Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Dillof.
Hi Tony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from the New York City area. I came to Detroit about 25 years ago. I was hired as a law professor at Wayne State University Law School. For the last 16 years, I’ve been in rock bands that have played in the Detroit music scene. Some of those bands (Spontaneous Generation, The Bits, Fuzzgun, The Subsets, Hydrogen Jukebox) played original material, Some were tribute bands (Fabulous Disaster, Search had Destroy). I’m a vocalist/frontman/lyricist. I’ve performed in well over 100 shows.
About 3 years ago, I started a website called, Rock in Detroit (rockindetroit.com). Rock in Detroit coves the Metro Detroit rock scene. It includes a directory of over 400 bands and a directory of over 100 local music venues. If features a calendar of approximately 50 shows a week. There are interviews of bands and artists, articles, photos, and news of the local scene, as well as an authoritative concise history of Detroit rock music. I have three great collaborators who help me with photos, updates and articles.
This is what I say about myself on the website:
“I began this website in 2022 driven by two desires. The first was curiosity. The Detroit rock scene is multifarious–composed of musicians, fans, club owners, radio shows, Facebook groups, record sellers, promoters, bookers, recording studios, labels, etc. Who is doing what? What is out there? Where can I hear a great band tonight?
“People know others in their particular pocket, and maybe some outside, but there is no place where one can stand and have an overview of all that is going on–nowhere to get the big picture. That’s where Rock In Detroit comes in. This site is intended to be a repository of information about the Detroit rock scene.
“The second desire was the urge to give back to the world that I, as a musician and fan, have gotten so much out of over the years. I wanted the site to be a reflection of the glory of Detroit’s rock past and the vibrancy of its present. And, more than that, I wanted it to promote its future by providing a place for all those listed above to connect and coordinate.”
Please check out Rock in Detroit and subscribe!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Creating a viable, functioning, successful website has not been easy. The design process was a lengthy one. The build did not go according to schedule. Website debugging is an on-going process. Significant design and additions to the website were done. Then there is the issue of creating content on a regular basis. Calendar updating is a major time-consuming task. Finally, getting the word out about the website and getting eyes on is a singular challenge. A labor of love!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I divide my work into creative, musical work with my different bands, and professional work on my website.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
In terms of being a performer in a band, networking is quite important. The way you do it is by going to shows. And going to more shows. People who are playing in the show are generally happy to meet you–especially if you can honestly say something positive about their performance.
Pricing:
- Subcribing to the Rock in Detroit (dot com) website to get weekly listings of Detroit area show is absolutely FREE.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rockindetroit.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockinDetroit
- Other: https://thesubsets.bandcamp.com/album/the-subsets
