By:Tess Morrow – Owl Feed

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Last Monday, some very musically gifted artists came to Agua Fria High School. Singer and Guitarist Dylan Gardner, and drummer Mark Gardner and guitarist, Nicholas Jozwiak, performed for various Agua Fria students.

They played four energy filled songs, three of which were from their album, “Adventurer In Real Time,” and the other a song from Vampire Weekend. Their performance had all of the students roaring in applause and utter exhilaration.

This spectacular band is signed with Warner Brothers. They just got off their tour of two months, having traveled to 31 different states all around America. They are also currently making their second album.

When Dylan Gardner, 19, was asked what suprised him about tour life, he said, “I have never really been outside of Arizona , so I got to go all around the U.S. Portland was probably my favorite, it really blew me away.”

“I have been making music since I was 14,” Gardner continued,  “I just sat at home and wrote about 100 songs when I was 16 and made a demo. the album went to Spotify and in a couple weeks it had up to a million views ”.

Music is obviously an enormous part of his life now just as much as when he was younger.  His dad was also in a band and his father would sometimes let him go on stage with him.

Dylan Gardner says that the inspiration behind his music came from his real-life experiences. “I used to write songs to escape because I wasn’t very social: I didn’t go to prom, or hang out with anybody that much, I just focused on my music at that point,” Dylan said.This can often be relatable to many people who are motivated to become musically involved in some way in the future.

Mark Gardner said he is “Dylan’s older, much wiser brother.” He loves being a drummer because “it’s amazingly fun.” They both love being in a band together, claiming that sibling rivalry is almost non-existent.

Nicholas has known Dylan for about 10 years, and he met Mark in high school. “The reason I wanted to play the base was because I have a very musical family,” Nicholas said. His favorite song from their album is, “I Think I’m Falling For Someone.”  

As the concert  regrettably came to a close, the trio ended with their very powerful and upbeat song, “Let’s Get Started.” Agua Fria students had some very positive feedback. “I liked how loud and enthusiastic the band was,” said senior Jarred Ofiana.

Some Agua Fria students who interviewed him after the concert were also very ecstatic about the whole experience. “I have never had a chance to do this before, seeing someone who can become famous is something amazing and new for me,” said senior Jazmyne Engers.  

Overall, this concert was a phenomenal event for Agua Fria that won’t be forgotten quickly. Dylan only hopes that everyone who listens to his music will get into the music as a grand experience, and will sing along and just have a great time.

Lastly, one piece of advice that he would offer to someone who wishes to become a musical performer. “What makes you better is to challenge yourself,” he said. All of Agua Fria is incredibly appreciative to have seen Dylan, Mark, and Nicholas perform live on our spirit-filled campus.