album for some time. When we were at Tank’s, I noticed that Raridan had a notepad with him. He explained to me that he writes at all times. He gave me the example of him walking back to his place recently. He noticed that there was a group of kids playing in the middle of his neighborhood’s road. The joy and carefree attitude that were spilling all over the children paved way to a part of the notebook. Raridan also writes a lot of poetry. He showed me all of his writings in his little notebook, which also included one of the songs that are part of the new album, ‘Goodbye Terry’.
Dan Raridan has coyness to him that throws you off. When performing with the band, Raridan brings everything to the table. Every single emotional is thrown into the set. When you sit down with him, he comes off a little shy. However, when you get more into the conversation with him, you take notice that it’s just his style. He is so laid back, and he is an emotional person. When he talked about his band mates, he talked about the love and admiration he had for them. “I love those guys (Alessandro and Larry). They are my family”, Raridan said. “They have given me the gift of their talent and time and love.” After our night at Tanks, I posted a photo of the album of his solo work he gave me onto my Instagram and Facebook profile. I mentioned that it was very kind for him to give me this CD of music he did solo in 2008. Raridan posted this comment:
It brings back great memories. 2008 was a pivotal year for me. I’m still floating from the love and hope and inspiration I received that year. I met Alessandro in 2008. And soon after, Larry… Meeting you has reminded me of that time, that spark. Thank you for that.
To download the new album Dan Raridan and the Calientes, go to danraridan.bandcamp.com. While you there, download the band’s first album, Bus.
Leave a Reply