Portland twosome Timothy Heller and Jared Ryan Maldonado go by the name Dresses, a indie dream pop duo whose music proves to be vibrant with hints of summery harmonies and quirky indie folk. Their latest single ‘Sun Shy’ is a sweet catchy number made for the summer months.
We recently caught up with one half of the duo Jared Ryan Maldonado to quiz him for our regular “If I…” feature. Jared discussed which US boyband he’d like to see reform, a certain 50 Cent song, his adoration for a hometown venue and much more.
If your band would like to be featured as part of “If I…” full details can be found here.
If I could re-record one song it would be…
Jared Ryan Maldonado: One of my own? Probably a song we have called ‘Friends Are Dead’ I sing it on the recorded version, but live Timothy sings it and it sounds really cool with her voice.
If I could re-live one tour/show it would be…
Jared: A summer tour I did with the band I used to play for. We did a tour with The Ready Set in the early summer and they we’re some of the coolest shows in the nicest weather with the nicest people.
If I had the chance to play one venue it would be…
Jared: The Crystal Ballroom in Portland, OR. Its one of the oldest ballrooms in the USA, built in like 1919. It has amazing sound and history. And the floor is bouncy.
If I could play with one band it would be…
Jared: Local Natives. They are one of the most captivating and amazing bands I’ve ever seen. I just saw them at Crystal Ballroom the other week and was completely blown away.
If I could play with any person living or dead it would be…
Jared: Probably Isaac Brock from Modest Mouse.
If I could bring back any band that have split up, it would be…
Jared: N*SYNC no contest.
If I wasn’t playing music, I would be…
Jared: Studying film at Portland State.. Or maybe even graduated by this time, who knows.
If I could play a different genre it would be…
Jared: Experimental/Indie rock. Less poppy, more full band and raw. i.e. Local Natives/Bon Iver.
If I could have written any song it would be…
Jared: 50 Cents’ ‘In Da Club.’ Who WOULDN’T have wanted to write that.
If I could have written any album it would be…
Jared: Hellogoodbye’s ‘Would It Kill You.’ Such a catchy and colorful album. Its an inspiration.
If I could headline any festival, it would be…
Jared: Sasquatch. I’ve never been, but its in the Northwest and I know that where its located a beautiful place. It would be the craziest experience.
If I could organise my own festival, the bands playing would be…
Jared: Prince, Local Natives, Hellogoodbye, Alabama Shakes, Drake, Alt-J, Justin Timberlake, Iron & Wine
If I could play any other instrument, it would be…
Jared: Drums. I’ve played drums longer than I have guitar, but i’m not that good. I understand drums really well, but my performance definitely doesn’t show.
If I could give one piece of advice to a new band, it would be…
Jared: Have more patience than you could ever imagine having. Things will be talked about and planned, but will probably not happen exactly in that way. Always be hopeful and positive, but don’t get set on something not in your control.
‘Sun Shy’ by Dresses is available to download for free from the bands official website.
Dresses links: Official Website|Facebook|Twitter
If your band would like to be featured as part of “If I…” full details can be found here.
