Interview: Catching Up with Dead Defined

It’s been a while since we spoke to the industrial rock/pop solo project, Dead Defined, so in this interview we find out what they’ve been up to recently.

1. Hello! Welcome back. It’s been a little while, so first things first, how are you and have there been any significant changes since we last spoke?

It’s been a busy year, but in a good way. Personally, I’ve been focusing on staying grounded, looking after my mental health, and putting my energy into things that really matter. Musically, there’s definitely been a shift. I’ve spent less time worrying about trends or trying to fit into a certain sound and more time writing music that honestly reflects where I am in life. That change in mindset has made this new chapter feel a lot more genuine.

2. So, what’s new? What’s keeping you busy this time around? A new album/EP/single release? A new video? Playing live, or planning ahead?

The biggest thing right now is the release of my new single, “One Life.” It’s one of the most personal songs I’ve ever written because it tackles mental health and reminds people that we only get one life, so it’s worth fighting for. Along with the release, I’ve been doing interviews, promoting the song, and reaching out to as many people as possible who might connect with its message. There are also plans for more music, so this is really just the beginning of what’s coming next.

3. Describe what fans/listeners can expect.

I think listeners can expect honesty more than anything. Musically, it’s still rooted in the hard rock sound people know Dead Defined for, but there’s a lot more emotion behind this release. I wanted people to hear something that feels real instead of manufactured. Whether someone is struggling themselves or knows someone who is, I hope they walk away feeling understood and maybe even a little less alone.

4. Tell me about the work that has gone into making it a reality and what it means to you to see it come to fruition?

A lot more goes into releasing a song than people realize. There’s the writing, recording, production, artwork, promotion, videos, interviews, and countless hours behind the scenes trying to make sure the music reaches people. As an independent artist, you wear every hat. Seeing One Life finally released is incredibly rewarding because I know how much time, effort, and heart went into every detail. More importantly, seeing people connect with the message makes all of that work worthwhile.

5. Sum up what this latest development says about you and where you find yourself at this moment in time?

I think it shows that I’ve become more comfortable being vulnerable. Earlier in my career I probably focused more on making heavy music, but now I’m just as interested in making meaningful music. If sharing my own experiences helps someone else get through a difficult day or starts an important conversation, then I’ve accomplished something bigger than simply releasing another song.

6. Has the time since we last spoke been a mostly positive period and has there been any one thing that stands out as being good?

Overall, yes. There have definitely been challenges, but there have also been a lot of positives. Releasing One Life and seeing people genuinely connect with it has been one of the biggest highlights. I’ve also had some great opportunities through interviews and media coverage, which has helped introduce the song and its message to an even wider audience. Knowing that something you’ve created is making a difference is hard to beat.

7. How about something that has challenged you since we last spoke? Has there been any particular thing that tested you, and if so, how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge has probably been balancing everything. Outside of music, I’m working toward a career in aviation maintenance, so trying to juggle school, life, and an independent music career can be demanding. I’ve learned that you don’t overcome those challenges by doing everything perfectly. You overcome them by staying consistent, even if progress feels slow. Just showing up every day eventually adds up.

8. What is a realistic goal you’d like to achieve over the next 12 months?

I’d love to continue building on the momentum from One Life by releasing more music that people genuinely connect with. I’d also like to reach new listeners around the world, play more live shows, and continue growing Dead Defined without losing sight of why I started making music in the first place. If the next year leaves even more people feeling understood through these songs, I’ll consider that a success.

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