Dead Defined Interview 14/06/2026
MM: Tell us about your band, your influences, and what took you down this genre of music?
Dead Defined is my solo hard rock project based in Markham, Ontario. I started the project in 2018 as an outlet to turn personal experiences, struggles, and observations into music that people can connect with. Growing up, I was heavily influenced by bands like Alter Bridge, Creed, Breaking Benjamin, Sevendust, and Shinedown. I've always been drawn to music that combines powerful melodies with honest lyrics. Hard rock gives me the perfect platform to deliver both energy and emotion while still telling a story.
MM: Are there any themes or messages you aim to convey through your music?
Absolutely. A lot of my music revolves around perseverance, mental health, loss, resilience, and finding hope during difficult times. My newest single, "One Life," focuses on the importance of choosing positivity and making the most of the time we're given. If someone listens to a song and feels a little less alone afterward, then I've accomplished what I set out to do.
MM: What can fans expect from you in the near future—new music, tours, collaborations?
Fans can definitely expect more new music. After spending several years refining my sound, I'm focused on releasing music more consistently. "One Life" is just the beginning of a new chapter for Dead Defined. I'm also looking at opportunities for collaborations, interviews, radio
appearances, and hopefully bringing the music to more live audiences in the future.
MM: Are there any dream venues or festivals you'd love to play?
There are quite a few. Playing a major rock festival like Rock Fest, Aftershock Festival, or Rocklahoma would be incredible. As a Canadian artist, performing at major venues across the country and eventually sharing a stage with some of the bands that inspired me would be a dream come true.
MM: What’s been your most memorable live performance so far, and why?
Every performance has its own story, but the most memorable moments are always when people come up afterward and tell me a song connected with something they were going through. Those conversations remind me that music isn't just entertainment. It can genuinely impact someone's life, and that's something I'll never take for granted.
MM: How do you prepare for a show, both mentally and physically?
Physically, I try to stay hydrated, warm up my voice, and get plenty of rest beforehand. Mentally, I remind myself why I started making music in the first place. Once I step on stage, the nerves usually disappear and it becomes about connecting with the audience and enjoying the moment.
MM: What emotions do you hope to evoke in fans when they watch your band live?
I want people to feel energized, inspired, and connected. Life can be challenging, and for a few hours I want fans to forget about their stress and just enjoy the experience. At the same time, I hope some of the lyrics resonate with them on a deeper level and remind them that they're not facing their struggles alone.
MM: Do you have any favourite pre-show rituals?
Nothing too unusual. I usually spend a few quiet moments focusing before a show, run through vocal warmups, and listen to music that gets me into the right mindset. I try to keep things simple and avoid overthinking.
MM: How do you handle criticism or comparisons to other bands in the scene?
Criticism comes with putting your work out into the world. I've learned to take constructive feedback seriously while staying true to my vision. Comparisons are inevitable, especially in rock music, but I see them as a compliment when they're made in a positive way. At the end of the day, the goal isn't to sound like someone else. It's to create music that's authentic to who I am.
MM: What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a band, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge has probably been building everything independently while balancing life outside of music. There are a lot of obstacles that people don't see behind the scenes. The way I've overcome it is by staying consistent, surrounding myself with good people, and refusing to quit even when progress feels slow. Success in music is often about persistence.
MM: Where do you see the band in five years, and what’s the ultimate goal for your music?
In five years, I'd love to see Dead Defined continuing to grow internationally, reaching new audiences, releasing multiple albums, and performing more frequently. The ultimate goal isn't fame. It's longevity. I want to create a catalogue of music that people can turn to during both the best and worst moments of their lives.
MM: Last song you listened to?
"Everything Ends" by Sevendust.
MM: Tell us why we should check out your band.
If you're looking for honest hard rock that combines powerful vocals, meaningful lyrics, and real-life experiences, Dead Defined might be for you. We've independently surpassed 5 million streams worldwide, but more importantly, we're building a community of listeners who connect with the message behind the music. Every song comes from a real place, and I think people can hear that authenticity.
MM: Final words for your fans and our readers.
I want to sincerely thank everyone who has listened, streamed, shared, attended a show, or supported Dead Defined over the years. Independent artists don't get very far without dedicated fans, and I'm incredibly grateful for every person who has been part of this journey. If you're discovering Dead Defined for the first time, welcome aboard. I hope the music connects with you, and I can't wait to share what's next.
Social Media & Links
Website & Music: https://craigewan.fanlink.tv/DeadDefined
Facebook: https://craigewan.fanlink.tv/DeadDefined
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craig_ewan/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadDefined
I
