There’s a certain resilience that runs through both the music of I Prevail and the city they call home. For guitarist Dylan Bowman, that connection isn’t just symbolic—it’s foundational. As the band continues its evolution into a new era, their identity remains deeply rooted in the grit, pride, and perseverance that define Detroit.
Catching up during a busy touring stretch, Bowman opened up about the band’s upcoming arena run, emotional moments from the past year, and why—even after everything—community continues to be at the center of it all.
On Detroit’s Comeback and the Band’s Identity
Detroit has changed so much in recent years. What stands out to you about the city’s comeback?
Honestly, I think the whole “true grit” mentality really embodies what it means to live in . The sun’s not out a lot, and people deal with a lot—whether it’s seasonal depression or economic challenges—but there’s this resilience. People push through. That’s kind of where our band name comes from too—I Prevail. It’s all tied together.
So that mindset is part of the band’s DNA?
Yeah, completely. And now, more than ever, people from Detroit aren’t shying away from it. There’s pride. We’ve always had it, but now it’s louder. The city’s become an awesome place to be.
Any hidden gems fans should check out in Detroit?
Yeah—shout out to Eric’s shop, Black Vault Gaming. It’s a gaming and card shop—Magic, Pokémon, vintage video games, all that stuff. They host events all the time. If you want to run into us, there’s a good chance we’re hanging out there.
On Touring with Three Days Grace
The band did a Spring tour with Three Days Grace. Any highlights?
One of my first arena shows ever was Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin. So to now be going out with them—it’s surreal. They’re great guys, and it’s awesome to see their resurgence. For them to take us out on this tour meant a lot.
What are you most curious about heading into your current shows?
I’m excited to see how their fans react to this new era of I Prevail. We’ve evolved, and we’re bringing a different energy. It’ll be cool to see how that connects.
On Growth, Pyro, and Festival Moments
Your live show has gotten significantly bigger over the years—especially the production.
Yeah, there’s a lot more fire now—literally. Tons of pyro.
Any standout festival moments from the past year?
We played Welcome to Rockville, and that was a really emotional day. It was the last time our agent and manager, Dave Shapiro, saw us perform before he passed. That meant a lot to us. On a lighter note—our bassist John got so overheated from the pyro that he actually… peed himself. Sorry, John. It was scary at the time, but now we can laugh about it.
On Loss, Transition, and the Band’s Future
After everything the band has gone through recently, how are you navigating this next chapter?
We’ve really just stepped up as a unit. Our longtime team members are helping out, and internally, it’s all hands on deck. It’s about doing whatever it takes to keep going.
And vocally, you’re moving forward without replacing Brian (Burkheiser)?
Yeah, we’re keeping it in-house. Eric has stepped up in a huge way. He’s been working on his vocals for years, building confidence. I’m so proud of him—it feels natural to support him as he leads the charge.
On ShipRocked and Fan Community
You keep coming back to ShipRocked—even after some chaotic moments. Why?
It’s the community. You can sit down with anyone and instantly connect—talk about where you’re from, share stories, discover new places. It’s more than just a cruise; it’s a shared experience.
On Life Outside the Band
What do you do when you’re not touring or making music?
I stream video games. That’s my thing. I’m on Twitch—just playing games, hanging out, talking to people. Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of ARC Raiders.
On New Music and What’s Ahead
What’s next for I Prevail in 2026?
We’re always creating, but right now we’re really focused on bringing the new record to life on stage and seeing what connects.
Favorite song to play live right now?
“Violent Nature” is probably my favorite, but “Rain” is a close second. That main riff—it’s just fun to play every night.
As I Prevail continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: their foundation. Built on resilience, shaped by loss, and fueled by connection, the band’s next chapter feels less like a reinvention and more like a reaffirmation of who they’ve always been.