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10 Questions with ... Tyler Connolly of Theory Of A Deadman
April 28, 2020
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Left to Right: Tyler Connolly (lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitar), Dave Brenner (rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals), Dean Back (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Joey Dandeneau (drums, backing vocals)1. Where does this interview find the band right now?
I'm at home in Los Angeles, but we were supposed to be on our U.S. spring tour right now so definitely am missing that.
2. Let’s start at the beginning. I know the band has been around since 2001. Give us the scoop on where and how the band formed?
Myself and Dean (bass player) worked at a restaurant together as well as the original drummer in high school. We would play the odd shows around town and recorded some demos together which ended up getting us signed to a deal.
3. Who came up with the name Theory Of A Deadman and what is the significance of the name?
It was a song title from our first record. We ended up changing the name of the song to “The Last Song” and took the thought provoking title as the band name. It was Dean who thought that could be a cool band name.
4. What bands have inspired you and you’d list as major influences?
Grunge for sure. We grew up a couple hours from Seattle so felt influenced a lot by that scene, with Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, and Pearl Jam to name a few.
5. Now let’s talk about your new single “World Keeps Spinning.” What can you tell us about the meaning behind that song?
It discusses the struggles with depression and anxiety, something that a lot of people including myself have had to deal with. The feeling of being alone and trapped are so timely with what we are all faced with right now.
6. This is the second single at Rock Radio from the album “Say Nothing.” What can you tell us about the album?
This album continues in the direction of the last record “Wake Up Call.” More thought provoking lyrics that take me outside my comfort zone and also a lot of creative ideas that we haven’t done before.
7. Theory Of A Deadman has had great success at Rock radio for many years. What’s your take on Rock Radio here in the states and do you have any favorite on-air radio moments you can share with us?
Rock radio is great in the states! We’ve been blessed with playing with so many bands over the years that we’ve admired and followed on radio and it’s crazy to think now that we’ve been doing it for almost 20 years. We’ve had so many great times with radio stations whether it was in studio performances with winners to cook outs and festivals. I DO remember when I said the F- bomb LIVE on air once and I never felt so embarrassed. Not a favorite moment but a memorable one.
8. With the state of the world now during the Coronavirus pandemic, tours have been put on the back burner for the time being. What are your future tour plans in support of the new album at this point?
Our US spring tour is being postponed to late Fall 2020, but we are still excited for the Summer tour with Breaking Benjamin, Bush, Saint Asonia and Corey Marks.
9. I’ve asked this question many times to Rock artists. There’s a definite difference between making a record and going out and playing it live in front of an audience. Many feel that the real work is making the record, and the fun part is playing it live. What’s your take on both of these processes?
I've said that before as well. I think for us nowadays even the studio is fun. The songs are all written before we go in so there is no pressure once we get in there. Especially the last two records where we got to record them in London. So it was a blast. Touring is my fave. It’s so much fun to see all the guys, but I live to perform. It’s definitely the best job in the world!
10. Finally, what do you and other members of your band like to do for fun (hobbies etc.) when you’re not in “Rock Band” mode?
Golf, Hockey, Dean and myself try to keep in shape when are on the road. We also like playing PS4 hockey. Sometimes the four of us will play as a team in the Stanley cup, and never get tired of it.
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