Interviews: Dead Fish Handshake

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Rock band, Dead Fish Handshake, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Rob: The name originated through the countless conversations that Matthew and I had in the early days about the business side of the music industry. It was a play on the insincerity of the many characters we’d come across over the years. 

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

Matt: To me, rock music is where independent thought and the ability to question and reason on things came from. It was also something that I could relate to in my formative years. It’s said over and over but the relating is music is what let me know I was normal. I would imagine most fans of rock music would say the same thing. So when we picked up instruments it was only natural to want to try and be that "voice" for someone else.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Rob: We all met years prior. Darren and I were in a band for years together, and we all had shared the stage in our previous bands. Matt and I spoke frequently of writing songs together over the years. When our respective bands started to wind down, we took advantage of each other’s free time and composed the songs that ended up on “Across State Lines”. When we rounded out the band with Mark, it was an easy transition from all those years of cutting our teeth in the scene.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Matt: U2

Rob: Zeppelin

Darren: NOFX

Mark: Rush

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Matt: We are inspired by poetry and literature. Film and modern art as well as our own accomplishments and failures. Growth, maturity and reflection always served as inspirational moments in creativity.

6. Where was your last gig?

Rob: Our last live show was back in February of this year, at the Bergen Performing Arts Center with Collective Soul. Shortly after that, as we know, everything shut down and we had to cancel what was slated for the spring/summer.

7. Where would you like to perform?

Matt: We would love to get over to Europe eventually. Hopefully sooner than later.

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

Matt: For me, I would have loved to perform with Soundgarden. I always felt a connection to Chris Cornell and a lot of his memorabilia has been on my walls since I started playing music.

Rob: The night we played with STP was one those sweet moments for me. A Perfect Circle would be an awesome show.

9. Whom not?

Matt: As for who I WOULDNT want to perform with...I don't agree with a lot of the viewpoints in “satanic music” so that's where I would probably draw the line. But with that said, I'm pretty sure they WOULD never want to play with me either. Ha!

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Matt: Twenty years into singing, I still have stage fright every night. It's not something that goes away until that crowd makes noise and then you eventually settle in. And honestly I wouldn't change that. Younger musicians need to embrace it and let that fear of failing turn into excitement of the unknown. That frenetic energy is what creates something magical onstage. Experience will help you control it to your advantage.

Rob: For me, there’s always that rush prior to showtime, but I wouldn’t label it ‘stage-fright’. In fact, I welcome that anticipation. I think the key to managing it all lies in your preparation of the performance and approaching it from the perspective of positivity rather than thoughts of what can go wrong. Everyone’s different, but find that calming routine that works for you prior to walking out there. Personally, there’s a reassurance that I’m up there with 3 other dudes that have my back.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Matt: Collectively, we are influenced by Soundgarden, U2, NIN, Stone Temple Pilots, A Perfect Circle, Radiohead, Led Zeppelin, Rush, and Type O Negative.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Matt: Well it might not be something they asked for but I was cursed with ancient Indian burial feathers once and our security guy "Doc" had to come save the day and throw out the person. As long as my hair doesn't fall out then I would say I got away easy. Ha!

Rob: I can’t top that, but I do remember that day. Haha! Good ol’ Doc.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Rob: They are the best. They’re our lifeblood. We’re very fortunate to have a loyal base that openly embraces our musical ventures, so we go as they go.

Matt: Our fans are emotionally intelligent and I think they are reliable, dependable and should be praised for their dedication. We strive to be as inclusive as we possibly can to create the best fan experiences possible to express our gratitude.

14. What do you think of our site?

Rob: I just recently discovered it, but the site is great. You can tell a lot of hard work has been put into supporting rock and metal music. I love the sub-genre breakdown of playlists.

15. Something to add?

Rob: Every artist has a team behind the scenes that contribute to the big picture and we're no different. We're very grateful for everyone that helps keep the DFH train rolling. Whether they're part of the creative process with us or our road crew, we appreciate those hard working folks. Here's to more journeys together.