A Q&A with Dead Defined
Emotionally honest rock from Ontario…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
‘Better off Alone.’ It’s a raw and honest reflection on hitting the emotional breaking point in a relationship when you finally stop holding back and say what’s been building for a long time. It’s heavy, both sonically and lyrically, and that honesty means everything to me.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
Honestly, getting back into the right headspace to create. I hadn’t released new music in a while because life took over mentally, and emotionally. This one came from a real place, and digging that deep isn’t always easy.
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it? If you produced it yourselves what do enjoy most about producing your own material?
It was produced by one of Toronto’s top rock producers. He really understood the weight behind the track and helped sharpen the edges while letting the emotion breathe. He pushed the energy and gave the song its punch without losing the message.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
That they’re not alone in how they feel. Whether it’s pain, frustration, or resilience, my music is about saying the things we don’t always have the words for. If someone hears it and feels seen, I’ve done my job.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
It usually starts with a riff or a melody idea, something raw. From there, it’s about finding the right tone and message. I write, track demos, and then bring in a producer to shape the final product. It’s a mix of instinct and detail.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
Mark Tremonti, Myles Kennedy, and bands like Alter Bridge, Papa Roach, and Three Days Grace. Their songwriting, especially the emotion and heaviness shaped my entire approach. Tremonti’s riffs and Kennedy’s voice set the bar for what I aim for musically and lyrically.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
Canada’s always home, but I’d love to hit parts of Europe, Germany, the UK, maybe even some US cities like Nashville or LA. Venue-wise, playing Massey Hall in Toronto or a rock fest stage anywhere would be a milestone.
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
My upcoming release ‘Better off Alone.’ It captures everything Dead Defined stands for – emotionally honest lyrics, heavy guitars, and a sense of inner conflict and release. It’s aggressive but relatable.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
To keep growing musically and personally. I want to keep releasing music that means something and eventually get back on stage more regularly. Dead Defined isn’t just a project, it’s part of who I am.
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
“Whatever you’re going through feel it, face it, and turn it into something real. Thanks for listening.”
Find out more at craigewan.fanlink.tv/DeadDefined
