Their live performances gained a honorable reputation among the more prominent promoters in the bay area and soon after were invited to perform at such clubs and venues as Slim's, The Great American Music Hall, and The Pound, sharing the stage with such acts as The Aquabats, Yellowcard, Rufio, Rx Bandits, Tsunami Bomb, Home Grown, Slick Shoes, Suicide Machines, A Static Lullaby, No Motiv, Northstar, Audio Karate, Ozma, The Early November, Over It, Park, The Bled, The Higher, Don�t Look Down, The Bled, Steel Train, Hello Goodbye, The Matches, Say Anything, Bowling For Soup, and many more. As word of mouth spread, they later were asked to perform on the Drive Thru Records stage on the Vans Warped Tour in summer of 2002.
The band later put out two releases on their own: an EP entitled "It's Not Pretty Being Easy," and their debut full length album "Forever Broken," both produced by Andy Ernst (Green Day, Rancid, AFI). The tracks "Access Denied," "Lose It All," and "The Second I Asked For," made their way onto mainstream radio, including Live 105 KITS FM, the largest modern rock station in the Bay Area, as well as various college radio stations across the United States.
The band felt comfortable with the crew at Orange Peal records and signed a recording contract with them in March 2003. Later that year they took off for a self booked West Coast tour then, made an appearance at the 2003 Vans Warped Tour. The band then released the EP "Written In Blood" and embarked on their first national tour with the Berlin Project in October of the same year. In Spring 2004, they were invited to join various artists, including Drive Thru Records recording artists Steel Train on the national "Blossoming Media Tour." The band got national media attention through various regional publications as well as being featured on the Budweiser True Music series for HDNet programming. Having completed two national tours in a six-month time period turned out to be a learning experience and a reality check for the band at the same time. "We've noticed that the time of being on the road has made our skin tougher. We're able to endure the hardships of the road, and stay focused on the music,� says Aymen.
After continuing to tour nationally for the rest of 2004, the band went back in the studio in January of 2005 to record "Hellafornia" at Popsmear Studios in San Rafael, CA. The album was produced by Scott Llamas and Dexter Danger, and mastered by Dominick Maita (Fall Out Boy, Hawthorne Heights, Punchline, Less Than Jake,) at Airshow Mastering in Boulder, CO. "We had a blast recording, and it was incredible hearing all our songs come to life." says Aymen.
The band took a different approach to their music prior to recording, taking in a variety of influences not particularly familiar to them. As Aymen puts it, "It laid groundwork of powerful dynamics, energy, and melody that clearly shows throughout "Hellafornia". From the time spent writing each song, to bringing the songs to life in the studio, we feel that our time and efforts creating this album represented "Hellafornia" better than we ever imagined." The result is a maturely crafted rock-influenced punk album that will reach out to new fans while keeping the current fans satisfied.
The boys took 2005 by storm with a whopping 4 self-booked, self-funded national tours, and another spot on the Van's Warped Tour, while always keeping an eye on their hometown Bay Area scene. "This is the most touring we've ever done in an entire year, and the extraordinary response we've recieved with this album has acted as a catalyst to stay on the road." says Aymen.
The band will continue touring as they have been, looking for more fans around the country that find their music as enjoyable as they do in the Bay Area, all the while keeping their D.I.Y. mentality in full swing.
�Part emo, part punk-rock, this one�s definitely for the kids. All fans of AFI, GREEN DAY, take notice. This could be your next big discovery�.
- AMP Magazine
"Bottom line: The record is certainly proof that pop-punk can take a step in a better direction."
- The Spectator, Seattle, WA
"Dexter Danger has built themselves a solid foundation to become a great force in punk rock music."
- Hussieskunk.com, Internet Punk Rock Radio
The Rise and Fall of Erica Vallejo
Dexter Danger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll be home on midnight of December 31st
First remember our hearts inflamed
Last year, new year, Chinatown will never be the same
This is our time,
We've got to breathe in all we can before it's gone
This is our time,
This is our only time for aspirations
You're the source of my inspiration
There's a chance I might not make it
Have faith, please wait, and don't forget
Soon we'll have more time,
We've got to breathe in all we can before it's gone
This is our time,
Enjoy the comfort of our hearts just for tonight
Hopefully the future has longer days just like the past
Cuz these ones have gone by far too fast
And it's almost time for me to go,
But first I'd like for you to know that
Soon we'll have more time
The song "The Rise and Fall of Erica Vallejo" by Dexter Danger is an emotional ballad that unveils the story of a couple that is coming to terms with the reality that not all things last forever. The song lyrics begin with the lead singer addressing a woman named Erica, who he believes assumes the worst of things. He reassures her that he will be home at midnight on December 31st in hopes to calm any fears or anxiety she may have. He then reflects on their past year, highlighting the passionate love they once shared. He explains how they rang in the new year in Chinatown, and how it will never be the same again.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of enjoying the moment and cherishing the time they have left together. The lead singer recognizes that life is finite and encourages Erica to embrace their current situation, as they may not get another chance. He reminds Erica that she is his inspiration and hopes that she will have faith and wait for him, even if their time together may be limited. The song concludes with the lead singer acknowledging that soon, they will have more time, but until then they must breathe in all they can before it is gone.
Line by Line Meaning
Erica, you assume the worst
Addressing a person named Erica, pointing out her tendency to think negatively or assume the worst in situations.
I'll be home on midnight of December 31st
Promise to come back home on New Year's Eve before midnight.
First remember our hearts inflamed
Recalling a past experience of intense feelings or passion between two people.
Last year, new year, Chinatown will never be the same
Referring to a significant event or memory that happened on New Year's Eve in Chinatown and how it has changed that place forever.
This is our time,
Emphasizing the importance of cherishing the present moment and making the most out of it.
We've got to breathe in all we can before it's gone
Encouraging to enjoy and appreciate the moment, as it won't last forever.
Enjoy the comfort of our hearts just for tonight
Savoring and cherishing the warm feeling of being together for one night only.
This is our only time for aspirations
Acknowledging that there may not be another opportunity to pursue dreams or goals in the future.
You're the source of my inspiration
Expressing admiration and gratitude towards someone who inspires creativity or motivation.
There's a chance I might not make it
Acknowledging the possibility of not achieving a goal or outcome desired.
Have faith, please wait, and don't forget
Encouraging to trust and believe in the process, asking for patience and to remember the connection between two people.
Soon we'll have more time,
Providing reassurance that there will be more opportunities to spend time together in the future.
Hopefully the future has longer days just like the past
Expressing a longing for time to slow down or for future moments to feel as long and meaningful as past experiences.
Cuz these ones have gone by far too fast
Expressing regret or sadness that time has passed too quickly.
And it's almost time for me to go,
Implying that the time spent together is coming to an end and that it's time to say goodbye.
But first I'd like for you to know that
Taking a moment to express something important or heartfelt before leaving.
Contributed by Eli N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.