You know what’s easier than following around your fave pop stars, day in, day out, to see what they’re up to right that minute? Asking them. This month, GUS DAPPERTON lets us in on what he’s up to.
10:37AM → I know it seems late, but we had a show the night before, and I was exhausted. I got down from the top bunk of the bus in an ungraceful manner and made my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Was feeling too lazy to get fully dressed up, so I threw on my bandana, yellow sunglasses, and sandals (a repetitive look of mine).
11:04AM → Now I’m calling a Lyft to my friend Max’s house. We planned to meet up for lunch with a few other friends of mine since I haven’t seen them in forever. As I’m calling the Uber, I see a text from my sister Ruby: “Did you wish Mom a happy Mother’s Day”. Shit, I forgot it’s Mother’s Day. I therefore texted her, phew.
I get in the Uber and throw my headphones in. Listening to new demos in the car is one of my favourite things in the world. I listen to them over and over and make constant notes to reference later when I have time to work on them.
11:31AM → Finally, I arrive at Max’s house. I’m overjoyed to see him as well as my other friends Greg (of Junior Varsity) and Luigi. We had some delicious Greek food in his yard and caught up on life. We talked about human design and which seltzers are the worst for you. I picked up a ukulele at one point and accidentally started playing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’.
2:52PM → Greg and I carpooled back to The Greek. I wanted him to try on my new merch so I could take pictures of him in it (he’s a good model). We found a couple spots in Griffith Park and took some photos. I did the same thing with my bandmate Tommy (also a great model).
4:03PM → I warmed up my voice on the bus for a bit. It usually involves some breathing exercises and lots of weird noises. Sometimes I sing Coldplay too.
5:15PM → We start setting up for soundcheck. I set up the computers and MIDI. After we’re all set up, we play a couple songs. Usually, it’s the new ones, ‘Horizons’ and ‘Don’t Let Me Down’.
6:12PM → Now I get ready for the show! My sister and I do our makeup in the mirror together. Once the band is dressed and ready, we take a few photos together. We usually call for about 30 minutes of alone time in the green room before we go on to listen to music and get pumped up. I try not to dance too hard before I go on so I don’t waste my energy.
7:55PM → The band and I huddle up side stage. I have a quick speech that I do every time we play. It’s a tradition. Then we head out onto the stage.
8:41PM → The show was great! I think we played pretty well. I let the adrenaline settle down for a quick moment, then start packing down our equipment.
9:19PM → I go out near the merch table to say hi to some folks. There were some particularly sweet fans at this show I got to meet. Someone gave me a bracelet too.
10:03PM → I take a shower and put on some comfier clothes. Then I gather all my belongings from the green room and head out to the bus.
11:37PM → Finally, I play a couple quick rounds of MarioKart and go to sleep.
Taken from the July 2023 edition of Dork. Gus Dapperton’s album ‘Henge’ is out 7th July.
