Dawes Use the MacGyver Method for Equipment Repairs

Posted on Nov 23rd 2009 2:00PM by Benjy Eisen
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Part of being in a young start-up band is paying your dues by taking on multiple roles beyond just musician. Dawes bassist Wylie Gelber has answered the call and become the band's default handyman, gear tech and roadie. "I'm sure my methods are a little unconventional," he admits to Spinner. "A few months back we opened Taylor's amp case and realized that the amp had pretty much caved in on itself. Since we didn't really have any time or supplies on us, I ended up going to the hardware store and stocking up on a whole bunch of plumbing pipe supplies and random-size metal connectors, and for the next six hours rebuilt the amp like an erector set."

Gelber also makes all the band's cables and, in a pinch, has taken to soldering lamp wire and other unusual methods. But it works and, as anybody who has seen them on this tour can attest, Dawes have a fantastic live sound. They're currently touring behind their debut album, 'North Hills,' recorded in Laurel Canyon. The album was produced by Jonathan Wilson and much of its direction and vibe resulted from jam sessions with Conor Oberst, Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and Benmont Trench from Tom Petty's Heartbreakers.

There's a good chance that Dawes are headed for a similar level of success as some of their jam buddies, but in the meantime, Gelber has turned into the band's very own MacGyver. "A couple times, we've definitely used some Bic pens to hold some of Griffin's drums taught for the show," says Gelber. "But ideally I don't have to get too unusual with my supplies." Yeah, because, you know, Bic pens are commonly associated with drum kits and all.