THE ALBUM
Dakota Gallivan’s solo debut album, ‘Life Is For The Living,’ is in many ways biographical, chronicling his unique journey through music and life. Fusing a melodic blend of indie and southern-inspired rock with some pop and punk elements woven throughout, the album’s title is inspired by a meaningful saying of his late mother-in- law’s, which she borrowed from a Langston Hughes poem:
“Life is for the living/Death is for the dead/Let life be like music/And death a note unsaid.”
ABOUT
MY STORY
As a child growing up in New York City with a classic rock-loving, urban hippie mother and an avant-garde drummer father, he was exposed to a vast range of musical sounds
and styles. At 14, he received a bass guitar for his birthday and began developing his sonic “voice.” He went on to play with punk and indie rock pioneers Set on Stun and The Distance Formula at famous NYC clubs like CBGB, Brownies, The Knitting Factory, SOB’s, and Webster Hall and frequently toured the Eastern seaboard and Midwest. Along the way, his bands opened for diverse acts such as Neurotic Outsiders, Marcy Playground, Jimmy Eat World, Sense Field, and Shiner. These experiences deepened his interest in weaving unique structures, rich harmonies, and different textures into guitar-driven rock songs and ultimately paved the way for his signature sound.
After taking a hiatus from performing and recording to serve in the U.S. Army, continue his education, and pursue a career in law, Dakota has returned to music with renewed vigor and an abundance of creativity. ‘Life is for the Living,’ recorded with producer David Percefull at yellow DOG Studios in San Marcos, Texas, promises to be a powerful addition to his discography. Set for release in early 2025, the album captures Dakota’s growth as an artist and his ability to craft compelling, genre-blending rock songs.
