The hardest part is making it look easy. Over the past 16 years of being in this band, I have sacrificed and endured so much to be in the position I am in.
Rock & Roll has been extremely popular from the 50’s until the 2000’s. But with the rise of Hip Hop, Pop, and electronic dance music, it has seen mainstream decline. But some observers have cited that Rock & Roll may be on the verge of a comeback. The frustration and turmoil of the past few years align well with the message of angst, protest, and rebellion that rock & roll conveys. In this interview series called “Music Stars Helping Rock & Roll Make A Comeback” we are talking to music artists, music groups, and music producers who are helping Rock & Roll make a comeback.
As a part of this series, we had the pleasure to interview Christopher Hummel.
The Dreamboats deliver the unforgettable sound and style of the 50s and 60s with electrifying energy and charm. With slick harmonies, dance moves, and a live show packed with heartthrob charisma, they channel the spirit of Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, and more! It’s a high-energy rock ’n’ roll experience that gets every generation dancing and singing along!
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit of the ‘backstory’ of how you grew up?
My name is Christopher Hummel and I grew up in Mississauga Ontario Canada, before moving to California. I grew up in mainly the suburbs of the city. I was always into music, extreme sports, dance, and other things to occupy my attention constantly. My first instrument was the drums. For what ever reason, vocals came naturally to me. It was something I felt I never tried hard do at first, but has takin a lifetime to master. I bought my first guitar when I was 19, but prior to that I was. Comfortable playing power chords on my bros electric guitar. He had a white fender stray that eventually I got to inherit. I had very supportive parents that helped me pursue any direction I wanted to go. I had a great childhood. I felt safe, I had great friends growing up as well as great influences. I was blessed to be able to meet people, that were at the top of their field in everything that I wanted to be good at. I was very fortunate. Mississauga was a great place to grow up.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I tell this story as one of the main reasons I wanted to become a professional performer. All through high-school I always participated in talent shows as a Breakdancer or with my band at the time. I was never shy from any of the spotlight amongst my peers. The stage has always felt very natural and empowering for me. There was one talent show in particular in grade 12. I was about to perform “when I come around” by Greenday, where I was singing lead vocals from the drums. The moment that changed it all for me was when, I walked up to the front of the stage to grab the microphone to bring back to the drum set before I started. When I approached the microphone, something happened that I will always remember to this day, and a feeling I’ve been always chasing ever since. The screams and applaud from the crowd and my peers was so loud, that it actually hurt my ears to the point of having to cover them. I will never forget that feeling. I will never forget that moment. I’m a firm believer that there are moments in your life that could change your course moving forward. This one was mine.
Are you able to share a story with us about what first attracted you to Rock & Roll in particular?
I’ve always loved rock ’n’ roll music growing up as well as other styles that my older siblings listened to. My father would always crank a lot of rock ’n’ roll between the 50s and 70s era which I really enjoyed. When I started to form my own style and identity in grade school, I can easily say I was influenced by alternative rock bands like Green Day, Weezer, The Offspring, Smashing Pumpkins, to name a few. But regardless of all this trending rock ’n’ roll at the time, I’ve always had a soft spot for oldies music. I’d always be listening to the oldies station on the AM dial with my father, on long drives and long days of fishing on the water, growing up. One of my fondest memories in particular was when we were ice fishing in Sutton Ontario, my dad had a strong signal coming from 1050 chum AM station in the middle of the frozen lake. On that day in particular they had a special show on called Beatles A-to-Z. Throughout the whole day, they played the whole Beatles catalogue in alphabetical order. I remember loving every single song I heard back to back. So many moments, including this one. Were reasons why I have such a deep love for the golden era of rock ’n’ roll.
Can you tell us the most interesting or most funny story that happened to you since you began your Rock & Roll career?
There was one Gig in Orange County, California that comes to mind. It is maybe a year and a half into us moving to the states where we were really trying to make an impression with the swing dance crowd and club scene. I accidentally brought my old dress pants instead of the new flexible pair I purchased not long ago. Three songs in to the first set I wanted to try upping the stage antics, so I tried stepping up on top of my drummer’s bass Drum, and to my horror, I felt my pants rip. Immediately, i gasped. I had the biggest hole from my knee to the top of my crotch on my left leg, exposing the baby blue Boxer briefs I had on that night. When I thought it couldn’t get worse, I walked back to my drummer during a solo and signalled him to try giving extending the part, as I attempted to take some black duct tape to try patching up my pants. As soon what I was doing, he proceeded to laugh and announce into the microphone that I just ripped a hole in my pants. If the hole was any bigger, I would’ve tried to crawl in it. For the rest of the set, I can’t tell you how embarrassed I felt as I muscled through the rest of the songs for the next 30 minutes. As soon as it was done, I immediately ran to the parking lot to try giving a proper patch job to the inside seam. As I repeatedly ripped off piece by piece of black duct tape, all while meticulously applying it to the inside of my crotch, I caught the attention of two young woman, laughing at me. Out of humour and light desperation, I asked them both “ you wouldn’t happen to have an extra pair of black pants handy, would you”? They both chuckled, and then one had a lightbulb moment, she smiled and said “follow me!” I followed her and her friend through the back door of the neighbouring venue all the way to the other side of its front parking lot. We ended up standing at the back of her car. As she lifted her trunk, I was surprised to see numerous articles of random packaged clothing, scattered on the inside of the trunk. As she rummaged through what looked like a sea of cellophane, she pulled out a square package. Inside was a pair of women’s black jeans, size 4 with holes in the knees. I tried them on, and even though they were a very tight fit, I was so happy! Only downside other than the tightest fit, was my knees would get exposed when I crouched down. So let’s just say I was walking around looking a little stiff on stage for the rest of that night. When the gig was over, I searched for the woman who saved my life, and ego that night. Unfortunately I never got the chance to fully thank her and return her pants. But one thing I will say is, an angel saved me that night. She swooped in from a dark back alley, and for that I will always be thankful. That could’ve been the longest, most embarrassing three sets I’ve ever played in my life that night. Thank you, mystery woman, wherever you are.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
Success does not come overnight. Because of that, you have to expect to be in this game a long time before things can really vamp up. If your biggest opportunities come from inherent connections, or just absolutely pounding the pavement. Always make sure you are prepared to handle that moment. When the opportunities that got us to level up, were in front of us, we were prepared from all the work that had been put in beforehand. Tightening up your show. Working out any kinks. Be prepared mentally and physically. If someone is doing something that you can’t do, and you want to be able to do it. Just ask questions. If they don’t have the time to explain, then pay them for it. You’d be surprised on how some of the smallest pieces of info can save you from so much stress, or quickly level your game up faster than countless hours of stage time. If they are doing something that you want to do, it’s worth the investment. Befriend or closely follow the path of people you admire in your field. Understand how they operate, and try to emulate. Understand that not every moment in this business is going to be fun, or even has to be. The moments where your comfort is tested, are the only true moments of growth. Be aware that success comes with so much sacrifice. The hardest part is making it look easy. Over the past 16 years of being in this band, I have sacrificed and endured so much to be in the position I am in. Finances, physical health, mental health, important times, relationships.. the list can go on. Try to manage these things the best you can. To reach a level of success you can only dream of, be aware that all of these things will be tested. If I was to go back 16 years, and talk to my young self when first starting this band, I would say be very grateful for every moment you get to step on a stage. You could be doing less fulfilling things with your time and the fact that you get to make this a career is an absolute blessing. Enjoy the ride.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
It’s hard to name just one. There are four people in particular that we consider “The Four Pillars” of the dreamboats. Each of these people were pivotal through our career, in one way or another.
Ron Osullivan- Ron is the father of one of my old band mates. Even though his son and I did not continue playing music together. During our early days of the band, he always had a place for us available to practice and perfect our craft in. Having people believe in your band in your early stages is pivotal in building a great foundation. It helps with the confidence you need in order to get a project off the ground.
Mike Hetherman — Mike was the reason we ended up in California. He was a hometown boy just like us who found success down south in the United States. Our first US performance was an opportunity he helped put in motion back in 2017. As a result, he helped us build a foundation of fans and connections . Years later, we made the decision to uproot or our lives back in Canada in hopes for rock ’n’ roll stardom in the California. He discovered us in a little hole in the wall bar, and thought we were a strong enough of an act to perform, at a huge opening party for a festival called Modernism Week. He put his name on the line for us. The festival that he convinced to hire us had never booked a band “site unseen” before. After our performance, The festival liked us so much they decided to book us the following year, something they said they have never done in the 12 years the festival had existed. This was the beginning of our California dreaming. Moral of the story, treat every performance like it was the biggest stage to play on. You never know who’s watching you in the audience.
Sandy Kilgore — Sandy discovered us at a very popular live music venue in Toronto. Back in the day he was a high profile condominium lawyer. Some people can argue he wrote the book on condo law in Toronto. He told us later, the reason why he came to see us the first time was because a bartender that knew him personally, called him up and told him to come see a band that everyone was buzzing about. Needless to say, he was impressed. Once hearing us, he decided to throw a wedding anniversary party at a prestigious golf club in Toronto called the Hunt club. What was fishy about the whole party was his anniversary was almost half a year ago. We later discovered it was all a ploy in order to invite not only his friends and family, but more importantly, to introduce us to three Canadian rock ’n’ roll legends of the 50’s and 60’s, Ronnie Hawkins, Robbie Lane, and Bobby Curtola. Our friend Sandy put us exactly where we needed to be at that moment. From that point onward, our legitimacy as a retro cover act ascended with more opportunities, and an assurance within ourselves and the band that we were on the right path.
Robbie Lane — Robbie is a Canadian rock and roll icon who had not only an amazing career as a performing artist, but also a tv and radio personality. He still performs locally to this day with quite the following around the Toronto club scene. He is always an amazing mentor to the band, as well as the person who helped break us into the performing arts centre realm. He also features our cover and original songs on the popular radio station Zoomer Radio, which airs in areas across Canada as well as the United States. Robbie has been one of our major influences on and off of the stage.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
In the beginning of April this year, we flew out Micah Barnes from Toronto, Canada to the Coachella Valley to work with us. Micah is a world class stage coach who found success, as a performer with the vocal group The Nylons. The nylons have done everything that my band wants to achieve. Charting on the billboard, selling out Carnegie Hall, big venues, touring longevity, and the list goes on. We have been given coaching on our vocals as a group, as well as new ideas on how to improve our stage show. Gearing towards more emotional peaks and valleys with our audience. Our goal is to reinvest back into developing our stage show into the most unforgettable experience for our fans and future concert attendees. We have some cool stuff in the works that we can’t wait to show off over the next run of dates.
Are you able to summarize the message of Rock & Roll in a sentence? Why do you think that message is more relevant now than it’s been in a while?
To me, my favourite era of 50’s and 60’s rock ’n’ roll, reflects a time of innocence, fun, rebellion, culture, and love. No matter what’s happening in my life or in the world around me. When I listen to my favourite rock ’n’ roll songs, I get taken to a place that is uplifting, and positive.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1. Sing from your mask
You could save yourself a lot of stress as a vocalist if you learn how to sing properly. Waking up the following day of a Gig and not feeling 100% vocally is one of the worst feelings in the world. Learn how to sing properly. Even after just two lessons with the right teacher, my life was changed. If you’re losing your voice after every gig, all you’re doing is screaming in pitch. There were times I’ve woken up and couldn’t make sound with my voice. I’ve had surgery from vocal injuries as well. I love singing so much. Buy for a period of time, singing to me, had been arguably just as stressful as it was enjoyable. A big reason for that was attributed to a lack of vocal technique, back in the day.
2. Give venues a reason to book you
If people aren’t showing up to see your band when you’re in town, It’s time to start looking at your show, and how it impacts your audience. Once you get to a point where patrons are attending your show consistently. You can start demanding the rates you want.
3. Make sure to record the end result of your rehearsals
Using the audio as a tool to improve of all your material. Not only is it great to record your rehearsals to reminisce in the future, but it’s also beneficial to use as a practice reference. Using the recording function on your phone is the easiest way to track your progress. The tape never lies. If it doesn’t sound perfect, keep recording your practises until it does.
4. Record your whole show on video from beginning to end, and watch it with your band
The way you feel on stage is very different from the way you carry yourself on stage. Critique and dissect your whole show. Make sure you can identify any dead spots in your live show. Find ways to create moments and keep things interesting. We are in the business of entertainment. Sometimes, just performing your music correctly, isn’t enough. As good as I thought our show was, watching the playback was still an eye-opening experience.
5. Make sure your equipment can keep up with the demand of your performances
Make sure your equipment can meet all your needs to execute your show comfortably, night after night. For me, I realized you have to buy all your gear at a pro level of quality, or else you’ll be fighting at the whole way. Make the investment in your equipment. For me personally, it’s a guitar that has great intonation and always stays in tune. In ear monitors, that sound great and are comfortable when performing live. A wireless guitar system that rarely drops out or has interference issues with signals from in or out of the venue. All the way down to the sweat wicking T-shirts, and high cotton count socks. When everything even down to your wardrobe feels good. You perform at your absolute best night after night.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Both of my parents came from two very different backgrounds. My father grew up in a wealthy part of Mississauga Ontario Canada. And my mother grew up very humble in a small village in the Philippines, close to Tacloban city. Growing up, my father was very supportive of helping my mother‘s family and relatives back home. We’d always be sending back clothes and supplies. The littlest things can go a long way. What we take for granted is so appreciated by people across the world. I’m hoping one day I can start an organization where bands can collect useful goods from their fans, that could be shipped out to areas where people are less fortunate, or have difficulty accessing essential needs that could improve their quality of life. I feel this type of endeavour is within my grasp when the timing is right. I would love to give back to where she grew up, as well as places similar to where she was raised. She moved away from her village, to Canada when she was 19 years old. Having her son carry the torch of support to people who really need it, would be something I know she would be proud of.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“do unto others as you would have them do unto you” I love this quote because I’ve had opportunities given to me by people in moments they had no reason to help me out. The more successful you become in your field, the same thing will happen to you. Just always remember what that feeling was like in humble beginnings and you’d be surprised on how much you can help someone out by simply offering your time and attention. So regardless, which side you’re on. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t be afraid to offer a helping hand.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I would love to have a private breakfast with Paul McCartney. I would ask him about all of his experiences. What it was like, being in the greatest rock ’n’ roll group of all time. How to maintain longevity in the music business. There would be so much to pick his brain on. But above all, thank him for all of his influence that he’s had on myself and the band I played in.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Our favourite platforms to post on would be Instagram first, Facebook second, TikTok third. On YouTube we have a ton of video content that we would love everyone to check out. Feel free to reach out to us anytime, we’d love to hear from you!
WEBSITE: www.thedreamboatsband.com
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDreamboats
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thedreamboats
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/thedreamboatsband
TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@thedreamboats
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
Music Stars Helping Rock & Roll Make A Comeback: Christopher Hummel Of The Dreamboats was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.