Metal Anarchy

Time for the next edition of Metal Anarchy’s “new music showcase,” the feature where I introduce you to bands that readers of this site may find interesting. This time I have an exclusive Q&A with Paul ‘PJ’ Jackson of Lonely Dakota.

METAL ANARCHY: Tell me a little about your band:

PJ: We’re a four-piece rock band from Southern England. Our sound is often likened to Black Stone Cherry, Shinedown, and Seether. The band was started by me, as the guitarist, and I found Von Dee through an internet advert for a frontman. We’ve been through a fair few members finding the right balance, but Von Dee and I have been there for the whole ride. We’ve recently recorded a five-track EP and pushed it with TAG Publicity in The States. It’s an exciting time for the band, lots of positive vibes and good things are starting to happen. Planet Rock Radio, who are the largest rock station in the UK, have played a couple of our tracks, we’ve also supported SOiL, Wilson and Sons of Texas. We’re excited for the future and hoping this summer is when we break out of our local scene and show the world what we can do!

METAL ANARCHY: Who are your main influences?

PJ: Our influences as individuals run far and wide! Von Dee is a fan of Shaun Morgan from Seether. I have a bit of an obsession with Richie Sambora and Eddie Van Halen. Craig has a John Bonham vibe going on, and Tez loves Paul McCartney (but will claim Steve Harris if you ask him). It’s a real melting pot of influences. We stick all that together and get our ever-evolving, ever-changing sound. As a band, we’ve been compared to a British Blacktop Mojo! I’ll take that;

METAL ANARCHY: What is your latest release and why should readers of this site check it out?

PJ: Our Latest release is the End of Days EP. We recorded this at The Ranch in Southampton England. It shows the band from every angle. The title track “End of Days” is a heavy drop tuned riff with a sing-along chorus and runs right through to Victoria, which is a ballad written about one of Von Dee’s friends serving in the British Military. A live favourite is “Overdrive” with dual vocals – people always sing it back to us which is a great feeling.

METAL ANARCHY: What can people expect when they go to your live shows?

PJ: Our live shows are all about energy. We try to bring a party atmosphere to wherever we play. Sometimes we stick a cover in – usually “Careless Whisper”, but that changes. Everyone has a good time. Von Dee is usually somewhere in the crowd, I’m usually playing my guitar behind my head or using a talk box. We bring the party. There’s no room for shoegazing.

METAL ANARCHY: Where do you see your band heading in 5 years?

PJ: Ha, hopefully touring hard! We have probably two albums worth of material sitting there which we’re really excited about. If we can be freed from the shackles of day jobs then I’d like us to be touring and writing great music. I think real bands are dying out in the modern age, and some really great bands spend their lives under the radar. We’re going to make this a success and the passion in this band will hopefully take it a long way.