Email interview with Dallas Taylor, lead singer for Maylene and the Sons of Disaster
March 26, 2006
 

The date is January 16, 1935.  After a twenty-year spree of organized crime, mayhem, and murder, Ma Barker lie slain from a shootout with authorities in a backwoods cabin just outside of Ocala, Florida. In her bloody hand she clenched her tommy-gun as she exhaled her last breath, a picture of perfect justice as one of the last organized crime bosses of the 20th Century. She and her four sons, who comprised the Barker-Karpis Gang, had purged a path of infamy throughout the South that would not soon be forgotten. And though many would have her story be silenced, some tales speak even louder from the grave.
Years passed. Decades came and went. Generations handed down the tale of Ma Barker and her sons as a warning to wrongdoers across the Southern United States. Eventually the story would reach an Ocala youth named Dallas Taylor, who was both impacted and haunted by the tale throughout his childhood. So much so, in fact, that he was led to create his own crew of insurgents in the wake of Ma's legacy, 70 years later.  You will come to know them as Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster.

Dennis: I know many bands hate this question but where in the world did you come up with the name, "Maylene and the Sons of Disaster"?
Dallas: The name is based off of Ma Baker and her sons who where a gang in the 30's. 

Dennis: On your website it says, "This band is about a return to your roots. This is the South." Southern pride is a proud tradition. What makes the south better than the rest of the US? I'm not being serious by the way that you really think that.
Dallas:  The south isn't any better than any other part of the U.S., but I was born here and love living in the south, and I am proud to be from the south. A return to you roots means a return to you childhood, like the innocence you had when you where a kid, and since I grew up in the south on a dirt road it is just about going back to simple thinking not letting the hassle of life get to you. You only live once enjoy it while you can.

Dennis: You guys are getting ready to hit the road with some amazing bands including the headliner, P.O.D. How did this opportunity come about?
Dallas: I am not quit sure how it happened , but we are so excited, and thankful to be a part of this tour. I guess all I can say is we got lucky.

Dennis: What are you most excited and also the most nervous about doing this tour?
Dallas: I am most excited about playing to a whole new crowd it is going to be awesome to make a lot of new friends. I am not really nervous about anything we just want to have a good time and play to the best of our abilities.

Dennis: With your southern roots pulling into your hardcore and metal rotation, what bands have been the biggest influence on you guys? 
Dallas: I cannot speak for everyone in the band, but I have really been getting into a lot of different stuff being Wayne, Lynam, Haste, Rantings of Eva, and I'm sure the rest of the band would have other bands they would put.

Dennis: So many music fans don't think lyrical content plays a role in their lifestyle. How do you think lyrics effect listeners and how do you hope yours is impacting them?
Dallas: As for me being a vocalist I think lyrics have a tremendous part to do with the band, and to the listeners. I hope that people are getting something positive out of my lyrics I just am being real, and hopefully people can relate to me.

Dennis: I am currently teaching a college group about being relevant and putting balance in your walk with Christ and your walk with the world. How do you balance that in your daily life as artists?
Dallas: Well I have my beliefs, and I am feel very strong about them, but I would never try and push them on someone else although I do tell people I love them and Jesus loves them on a daily basis. I feel it shows that I care rather than trying to convert someone. If anybody ask I have no problem telling them I love Jesus this is my life, and if they can't respect that then I am sorry for that person. I just try to live my life as a positive influence on other people, and hopefully they take something from that. Also I respect other people for who they are cause I hope they do the same in return.

Dennis: Many people that don't understand the grace of God think Christians are close minded. We have recently had some interesting discussion on our forum about something Jesus said. What do you think about Jesus saying, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me."?
Dallas: I totally believe that I think Jesus is the way into heaven that is my beliefs, and I agree with the bible totally, but I hate getting into spiritual debates I think they just start arguments, so if anybody reads this, and thinks I am off my rocker I am sorry, but this is me and what I believe, and if I was to bend my beliefs that would make me a weak individual in my eyes. I love everyone, and love talking to everyone, but spiritual and political talks for the most part usually end really bad with both parties upset. 

Dennis: Southern grandmas and moms are known for their cooking! What is your favorite
southern food?
Dallas: I am not sure I guess that would be the hamburger gravy my mom makes with homemade mash potatoes.

Dennis: Thanks Dallas....sorry for the odd questions thrown in there hahaha....people like a little variety instead of the same old questions. 
Dallas: Thank you for asking us to do the interview I hope it was what you where looking for.