Devil's Gate Music
Related Articles
Manchester-based duo Dead Romantic have just dropped their debut single ‘All Talk’. Kerrang Radio is already onboard, are you? To help you make up your mind, here’s our introduction to Dead Romantic, from both Ben and Mike.
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
Ben: We started the band during lockdown, so this band is straight out of 2020. Mike and I started talking on social media about working together and Dead Romantic was formed amidst the worldwide chaos. We recorded our debut single, All Talk at Mike’s studio and it’s all come together really fast! Because we’re such a new band, we’ve yet to play our first gig. The world is in a strange situation right now with COVID but we’ve managed to stay very active and started putting plans in place for an EP which we’ll release next year. We’re hoping to begin rehearsals soon to get prepared and gig-ready for when the time is right!
What should people expect when they check the band/you out? How would you describe yourself?
Ben: People should expect a good time, high energy Rock/Pop band – if you like your music with BIG guitars, melodic catchy hooks & atmospheric synths, we should be right up your street 🙂
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
Ben: I think it mostly comes down to playing the music you love and doing it for the passion and fun! You’ve got to do what feels right and follow your heart with this. There are so many fantastic new bands out there. I think carving a lane for yourself is important, being creative with sounds and ear candy helps.
Debut single ‘All Talk’ has just been released, how long did it take to come together, and what was it about this particular song that made you chose it as your debut?
Ben: It all really happened within a couple of sessions, the song structure came about naturally and fit together. We felt like this was the first choice for our debut single, it’s a nice opening representation of the Dead Romantic sound.
Is the single indicative of what a full-length debut album would sound like?
Ben: In terms of production and feel, definitely. There are some rockers and some pretty epic-sounding ballads in the works. We’re just loving what we’re creating here, it’s a lot of fun and the whole recording process is great for writing and experimenting.
Eddy Thrower from Lower Than Atlantis fame, plays drums on the track, how did you get him on board? Have you known him for a while?
Ben: Eddy is a friend of Mike’s. Eddy’s played drums on a few tracks on the forthcoming album, he’s an incredible talent and such a cool guy! We’re big fans of LTA and Eddy’s drumming style so it’s really cool to team up.
The single was released on Mercia Records and SONY/Orchard Global. To what extent are SONY involved with the band?
Ben: Mike is also the producer of the album and owns the label releasing things. Mike’s label “Mercia Records” is distributed through Sony/Orchard so I would say it a great collaborative release.
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
Ben: We would love to open for 30 Seconds To Mars, or anyone really that we fit well with. We never put limits on things… there are so many killer touring bands that we’d love to go out with. We think our sound easily crosses the line between Rock & Pop From Motley Crue to the 1975.
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
Ben: Dead romantic 😉
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
Mike: It was seeing Michael Jackson live with Jennifer batten on guitar. I’ve never been the same since. Haha
Ben: I think it’ll have to be hearing Metallica – Battery. It blew my mind as a kid! The classical guitar intro leading into one of the heaviest, most killer riffs ever!
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Ben: For me, I think it was Stray Cats on their U.K. tour at the end of last year! Man, that was a whole year ago now… I’d got tickets to a few gigs this year but they’ve all been postponed to a year in advance. I was really hoping to see My Chemical Romance this year for their comeback show! The last show for Mike was a day before lockdown, seeing his bud Phil X of Bon Jovi with his own band The Drills in the UK. Phil and Mike go way back and it was a great chance to catch up.
What current issue are you particularly passionate about?
Ben: Wow, 2020 certainly is the year of ‘big issues’ so to speak. Personally, climate change is the one that is the most crucial issue and has been for so long, out of everything it’s a matter of survival for nature and the world we all call our home. I’m glad it’s being taken seriously now and changes are being made, I just hope we can do enough to save our planet before it’s too late.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Ben: Hmm, good question! I just had a look and I’m gonna say Shania Twain – Come On Over. That’s a killer album with, takes me back to being a kid haha
Mike: Old 40’s jazz. I love to unwind listening to classics.
What are your plans for the remainder of 2020?
Ben!: We’ve got plenty of new songs to record for our next releases. Rehearsals, photos, promotional videos. We’ll be planning out which new songs go on the EP for and putting preparations in place for upcoming gigs for next year.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
Ben: Pretty much each day we’re all using Instagram and Facebook for promo! I like to post stuff in my story, whether it’s related to music or not – just whatever seems appropriate that day and how I’m feeling really! I love animal videos and stuff. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @deadromanticband 😀
Who would you class as the definitive Manchester band? Also, Blue or Red? Or neither!
Ben: The definitive Manchester band is Oasis. Timeless music that crosses so many generations. That band needs to get back together soon and do some more music! I’m not a massive football fan now (sorry) I used to love it as a kid and play it at the park with my friends, but when I got into music I just kind of left it behind. I’m from Stoke in the Midlands, so my local team is Stoke City, so that’s red & white haha!
Mike: So many great relented Manchester acts. I always think Morrissey, Oasis, The 1975…My mum is from Manchester and my grandad is a Man City fan. I’m not really a football dude so I’ll stay away from this lol. Even though my family is from Manchester, I’m still fairly new here and just learning the ins and outs… I’ve yet to attend a football game.
