Let's Talk Punk with The Let Down San Diego

Interview By Lisa-PunkrPrincess

Punk Globe: Hi guys, thanks for chatting with us. Can you give us a little band history, including the current lineup?

Let Down: Gregory Dodd (Bass)

Mikey Malloy (Guitar)

Duncan Scott (Drums)

Jeremy Valkoun (Vocals)

Punk Globe: Describe your music-making process. Tell us a memorable show moment.

Let Down: We’re a cover band, so we just select songs that we like & think will be well received and play through them so we can see/hear how they sound when we play them. For us usually the higher the energy of the song the more we enjoy it.

Having the bass player’s daughter up on stage with the band. She sings and it was an incredible Father/Daughter bonding moment. Not to mention people loved it.

Punk Globe: Describe your local music scene. How many shows do you play a month

Let Down: Well developed, with many bands playing music in many different genres. A very active, pretty tight-knit local scene. Pretty accepting as long as you’re not kooks/lames. And that is more of a personality thing. We are stoked to have been welcomed into the local punk rock music family. We usually play out 2, sometimes 3 times a month. It depends on band member availability and offers we may get.

Punk Globe: Where are some of your favorite local spots to play/hang out.

Let Down: We are very appreciative of any opportunity we get to play out and have a chance to entertain any audience. It shows in our energy and stage banter that we love playing live. Having said that, some venues have excellent sound/ sound technicians and having good sound is a huge plus! Some of these venues are: The Bancroft, Ken Club, and Winston’s to name a few. Our singer also loves playing Fast Times in Clairemont because that is his local bar, and when we play there, his friends show up in mass.

Punk Globe: What’s the best thing that happened to you last week?

Let Down: Becoming a top fan of The Hamapple social media page!! Those guys are out of Long Beach, and they bring it when they’re on stage. Also, we just got to play at a backyard party where the homeowner built a concrete skatepark in his backyard! It was an amazing experience performing while skaters were flying by!!!

Punk Globe: What is your favorite song to perform and why?

Let Down: The more challenging songs are the most enjoyable to play. When you stick to a song, it just feels good. Also, the songs that get the crowd moving the most are so rewarding. Ameoba is one of our singers’ favorites as he loves the energy and the guitar solos Mikey does.

Punk Globe: What’s the most bizarre thing that’s ever happened to you at a show?

Let Down: Having to stop mid song because an audience member had a seizure and the emergency response (Fire Department and Paramedics) Showed up and had to administer care. We stopped for like 45 minutes and then picked up again right where we left off!

Punk Globe: How often do you practice, and what’s your routine?

Let Down: We try to practice about once a week. We usually meet up and the bass players house because he has a jam room already set up which is rad because it’s familiar and comfortable. The neighbors never complain either!

Punk Globe: Do you get performance anxiety? If so, how do you manage it?

Let Down: I always get a little bit giddy before a show, but it usually passes by the time we get into the first song.

Punk Globe: What are the best things about being part of a local band?

Let Down: The best part is being part of a local band. The scene is awesome and to be accepted and connected to it in any way is such a great feeling. . My identity is built around music as it has been for the last 34 years, so it really gives me a sense of belonging.

Punk Globe: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a band?

Let Down: Line up changes, personalities that don’t mesh well with others, and sometimes just negativity being expressed in an unhealthy manner. Family dynamics also factor in heavily as 3 of the members have children.

Punk Globe: What advice would you give to a younger band starting out?

Let Down: Play as often as possible and don’t worry about negativity. People suck sometimes but if you believe in what you are doing then good will come from it.

Punk Globe: Any upcoming events we should know about?

Let Down: We do have some big news for the near future…but at this point it’s still a secret.

Punk Globe: Where can we find your tunes?

Let Down: At any one of our shows!!!!

Punk Globe: Any shout-outs?

Let Down: Huge shoutout to any promoter that has booked us, any venue that’s had us play, any band that’s played with us, any one that’s had us play their party, and especially anyone that’s down for what we are doing. We love playing for anyone who enjoys it!!! And last but not least, a huge shoutout to Lisa, the Punk Rock Princess!!!

Punk Globe: Thanks for chatting with us, and thanks to all the readers.

Let Down: Thank you for taking the time and having interest in what we do. For us this feels like a Time Machine bringing us back to simpler times related from our youth. To be on stage playing these classics and see people singing along with as much energy and passion as we are is the best feeling!!! We love tugging at those nostalgia buttons. We love what we do and sharing it with others makes it that much more gratifying.