by Monica Demarco
Daily Lobo
Jason Darensburg met his wife Valerie in high school 20 years ago. He taught her to play bass, bought her one for Valentine's Day, and made her the bassist for their band, Dead City.
"I think bass is a natural instrument for women, because you have to keep steady," Valerie said.
Dead City sports a lineup almost completely from UNM. Guitarist and vocalist Jason is an accounting clerk for the University's Internal Audit Department. Valerie is the office manager for the Pediatrics Center for Developmental Disabilities, and drummer Randall Starling is a senior research scientist with a doctorate in public health who works for UNM's Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addictions.
The Darensburgs say it's hard to stay up late, but they have understanding employers.
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"The day job comes first," Valerie said.
Their fan base is composed of people from work and classmates, among others.
"My mom comes to every show," Jason said.
The Darensburgs said for the most part, it's not hard being husband and wife in a band together.
"I just have to keep telling her she's good," Jason said. "She should know by now."
The band, which also includes keyboardist John Kallman, the musical director for the Gorilla Tango Comedy Theatre, has a wide variety of influences. They spread from hard punk roots like the Clash, X, Siouxsie and the Banshees to Elton John, Frank Zappa, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and many others.
"I'm a punker at heart," Valerie said.
The Darensburgs were inspired to start the band simply for their love of music. Jason said Dead City is all about "playing with the people that you love."
The two agree there is an additional business aspect of having a band.
"I suggest getting a business license to anyone who's starting a band," Jason said. "You can write things like instruments off of your taxes."
The Darensburgs said they enjoy the theatrical part of performance. Jason admitted to being a real ham on stage, and Valerie said she enjoys being the center of attention.
The band plays in many venues around town, including the Atomic Cantina, the Launchpad, Puccini's Golden West Saloon and Burt's Tiki Lounge.
Some of the band's highlight shows have been opening for B.B. King and Jeff Beck at Journal Pavilion, and playing UNM's noon concerts on the plaza and the Hispanic Cultural Center. The band performs in the "Take Back the Night" rally campaign against drugs in the Barensburg's neighborhood.
Dead City also doubles as a cover band called Roll Over, which plays the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye and Tom Petty covers.
You might recognize the names 80lbs. of Basset Hound and Ignudi, which are former names for Dead City. They have been all over Albuquerque for the last few years and plan to continue to plug away at the scene, Valerie said.
The Darensburgs said their drive for music is fueled by its uplifting and healing qualities. It's also a creative outlet and soul food for the members, she said.
