An integral presence in the alternative rock scene of the 1980s, L.A.’s The Dream Syndicate, featuring current members Steve Wynn (guitar, vocals) and Dennis Duck (drums), along with Karl Precoda (guitar) and Kendra Smith (bass), left an indelible mark in the landscape of the neo-psychedelic and Paisley Underground music movement. While commercial success ultimately eluded them, they earned critical praise and fan admiration by staying true to themselves creatively with unbridled conviction.
Disbanding in 1988, The Dream Syndicate reformed in 2012. Lead by co-founder and front man Steve Wynn, the group’s recharged rebirth has been met with enthusiasm by longtime fans and a new generation of music enthusiasts.
“It wasn’t an ugly split. It was just time to call it a day,” says Wynn, from his home in Southern California. “It was amicable, but it was also a matter of that we were wiped out. We were going hard and heavy for 7 years. That day is done and we were onto something else. I wanted to make solo records. I wanted to play with other people. I wanted to try out different things. It’s really hard to keep a band together. Inevitably somebody has had enough, they’re tired of playing with the same people and they don’t want to do it anymore.”
“I thought about reuniting with the band over the years, but I was just too busy doing my own thing,” adds Wynn. “In 2012 there was a festival in Barcelona, Spain and I was asked if I would play. So I thought, ‘How about The Dream Syndicate?’ It was a spontaneous thing. Let’s give it a shot. We liked it and it sounded and felt good and the fans were diggin’ it. It went great.”
“I know a lot of people break up their bands and stay mad and say I don’t want to talk again; I don’t want to play those songs again, don’t even dare mention it,” says Wynn. “It was nice to see what that band meant and how those songs translated to where we are right now and what people would think.”
Following the success of their performance in Spain, performances followed at the Fillmore in San Francisco, The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles and The Earl in Atlanta, Georgia. The Dream Syndicate has now played more than fifty shows since reuniting.
“We play these shows and people are so happy,” says Wynn. “I’ve played shows with people who are diggin’ it, rockin’ out and freakin’ out but I’ve never seen so many smiling faces. It’s wonderful.”
“Now it’s gone full circle,” says Wynn. “I didn’t see this coming. I didn’t think 35 years later I would be playing with the band that recorded the $100 record in 1982 in the kitchen of somebody’s house in Glendale. It’s all exciting and a pleasant surprise.”
The Dream Syndicate has recently emerged from the recording studio with their fifth album entitled “How Did I Find Myself Here?” offering an 8-song collection of some of their best work. Standout tracks include “Filter Me Through you,” “Glide,” “Out of My Head,” “Like Mary,” and “Kendra’s Dream.” The album will be officially released on September 8, 2017.
“I’m happy that we have a record out that we’re all really proud of,” says Wynn. “I’m happy that we’re on a great label that has released us and gotten the word out and believes in us and understands us. So, I’m happy to be playing things like the XPoNential Music Festival. More than ever, the greatest thrill is just getting out there and playing music and saying, ‘Man that was a good one or that wasn’t the best; we’ll get back out there tomorrow night and make it better.'”
“I really think that anyone that likes the band is going to love the album,” adds Wynn. “It will speak to them directly. I think if somebody has never heard of us, they will get the same thrill that people got in ’82 with Wine and Roses. It really picks thing up and tries to tell people where we are right now.”
The Dream Syndicate played their first gig at Hollywood’s Club Lingerie in 1981. Releasing a four song EP, the group quickly gained notoriety and a following in L.A. and beyond. Known for their signature feedback laden distorted guitar, thunderous drums, and heavy driving bass lines along with raw edgy Lou Reed style vocals, the band signed with Slash Records in 1982. Releasing their debut album the classic “The Days of Wine and Roses” The Dream Syndicate established their standing as a musical presence in the underground scene.
Three more albums followed: “Medicine Show” (1984, A&M Records), “Out of the Grey” (1986, Chrysalis Records) and “Ghost Stories (1988, Enigma Records). The band then called it quits.
“We did more of everything,” recalls Wynn. “It was kind of heavy. It was a thrill and exciting but it was secondary to ‘I can’t believe we’re actually in London or Rome or getting free beer. I can’t believe people wanted to talk to me about music.’ All of these things were new and exciting.”
“There definitely was a lot more ego the first time around,” adds Wynn. “I think we did everything we wanted to do. We saw the world. We made records. We evolved. We did the big tours. We got on radio. Now we want to find ways to get to the nitty gritty, the meat of what’s going on with the band. That’s all I want to accomplish with the record and every show.”
IF YOU GO
The Dream Syndicate performs on Sunday
July 30, during XPoNential Music Festival presented by Subaru. For show times and tickets visit the BB&T Pavilion Box Office, Live Nation Box Office in Bala Cynwyd, PA, Ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 800-745-3000. You can purchase tickets online until July 27. After this date tickets will be available at the gate only.
To stay up to date with the Dream Syndicate visit www.thedreamsyndicate.com
