Their Way or No Way

By Jeannette Madden
Staff Writer

Adelitas Way plays The Aquarium with Halestorm Wednesday, March 3, in support of their self-titled debut album, released July 14, 2009. What drives this band, named after a Tijuana brothel and known for its anthemic, potent hard modern rock lyrics and live performances?

And to top it all off, they’re super nice guys. When I tried to text my husband on New Years Eve and accidentally texted Rick DeJesus, lead singer and founder of Adelitas Way instead, he responded with a very cheery “Yo Yo What’s Up?”

During our interview, DeJesus described music as his saving grace. “I’m from Philadelphia,” he said, “and things were getting tough back there. I was going in a bad direction so I got out of there and moved to Las Vegas. That’s where the band got started. I always liked to write songs and that whole process, and when I started music I never thought it was going to get to where it’s at now. It was an escape to stay out of trouble. I love to write songs, play shows and you fall so in love with the music that you want to keep going and it’s a ton of hard work, striving to become what we are now and now we’re striving to become something better…”

DeJesus explained how Adelitas Way achieved its current line-up: “We were looking for a lot of solid amazing players and it’s hard to find those. It’s hard to find people who are dedicated to music. A lot of people in this industry look to become a rock star and become rich and famous. You have to have warriors, people who love music and love to play. Along the way we were lucky enough to find Keith [Wallen, guitar]. We were told you have to check this guy out. He’s a great songwriter, a great performer. The same with Derek [Johnson, bass]…he’s easygoing, hardworking. It’s been a blessing. We’ve got things going and we put our team together. We’ve got a new guitar player, Creighton [Bibbs], he was the first person we thought of. We’re putting it together and we’re rocking out every night!”

As DeJesus is based in Las Vegas. Has the music business in Vegas had helped the band make it this far? “I think the music scene in Vegas sucks…and you can even quote that,” he said, “There’s no support in Vegas outside of the rock station. As far as journalism, as far as the fans out there, people are just too busy with nightclubs. But it’s where we started and it’s where I live, but it’s why we don’t go back there and play that often.”

DeJesus gave me a few highlights about songwriting, musical influences, playing live and their album’s producer. “Virgin was the first record label to believe in us. After we got a deal with Virgin, we had quite a buzz going. We were meeting with producers and we and Johnny K (Disturbed, Plain White T’s, 3 Doors Down) got along amazing.”

DeJesus also wrote all of the songs for the debut album. With hit songs like “Invincible,” “Scream,” and “Dirty Little Things,” where did he get his inspiration? “You never know where a song is going to come from,” he said, “so it really isn’t a process. I can be sitting in a van right now and think of a chorus. But Keith, he’s a phenomenal writer, so the second album’s going to be a big step up and I’m really excited.”

As far as influences, DeJesus said that he’s influenced by 90s rock bands. “Soundgarden, S.U.P. Keith likes Phil Collins and Metallica, Derek likes Minus the Bear, Trevor likes Incubus…we’re all over the place as far as ranges and influences but I think that’s a good sign.”

And finally, DeJesus’s take on live shows: “Every time we play a live show, we walk out of there and we sell 100 or 200 records a night and I think that’s our strength. Going out there and rocking people’s faces off. That’s where we are the tightest. Touring is essential. Touring is how you break a band, how you get out there, how you get your core fan base.”

Catch Adelitas Way with Halestorm March 3 at The Aquarium. They will blow you away and you will be left believing that these guys truly are INVINCIBLE.

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If You Go

What: Halestorm, Adelitas Way
Where: The Aquarium
When: Thurs, March 3, 6 p.m.
How Much: $10 adv, $12 door