ADELITAS WAY – A COOL CONVERSATION WITH RICK DeJESUS
Adelitas Way is an independent hard hitting rock band formed in Las Vegas in 2006. Their longevity is due to their strong songwriting, powerful stage presence and their constant touring. The band has always hit a positive note with the demanding music listener. Their debut single, “Invincible” delivered a decisive blow. The slamming riffs, explosive vocals and ambitious rhythms marked the way. Song after song, Adelitas Way powered through, leaving a trail of audacious music and brazen hooks. The band is a pure beast devouring everything in its way for over 18 year.
Adelitas Way have dropped 6 studio albums with the most recent being Shine On released in 2020. In addition, the band has toured with practically everyone including GN’R, Alter Bridge and Godsmack. Their single “Notorious” off their 2017 release, Notorious, was a radio mainstay for months. Another killer tune off of Notorious, “Ready For War (Pray for Peace)”, was picked for the official theme song of WWE’s TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs. Adelitas Way awakens the lion with their ferocious tracks and sublime arrangements to the delight of their growing fanbase.
The band is comprised of original members Rick DeJesus (Lead Vocals) and Trevor Tre” Stafford (Drums/Percussions). Andrew Cushing (Bass/Backing Vocals) and Grayson Erhard (Lead Guitar) round out the the lineup.
Rick DeJesus was kind enough to spend some time with AMP for this really cool conversation.
AMP: Can you give us a little insight on how the band is doing these days?
RICK: Our main goal is to be an inspiration to other bands when they look at our story. We are on track in becoming one of the most successful independent bands in music today. It’s a great place to be! Currently, we have recorded the most listeners on all of the streaming services in our history. Our last two headlining tours sold the most tickets ever. After 18 years, we are hitting an amazing stride in our career and I feel we still haven’t peaked. I am writing the best songs and the band is solid. Our current tour with Saliva, Drowning Pool and Any Given Sin is powerful. All the bands complement each other.
Adelitas Way is continually hitting hard and growing our fanbase. The band is keeping its foot on the gas. We are about to hit 2,000,000 listeners on Spotify as well as new highs on the other platforms. We’re happy! In addition, we all get along great. After all this time, everyday is still exciting.
AMP: Speaking about your current tour, how stoked is the band?
RICK: We’ve toured with these bands before and always had a good time. It’s great to be surrounded by this much talent. We are fans of all three bands. In addition, it is going to make us work harder. There are a lot of great singers and musicians on stage. We are going to have to put out a dynamic performance so every night is a magical moment. This is a hi-energy tour but most of all, we are just looking to have fun with our fans and friends.
AMP: In the same vein, which songs do you love playing live and why?
RICK: I love singing “Last Stand”. It’s very challenging and emotional. “What It Takes” is another cool tune. “Notorious” because of its strong vibe. I’ve been singing “Invincible” since the beginning of my career. It has anthemic energy and it’s also a fan favorite. “Alive” is awesome because it promote love and unity. I love singing songs that the fans can connect to.
AMP: Adelitas Way is an independent band. What are some the positives and negatives of charting your own way?
RICK: The main positive is the fact that when it comes to making a move, it’s your call. You pick the studio time, what material you want to release and when to tour. This can create either a good or bad flow. When you pick the right song, it seems perfect but pick the wrong one and it hurts. But at the end of the night, it’s totally your decision. We just hit a new milestone as an independent band. Notorious gave us our first gold record. It’s truly an accomplishment.
A lot of the down side is artificial. You don’t always get the big festivals or major label sponsored tours. You have to pay for everything yourself including studio time, videos and ads. It’s harder to get on the radio but what really matters is that your fanbase is growing and they appreciate your music. I still think the rewards are tenfold if you do it right and on your own terms. I believe the ability to control your own fate is very important even with the risks.
AMP: What Is your creative process like?
RICK: It happens in different ways. Sometimes I just book studio time and use it to be creative. Other times, I have an idea stuck in my head nonstop, be it a lyric, melody or riff. I truly believe everything starts with lyrics and melody. Even song titles can spark a song. This way I know what I’m writing about. It all works.
AMP: Can you tell us something about your new releases?
RICK: We have so many new releases. The band is constantly in the studio. “Fly” and “Snake in the Grass” are just a two examples of Adelita Way cranking out crushing music. “One Way to Find Out” is another new one. In the meantime, we have a couple of more waiting in the wings. “Dig” and “Power” are next. Plus, there will probably be a full length out in Sept. We are concentrating on a large body of creative work. We don’t ever want to slow down. This band has more to say!
AMP: What do you want your fans to take away from your music?
RICK: I want them to feel love and motivation. When they’re down, we want to lift them up. Hopefully, our music can help them achieve their life goals. Mental health is an important issue and we want them that suffer to know they are not alone. We also want our fans to have the ultimate listening experience. They should be able to escape for a while. It’s all about positive connections.
AMP: On a personal note, what got you into music?
RICK: I’ve listened to music my entire life. It started with video games when I was younger. I used music to pump me up before my sporting events. When I saw Aerosmith with my parents, it was an electrifying moment. I’ve always been connected to it and totally understood its power. It seems like I had a natural ability to write songs and melodies. Music was my door to the world. It has been in me forever. I’m blessed that I found my path in life.
AMP: What do you do to unwind after a strenuous tour? Any hobbies?
RICK: I hang with my family a lot. I play pickle ball and basketball. Sports has always been important to me. I take my health very seriously. So, when I come off tour, I imbibe in infrared saunas, cold plunging and focus on my diet. It’s my time to recalibrate.
AMP: What’s next for the band?
RICK: What’s next is going to be our best. Right now, our main concern is delivering amazing music. Adelitas Way is still performing with fervent energy. We want to give our fans something forceful to hold onto. The band is at a propulsive peak and we want to hold onto this feeling until we hit the next level. I want to thank all our fans for their support and love and allowing us to deliver hard hitting music for over 18 years. This band has angels!
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