Introducing…. Dead Defined

Dead Defined emerged in 2018 as a deeply personal project, channeling raw emotion and life experiences into music. Over the years, the sound has evolved, balancing heavy rock foundations with introspective depth. In this interview, Dead Defined reflects on influences, songwriting, and the journey so far.

Click Roll Boom: Tell me about how you got started?

Dead Defined: Dead Defined began in 2018 as a way to process a lot of internal noise I didn’t know how to explain. I’d been playing music for years, but this was the first time I put everything out there under one name. It started small, just me, a guitar, and a lot of late nights, but grew into something that felt like a real reflection of where I was mentally and emotionally at the time.

CRB: How would you describe your sound, and how has it evolved since you first started?

DD: It’s rooted in heavy rock, but it’s always shifting depending on where I’m at in life. Early on, the sound was more about impact—big riffs, loud choruses. Over time, it’s become more layered and introspective. There’s still weight to the songs, but now there’s more space to breathe, more room for vulnerability.

CRB: Who or what have been some of your biggest influences, musically and beyond?

DD: Musically, I’ve always been drawn to bands like Creed, Staind, Filter, and Shinedown—artists who weren’t afraid to be raw and emotional while still sounding massive. Beyond music, a lot of the influence comes from life itself, mental health, grief, growth. I’ve always believed the best songs come from the parts of life that leave a mark.

CRB: What does your songwriting process typically look like – is it a more individual or collaborative effort?

DD: It usually starts with me, alone—a guitar, a melody, a few lines that feel too personal not to write down. Once I have the bones of something, I’ll take it to the studio and work closely with Mike Dmitrovic at Voodoo Records to bring it to life. While it’s a solo project, there’s definitely a collaborative layer when it comes to shaping the final sound.

CRB: How do you approach experimenting with new sounds or ideas when creating music?

DD: I try not to overthink it. Sometimes it’s about chasing a feeling rather than a genre. If something makes me uncomfortable in a good way, I lean into it. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from playing it safe, and neither does honesty in music.

CRB: What’s been one of the most memorable moments in your journey so far?

DD: Probably hitting “release” again after a long break. Life had shifted, and stepping back into the music world after a few years away was both terrifying and freeing. There’s something powerful about reclaiming your voice after silence.

CRB: How do you prepare for live shows, and what do you aim to bring to your performances?

DD: I try to stay grounded mentally, physically, and emotionally. Live shows are where everything comes together, and I want the energy to be real. I don’t aim for perfection; I aim for connection. If someone in the crowd feels something because of what I’m putting out there, that’s everything.

CRB: How do you balance creative expression with staying connected to your audience?

DD: It’s a constant push and pull. I write from a personal place, but I’ve found that the more honest I am, the more it resonates. People don’t want filters, they want truth, even if it’s messy. I try to share just enough to remind people they’re not alone in what they feel.

CRB: What do you hope listeners take away from your work?

DD: I hope they find something they can hold onto—a lyric, a feeling, a moment that makes them feel seen. Music helped me through some dark times, and if my songs can do that for someone else, that means more than numbers ever will.

CRB: What does the future hold for you – any plans or goals you’re excited about?

DD: Right now, it’s about creating with purpose. There’s always more music coming—some already in the works, some still just scribbled in notebooks. I’m not trying to chase trends or noise. I just want to keep building something that feels real and evolves with me.