of a bass player looking for a band (Vince). The four of us worked together very well and practiced a lot! We went into Mana Studios and recorded our album before I ever played my first show, talk about ridiculous!
DDR: Wow, that’s a hell of a story! Just an idea out of the blue and boom you have a band. Amazing! Yet totally cool…..
The music you play is a very eclectic mix of genres. There is the punk angst and hard rock, and lyrics that are sung with a strong conviction. Where do you guys draw your inspiration for your in-your-face music and lyrics?
Craig: Everybody in the band has a pretty broad scope of
musical
interests. As for
as music, Doug
is a riff machine
that never stops running. We all work together on
putting the
music together
for the most
part. No one
tells anyone
else what to
play; we work
off of each other
after the
Riffmaster brings
his idea to the
table. As for the
lyrics, sometimes the story is in my head before the music and sometimes I just listen to where the guys are taking the song and I write the story based on how they make me feel.
DDR: So it’s truly a group effort. It’s cool that you guys work so well together and there’s no ego problems regarding the creative process.
The Defiant definitely is a stand out sort of group that is captivating and yet, challenges the “norm” in the metal/punk/rock scene; do you think that attitude is what keeps you motivated to continue to push the envelope?
Craig: These are really good questions, by the way. There is no doubt The Defiant has no shortage of attitude, however we are the same people on the stage as we are off, just amplified. Attitude and motivation are key for continued success, pushing the envelope is just the result.
DDR: Thanks for the compliment. We can attest to the attitude. You guys are always great to be around. You are also very involved with getting to know your fans; which is great! Although you have attitude, you are also very humble.
Recently, you guys participated in the Rock Solid Pressure Show to compete for a record deal. What was that like?
Craig: Getting to play with a bunch of our
friends and
supporting
their bands is
what it's all
about. Being
judged is
always a little
nerve racking
but we believe
in what we do
and don't
sweat shit like
that too
much. Our set
time is OUR
time to put on
the show
people came
to see.
DDR: I hear that! We know that many of the local bands are extremely supportive of each other. You really seem to have a familial sense about you. It’s really nice to see people being supportive and not letting the idea of one-upping each other come into play. Those who share a similar vision tend to band together. As always, it’s ALL about the music.
Congratulations on being signed by Willpower Records. That’s an awesome opportunity. So I guess you will be heading to the studio to put out a new album soon. Does this open you up for some touring prospects?
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