Dango Rose is a founding member, upright bassist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in the band Elephant Revival. As a longtime resident of Nederland Colorado, Rose has gathered much inspiration from the mountains, valleys, rivers and streams he calls home. His wish is for future generations to be brought up to honor and respect the delicate balance with regard to how our thoughts and actions affect our Mother Earth.
What environmental issue(s) do you consider to be the most critical at this time?
Honestly, instead of one particular environmental issue, my main concern is that we as parents, elders and mentors, understand the importance of teaching our children to respect the earth. It is through spending time in nature that the awareness of our interconnectivity to all things arises. Thereby, a natural stewardship and respect for the land is fostered and grown. So, in taking it from the macro to the micro, I would say that encouraging well funded and government supported outdoor programs for our youth in urban corridors is of the utmost importance.
As well, protecting our waterways from pollution is imperative. What happened to The Animas River this past August during the Gold King Mine Wastewater Spill is very disheartening.
What has inspired you to combine environmental activism with music?
Everyday, it is a goal for me to spend time along the creeks and trails at home or wherever we may happen to be on tour. Respect and enjoyment of the natural environment goes hand in hand with the invocation of the muse. Environmental Activism goes hand in hand with how we can give back to the source of our inspiration. Hakuna Matata.
Where is your favorite place in nature to go to find solace or inspiration?
I have a couple secret spots in the mountains that I go to when I need to be alone. When we’re on the road, the goal tends to be to make it down to the river.