Dallon Weekes

Dallon James Weekes (born May 4, 1981)[1][2][3][4] is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is best known as a member of Panic! at the Disco from 2009 to 2017, performing in the band as a bassist, keyboardist, backing vocalist, and songwriter. He was also the frontman of the power pop[5] band and later solo musical project The Brobecks.[6] Weekes currently performs as the frontman of I Dont Know How But They Found Me.

Dallon Weekes
Weekes in 2016
Born
Dallon James Weekes

(1981-05-04) May 4, 1981
Verona, Missouri, U.S.
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
  • record producer
Years active2002–present
Spouse
Breezy Douglas
​
(m. 2006)​
Children2
Musical career
OriginSalt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • bass guitar
  • keyboards
  • guitar
Labels
Member ofI Dont Know How But They Found Me
Formerly of

Early life

Weekes was born in the small town of Verona, Missouri, near a large Amish community. He is the second of four children and was raised in a Mormon family in Clearfield, Utah, where his parents moved shortly after he was born. Weekes attended Clearfield High School, where he met most of his former Brobecks bandmates. After graduating with honors in 1999, Weekes served as a full-time Mormon Missionary in Oklahoma for two years. After returning home he shortly attended Weber State University before dropping out to pursue music full-time.

Music career

The Brobecks (2002–2013)

The band began as a weekend hobby for Weekes shortly after he returned to Utah after living in Oklahoma for two years. The group's name was inspired by a person from Dallon's school days. The original line-up consisted of Weekes, photographer/producer Matt Glass and another friend from high school. After a few years of recording basement demos, touring and line-up changes, the band was offered a contract from an imprint of Drive-Thru Records, and Weekes was offered solo record contracts by Sony BMG, Interscope Records, and a smaller indie label if he would drop his bandmates. Weekes declined.

The Brobecks opened for bands such as Fall Out Boy, Phantom Planet, Ben Kweller, and The Bravery. Despite all the label interest and album success for an indie band, the band remained independent and unsigned.

In late 2012, Weekes released the Quiet Title EP for download on his Bandcamp page for The Brobecks, as well as an option to purchase a physical copy of the Violent Things Reissue CD. The Quiet Title EP consists of two songs, "Anyone I Know" and "Cluster Hug", featuring Ian Crawford on guitar and recorded/edited with help from former Brobecks drummer, Matt Glass. In November 2012, Weekes stated in an interview with Salt Lake City's X96 radio station that these songs were written during the songwriting and recording process for Panic's fourth studio album, but did not fit with their collective vision for the new record.

Panic! at the Disco (2009–2017)
Weekes performing with Panic! at the Disco in 2011

After the departure of Ryan Ross and Jon Walker in 2009, Weekes and Ian Crawford were hired to replace Ross and Walker for Panic! at the Disco on a temporary, touring basis for their second studio album Pretty. Odd. (2008).[7][8] Weekes' 'touring only' status changed in mid-2010, while on tour with the band in China. It was then that he was asked by Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith to join them indefinitely. However, his permanent status within the band remained publicly unknown until Weekes confirmed in mid-2012 via Twitter his involvement with the band as a full-time member.[9]

During his tenure as an official member of Panic! at the Disco, Weekes was responsible for the conceptualization of the cover art for the band's third studio album, Vices & Virtues (2011),[10] and was also featured on the album cover, masked and standing in the background behind Smith and Urie.[11] He was credited with writing all but two songs on the band's fourth studio album, Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die! (2013). Weekes was also nominated for Best Bassist at the 2015 Alternative Press Music Awards.[12] During the promotion of the band's fifth studio album Death of a Bachelor, it was rumored that Weekes' status has changed to that of a touring member once again.[13][14] In October 2015, Weekes confirmed his departure from the official line-up of the band via Twitter, stating that he was "not contributing creatively anymore".[15] Weekes elaborated on the situation in a September 2020 interview: "I did one record with Panic! and after that they started hiring hit-makers to create their records, so they didn't really need me anymore."[16] After finishing up the tour for Death of a Bachelor, Weekes announced he was leaving Panic! at the Disco on December 27, 2017. He made this announcement via Instagram.[17][18]

I Dont Know How But They Found Me (2016–present)

Initially a solo effort, Weekes had been writing and recording songs while on the road with Panic! at the Disco for several years.[19][20] Former Brobecks bandmate Ryan Seaman performed drums on the record, which led to Weekes proposing the idea to present it as a duo under the name I Dont Know How But They Found Me.[21]

Weekes and Seaman started playing small shows in late 2016, but kept it secret. They debuted at Emo Nite Los Angeles' 2-year anniversary event on December 6, 2016.[22] After the show, different sources wrote about a "new side project" by Weekes and Seaman, and confirmed the band name.[23][24] Even when confronted with photos and videos taken at the shows, Weekes and Seaman denied the whole project for months.[25] Weekes later stated that they did not want to exploit both his and Seaman's name recognition and association with the well-known bands they played in.[26] They announced their signing to Fearless Records in August 2018.[27] In November 2018, they released their debut EP, 1981 Extended Play.[28] The band released a Christmas EP, Christmas Drag, on November 15, 2019.[29] The band's debut album, Razzmatazz, was released on October 23, 2020.

Solo musical projects
Weekes pictured in 2014

In September 2010, Weekes posted a free online download of "Skid Row", a song from the film/play Little Shop of Horrors, featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, Matt Glass and Ian Crawford, the touring guitarist of Panic! at the Disco from 2009 to 2012, and former member of such bands as The Cab and Stamps.

In November 2014, Weekes released a Christmas song titled "Sickly Sweet Holidays", featuring former Brobecks and Falling In Reverse drummer Ryan Seaman, and backing vocals performed by Twenty One Pilots vocalist Tyler Joseph.[30][31] The song initially featured an entire verse by Joseph, but it was excluded due to Joseph's label.[32]

In October 2015, Weekes started a cover series titled "TWOMINCVRS", where he self-releases covers of "lesser-known" songs, with a length of two minutes or less, through his personal YouTube channel.[33] In 2016, Weekes released his second Christmas single titled "Please Don't Jump (It's Christmas)" on November 25, again featuring Seaman performing drums.[34]

Equipment

Fender Jag-Stang Bass

Throughout his career in Panic!, Weekes often used a bespoke bass guitar. Starting with the body shape of Kurt Cobain's signature guitar, the Fender Jag-Stang and the neck and hardware from a Fender Mustang Bass, finished in white with a rosewood fingerboard.

Personal life

On March 18, 2006, Weekes married his girlfriend of over a year, Breezy Douglas. They have two children; daughter, Amelie Olivia Weekes, born June 1, 2008 (named after the 2001 French film Amélie); and son, Knox Oliver Weekes, born June 23, 2010 (Named after a character in the 1989 film Dead Poets Society).[35] Weekes is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[36] He has ADHD and autism.[37][38]

Discography

The Brobecks
  • The 4th of Julive (2003)
  • Understanding the Brobecks (2003)
  • A Very Brobecks Christmas EP (2003)
  • New Year's Special EP (2003)
  • Remixing the Brobecks (2004)
  • Happiest Nuclear Winter (2005)
  • The Brobecks EP (2005)
  • Goodnight, and Have a Pleasant Tomorrow (2006)
  • Small Cuts EP (2007)
  • I Will, Tonight EP (2008)
  • Violent Things (2009)
  • Your Mother Should Know EP #1 (2010)
  • Quiet Title EP (2012)

Panic! at the Disco

Solo
  • Xmas Jambz EP (2015)
  • TWOMINCVRS EP (2016)

I Dont Know How But They Found Me

References
  1. Fueled by Ramen. "Fueled by Ramen on Facebook - "Happy Birthday to Dallon Weekes from Panic! At The Disco! - send him birthday wishes on Twitter! Tweet @dallonweekes Don't forget to vote Dallon as Best Bassist for the 2015 Alternative Press Music Awards! - altpress.com/apmas"". Facebook.com. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  2. Weekes, Dallon. "Dallon Weekes on Instagram - "Thanks everyone again for all the birthday wishes. Im loving getting older. Life gets better and better the further in you get. #havingawonderfultime"". Instagram.co. Archived from the original on 2021-12-26. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  3. Dallon Weekes [@DallonWeekes] (4 May 2015). "Woke up to a ton of birthday messages! (Delivered by @ZackCloudHall knocking on my hotel room door, shouting about them.) Thanks, everyone!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  4. Dallon Weekes [@DallonWeekes] (4 May 2015). "@gerardway You're a class act, Way. Thanks dude!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  5. Mason, Stewart. "The Brobecks - Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 14 March 2018. A straightforward power pop act from the unlikely environs of Salt Lake City, UT, the Brobecks are...
  6. Dallon Weekes [@DallonWeekes] (15 May 2016). "@vdeleon500 I was still doing The Brobecks when I joined Panic. It had been my solo project for a few years beforehand" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  7. "Exclusive: Spencer Smith Reveals New Members of Panic! At The Disco". MTV News. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  8. "Dallon Weekes: Modern Meets Vintage". Bass Player. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  9. Dallon Weekes (August 1, 2012). "Dallon as official member in Panic! at the Disco". Twitter. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  10. "Panic Album Cover Concept by DJJazzyWeekes on DeviantArt". Deviantart.com. 14 July 2011.
  11. Panic! At The Disco: Vices & Virtues Photoshoot. 20 October 2011. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15 – via YouTube.
  12. "2015 APMAs winners and nominees". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on 2017-06-22. Retrieved 2016-01-05.
  13. "Panic! At The Disco announce new album, share first single". AXS. Archived from the original on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2015-10-26.
  14. "Panic! At The Disco Have Finally Announced A New Album | Blunt Mag". Blunt Mag – Alternative Music News, Reviews, and Interviews. Archived from the original on 2015-10-26. Retrieved 2015-10-26.
  15. Dallon Weekes [@DallonWeekes] (24 October 2015). "@collarfulls Nope. Still here playing bass like always. Just not contributing creatively anymore" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  16. Shutler, Ali (23 September 2020). "iDKHOW debut 'Razzmatazz' video and tell us about their debut album: 'A lot of artists treat art like a product'". NME.
  17. Trapp, Philip (December 27, 2017). "Dallon Weekes leaves Panic! At The Disco". Altpress. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
  18. Biddulph, Andy (December 27, 2017). "Dallon Weekes Is No Longer A Part Of Panic! at the Disco". Rocksound.tv. Archived from the original on December 28, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
  19. "Dallon Weekes: More IDKHow Music Is Coming "As Soon As Possible" - Features - Rock Sound Magazine". Rock Sound Magazine. Archived from the original on 2018-06-13. Retrieved 2017-09-26.
  20. Riddell, Rose (2017-08-21). "Interview: I Don't Know How But They Found Me's Dallon Weekes on his upcoming album". Coup De Main Magazine. Retrieved 2018-02-11. ...the record came together on the backs of a lot of friends giving favours and an hour of studio time here, and three or four hours there.
  21. Riddell, Rose (2017-08-21). "Interview: I Don't Know How But They Found Me's Dallon Weekes on his upcoming album". Coup De Main Magazine. Retrieved 2017-09-26.
  22. "Beyond The Stage Magazine - January 2018". Issuu. p. 41. Retrieved 2018-02-11. The band debuted at Emo Nite Los Angeles' 2-year anniversary party without much notice or information.
  23. Radio, idobi (6 December 2016). "2 familiar faces with a new side project sup Idk How But They Found Me?! @emonightlapic.twitter.com/kQjVh3iCJc". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2017-09-27.
  24. "Emo Nite's Two-Year Celebration at Echo/Echoplex in Los Angeles, CA". Musicconnection.com. Archived from the original on 2016-12-15. Retrieved 2017-09-27.
  25. Riddell, Rose (2017-08-21). "Interview: I Don't Know How But They Found Me's Dallon Weekes on his upcoming album". Coup De Main Magazine. Retrieved 2018-02-11. I Don't Know How But They Found Me have already played a slew of secret shows, and up until a few weeks ago, had denied all existence of the band online.
  26. "First Look + Q&A: I Don't Know How But They Found Me Travels From The '80s To Release Debut Track & Video / Ones To Watch". Ones To Watch. Retrieved 2018-02-11. We knew if we going the standard route of a press release and a big announcement: "Hey come look at us,"–that there would already be a built in fan base, ready to come see. We didn't want to exploit that. We didn't want to take advantage of fans that way.
  27. "I Dont Know How But They Found Me Signs to Fearless Records & Releases Double A-Side Single, "Choke" and "Do It All The Time"". The Prelude Press. Retrieved 2018-09-11.
  28. "I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME SEES ITS INITIAL EP, "1981 EXTENDED PLAY", DEBUT AT #1 ON BILLBOARD'S HEATSEEKER CHART". Musicnewsnet.com. Archived from the original on 2018-11-21. Retrieved 2018-11-21.
  29. "iDKHOW Releases CHRISTMAS DRAG EP". Broadway World. November 15, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  30. Sharp, Tyler. "Panic! At The Disco, Falling In Reverse members team up for Christmas song". Alternative Press. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  31. "Dallon Weekes: Sickly Sweet Holidays". Dallonweekes.bandcamp.com. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  32. "IDKHow's Dallon Weekes Has A Song With Twenty One Pilots". Alternative Press. 31 December 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  33. Sharp, Tyler. "Panic! At The Disco bassist launches covers series—listen". Alternative Press. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  34. "Dallon Weekes – Please Don't Jump (It's Christmas)". Dallonweekes.bandcamp.com. Retrieved 14 December 2016.
  35. Dallon Weekes [@DallonWeekes] (3 February 2016). "@cait_rey Well, my son is five. How old is Knoxville? (Also, my boy is named after Knox Overstreet from 'Dead Poets Society'.)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  36. DallonWeekes [@DallonWeekes] (18 September 2018). "@pxnk_skxes Fool, I'm Mormon. We INVENTED frick!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  37. DallonWeekes [@DallonWeekes] (5 April 2022). ""Months ago I gave in to TikTok."" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  38. Wilson-Taylor, James (2023-10-05). "iDKHOW, 'GLOOM DIVISION' | The Album Story". Rock Sound. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
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