EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - DEAD CROWN

We had a privilege to speak to one of the newest hot bands out there in the current metal/core scene, Dead Crown from Portland. The band released so far two heavy singles/videos which you can see below!


1. First of all guys, how would you describe yourself as a band? When you started and how you find members? Who came up with the band name?

We are four dudes from Portland, who drink whiskey and like writing heavy ass music. With that being said, we all just kind of formed and came together naturally. As far as the band name, I can’t remember who came up with it, but when it was thrown in the pot it was an immediate decision. It just embodied everything we were going for and everything we are.

2. You released not long ago a new kick ass single "Black Sheep" and made a video for it? What was the idea for the video and the lyrical inspiration for it? How are you satisfied so far by the feedback?

The lyrics stem from experiences I’ve had in life growing up and presently. For the video, we really wanted to create compelling imagery that matched the song content but also shed a light on some subjects that don’t get addressed all the time. Subjects such as suicide, child abuse, and self-image/worth. The reaction has been great! Almost too great. We were expecting a little bit of backlash for the video content but we haven't really had a single bad comment or reaction on the video and song.

 
3. You are from Portland. Tell us how is the scene there?


The scene is rough if I’m being honest. Shows that sell out in other cities don’t really get close to selling out in Portland and I think just overall metal attendance is down. So it’s been a struggle trying to get new listeners in our city. But we won’t stop trying and hope to build the scene back up here.
 
4. What is next for Dead Crown? Is there some date for EP or an album to be released soon? How many songs is your live set?


We head out on tour in July and have some other offers in the works. We will have an album out hopefully before the year is over. Our live set is 5-6 songs.

5. Kendall (vocalist) you make also t-shirt designs and album artworks. How do you find inspirations for that?

Well, design is my full-time job, so at this point, inspiration comes from everywhere and anywhere. Also, most of my clients and even my band mates will pitch me ideas to roll with.

6. To what music you grew up to and what are your fave bands today?

My introduction to music was from my dad and he got me really into bands like Motley Crue, Poison and Guns n' Roses, which I’m still fans of those bands and listen to them on a regular basis today. But as of late, I’ve been on a huge Post Malone kick. I have a lot of respect for that dude. He is talented and can actually play his stuff live. Most artists in that genre can’t even talk in a mic live without it being backtracked or sounding like shit.


7. What you think about all the fuss around new Suicide Silence album?

I wouldn't say it's the fuss, I would say it's a fact. It’s a shit album. And when you go from releasing great things to releasing shit records, your fans are going to say something.

8. How hard is for a band today in the core scene to make a living? I presume you all have day jobs to cover all the costs. I know how expensive is to be in a band, working closely in the past with bands, so tell us, because mostly the fans are not seeing this part of a being in the band.

It’s hard in general to actually make a living with music or to even get your band to a spot where it pays for itself. But honestly, I think a lot of bands aren’t going about things right or are just setting themselves up for financial failure without even knowing. People who say your band or music can’t generate income are full of shit. My past band and even Dead Crown have seen decent financial success for the extremely short time we've been a band and for only having 2 singles out. We all have day jobs, but we invested from the start so a lot of things now, band money can cover and we only have to chip in personally, here and there. Make good music, get good recordings, get good visuals and sick designs (Especially merch. Merch is where bands make a lot of money) and invest in your band. Strategize your releases and don’t just throw your shit out there on a random, sunny day. Push that shit everywhere and hustle your promo. Next thing you know, you'll start seeing cool checks from iTunes and Spotify and online merch orders being placed.

9. You manage all yourself social media? What would you say are good and bad stuff about it?

It's good because you can reach anyone that you want to reach. It’s bad because it's so over-saturated and it's extremely hard to get people to give you the time of day.

10. If you had a chance to pick one famous actor or actress to be in your next video who would you choose and why?

Probably Tom Hardy. That guy's performance in "Lawless" is probably my favorite acting performance of all time.

11. Tell us some interesting or crazy moment on the road or from the show that happened to you?

The last tour we were on we were driving through some back roads in Idaho and traffic came to a head stop at like 11 pm at night. There weren’t many cars at all so we could see what happened. Three cows got hit by a car and were just laying in the road. I think one was dead and the two others were probably put down. I’m vegan so it didn’t sit well with me seeing three cows suffer in the middle of the road, but it was crazy for sure.

12. And for the final shout out to...

Everyone and anyone who has supported us and continues to. Anyone who has bought merch or any of our singles. Your support helps us get our music out and on the road. We hope to see you all soon on our upcoming tour. if you're of age to consume alcohol, let's grab a drink!

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