I Dead Defined interview 11/11/22
MM: Can you tell us about your Band and whos your biggest influences
Dead Defined is a solo project that was formed in 2018 in affiliation with Voodoo Records Canada. I currently have a repertoire of 10 original songs recorded. As far as influences I listened to a lot of mid 90s to early 2000s Hard Rock/Numetal. That was my jam. I’m lucky enough to say that I grew up in the MTV era where bands like Korn, Three Days Grace and Papa Roach were mainstream. I’m still influenced by them today and their ongoing success.
MM: Where do you draw your inspirations and ideas from?
My inspiration comes in many shapes and forms. It could be my surroundings, it could be what’s going on in my head from time to time too. Could be anything from a few sentences that I sing in my head that turn into a hooky melody or a guitar part I’ve been playing around with for awhile. I make sure to always document my ideas by recording them on my phone.That’s what makes writing and art so much fun because it’s never planned. If I tell myself to sit down and write at a certain day or time it just doesn’t flow naturally for me. I like the spontaneity of it.
MM: What would you say is your Bands favourite song?
I’d say my latest release entitled ‘Vertigo’ is my favourite thus far. I really wanted to capture my early 2000’s musical influences with this song. It may not sound too relevant as what’s on commercial radio these days but there is still a large fanbase for 4 on the floor hard driving rock’n roll.
MM: Plans tour and festival wise for 2022
I don’t have anything booked for the rest of the year as it’s typically a wind-down time in the live industry for my area. I’m looking at possibly booking a few shows in 2023 but nothing in concrete yet as this is mainly just a studio project.
MM: What can we expect from (Dead Defined) live
Always an energetic show. I love crowd work so it’s always a fun time for me while performing. If I’m not having fun, the audience isn’t.
MM: What do you like best and worst abt touring
I haven’t done much touring since my 20’s. I always enjoyed seeing new places and sightseeing. The hardest part is the driving in Canada. Our Provinces are so large and vast that it takes quite some time to get from place to place which means a lot of the time sitting in one place. I don’t like sitting in one place for a long time, ha.
MM: Which three Bands would be your ultimate touring buddies
I’ve always idolised Alter Bridge, Sevendust and Limp Bizkit for putting on an incredible show. I’d love to be on the roster of bands that have toured or just played with any of them live.
MM: What's the most memorable concert you've been to (other than your own) and why
The one that comes to mind is P.O.D. when I was around the age of 18 in Toronto, Ont. At such a young age they made a huge impression on me as a wannabe musician. I was just learning guitar at the time and wasn’t even really singing yet, they definitely made a huge impression on me moving forward with music style and writing. Sonny Sandoval is an amazing frontman and had massive energy onstage.
MM: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment so far with
I don’t know about biggest as I have much more to accomplish in life, but favourite to date would be getting airplay on a radio station I grew up listening to. EDGE 102.1 in Toronto has been a staple for many rock musicians and listeners of the genre. The DJ Alan Cross is a well known media personality in the industry and is/was a frequent host on the station. He’s since become a fan of my music and debuts much of my new music on the radio station. Knowing I’d be frequently played on the EDGE 102.1 as a kid I would have never have guessed it.
MM: Which are your Two favourite Albums of all time
Now that is a near impossible question, ha. I have so many but off the top of my head I’;; go with Alter Bridge – Blackbird and Breaking Benjamin – Phobia.
MM: Can you remember the first time you ever played live and how it felt to have people watching you?
Nervous as hell, but the adrenaline and excitement takeover as soon as you settle in. It still has the same affect for me even today. I say that if you’re not nervous then you don’t really care. Nerves are a good thing, it means your stepping out of your comfort zone.
MM: Growing up which Bands posters did you have on your bedroom wall.
I had so many! My parents even plaqued a few for me as to not ruin the walls I’m pretty sure. I can remember having, POD, Staind, Creed, Linkin Park…etc.
MM - Who do you think influenced the world of Metal / Rock more than any other person
Another tough question. I was never really into classic rock but I know a lot of my influencers looked up to Dimebag Darrell and his Metal guitar playing. He in a way revolutionised modern Hard Rock/Metal riffage.
MM - What's the most important thing to the band right now?
I’d say consistency and promotion. People these days have a very short attention span so I find you always have to hook them with online content and new ideas. Whether it be new music or a new video idea. Everything is Social Media for artists these days so having to stay on top of your production seems to be the number one element.
MM:If you could do a cover of any song which one would it be and why?
I actually have a few ideas for cover songs but the one I may dabble with in the near future is My December by Linkin Park. I was listening to it just the other day and I think it would be a great time of year to resing my own version of it. I can’t promise anything but I’d like to try and release it this year ha.
MM: Tell us why we should buy and listen to your Band
I’m a Mental Health Advocate first and foremost so promoting Mental Health through my music and lyrics is what I do best. The message behind my latest song ‘Vertigo” is a mantra of sorts in maintaining positive Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence that have been an ongoing issue of mine over many years. I wrote this song as a reminder to myself and others that when that negative voice who lingers in the back of your mind tells you that you’re not capable of reaching the heights of what, who or where you want to be in your life that you will overcome, push through, and persevere.
MM: Four words to describe (Dead Defined)
Meaningful, Hopeful, Positive, Rock’n Roll 😉
Final Words for your fans and our readers
Thanks for taking the time to chat! If you want to know more about me and my music please visit www.deaddefined.com that’s the best place to find everything in one spot but I am also a frequent user of Social Media and keeping in touch with anyone who enjoys my music and content. Feel free to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at @Craig_Ewan or on music streaming services as Dead Defined. Much Love