Exclusive Interview: Meet LA Rock Band The Detours

We present the exclusive interview with LA rock band The Detours. Band The Detours a definite one to keep your eye on, consists of Brett Kohler, Ryan Clure, John Keyes, and Misha Molove. The vibe of this band is amazing and they sound like a mixture of The Wallflowers, Oasis, with a little touch of The Beatles. They are all superbly amazing musicians. They each bring something unique to whichever stage they’re on.

The Detours links:

https://www.instagram.com/the_detoursband

Photos and Interview by Denise Johnson

https://denise-johnson.kavyar.site

1. How did the band come together? Was it a specific moment or gradual?
It was gradual. I met Misha at an open Mic at Licorice Pizza in Studio City. I usually never stay long at open mic’s (I can be shy) but this time I decided why not. Misha came up after the mic and said something roughly like “Dig your songs, want to jam” I saw that he had talent and seemed like a great dude so I said yes. Then I met Ryan through Misha at that jam sesh and then a movie Misha had written and directed that we were both in. Then I met John through Ryan and the rest is history as they say.

2. What’s the story behind the name of your band?
Honestly when I saw the movie School of Rock I knew at some point in my life I wanted to be in a band and for some reason I was adamant that the name of the band was going to be The Detours. And the rest is history as they say.

3. Combining two here as they play into each other How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music before?

What are some of your musical influences, and how do they shape your style?

If you put the rock n roll from the 60’s-70’s and 90’s in a blender what would come out is The Detours. We are classic rock n roll band with hints of Tom Petty, Eagles, Bob Dylan, Oasis. Life is hard and The Detour’s music hopefully transports people to a place where they can let loose for a while and come together for a good time.

4. Is there a specific moment when you realized you had something special together as a band?

When we got together for the first rehearsal and finished our first run through of the set. I remember just having the biggest grin across my face and in that moment I knew we were onto something special. Ryan, John and Misha are so talented it’s just an honor to play with them. But yeah, since that first rehearsal I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since. This was my first time being in a band but knowing when you’ve found the right mix of fellas you want to play with is a once in a lifetime feeling. I hope I’m lucky enough to play for a long time.

5. Combining another two- What’s next for the band? Any upcoming projects, tours, or plans you’re excited about?

Where do you see the band in the next five years? If you could perform on any major festival stage, which one would it be?

We are recording our first album here in December which will include a lot of our current live set and 4 new tracks. Then hitting the road for our first mini tour in March, see you soon Tucson, Phoenix, San Diego and OC!

The biggest band in the world (manifesting)

Since we live in LA I think the Hollywood Bowl would be a pretty seminal moment for us all (manifesting part II)

6. What’s the best part of working with each other, and what makes your band unique?

I think what makes The Detours unique is that we all come from different parts of the country/ world. Misha is probably the interesting man in the world and hands down the funniest guy in the band. From Ukraine to LA he’s had an incredible journey and not only is he one the best guitar players I’ve ever seen but he constantly keeps the whole group laughing. Heck of a dude.

John is from Boston and is like our Ringo, where he always plays exactly what the song needs. Has incredible timing and groove has to be, hands down, the most in demand drummer I know in LA. He can be a quiet dude but honestly one of the nicest and smartest guys I know and when he makes a joke man, does it hit. I’ve had a lot of great talks with John about music and just life. As I always say on stage and I mean, he’s the heart and soul of the band.

Ryan is from Tennessee and brings some great heavy rock and country influences to the band. He’s the master arranger and plays a fantastically melodic bass, just a great ear for music and knowing what every song needs. He’s our McCartney. Also, the dude can also sing harmonies like no other. The guy brings a ton of energy to a live show too and he has given me a lot of inspiration when it comes to what it takes/ how to be the frontman of a band. Ryan is so down to earth and easy to connect with a huge reason people come out to our shows.

I’m just a guy from Minnesota. How I ended up in The Detours is a long and winding road but in short; I got very sick for several years when I was in my mid-late 20’s. I was in a ton of pain and had a hard time moving around (lost all my hair too) and I was in a low spot. I remember one day having to leave my party planning job at the time early (shoutout Linc & Sal who were so supportive when I was going through) and I went to Barnes and Noble in the Grove and bought Sgt. Pepper. on vinyl. I dropped the needle when I got home and that’s when it all changed. I was laying on my couch and when I heard getting better I decided to not let sickness beat and then when I heard A Day in Life I cried and finally realized the true power of music (also that I wanted to be in a band like The Beatles like so many other artists). I got my first guitar shortly after (nicknamed buddy) and the rest as they say, is history.