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Craig Ewan is a self-taught singer/songwriter and mental health advocate from the very musical country town of Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada. Here, Craig talks to us about his solo rock project, Dead Defined.
What are the origins of Dead Defined?
Dead Defined is my solo rock project that started in 2018. I’ve always collaborated with some of Toronto’s top producers and session musicians, but the songwriting and vision have always come from me. It’s a project that lets me speak freely through music without any creative limitations.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Dead Defined?
Expect moody, riff-heavy alt-rock with emotional weight and big choruses. There’s a lot of honesty in my music as it blends personal struggles, resilience, and introspection with a hard rock edge. Think somewhere between Breaking Benjamin, Tremonti, and early 2000s post-grunge.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
It was nerve-wracking but unforgettable. Seeing people connect with songs I’d written in isolation was surreal. That first show taught me that music doesn’t fully come alive until it’s shared.
What are you working on at the moment that people can check out?
I just released a new single called Better off Alone, it’s my first new music in three years. It’s raw, aggressive, and touches on the emotional tension of relationships and self-reflection.
In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel you would be best suited to open for?
Shinedown, Nothing More, or even Myles Kennedy solo. Anyone walking the line between melody, grit, and emotional depth, I feel like my sound would resonate with that crowd.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
Sleep Token has already gained traction, but I’d love to see bands like Spiritbox continue to break the mold. They’re doing something unique and powerful.
What frustrates you about the music business?
It often feels like authenticity takes a back seat to algorithms and image. There’s also a constant pressure to always be “on” and producing content, rather than letting creativity breathe. It can burn people out, myself included.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
One of my first real musical memories was listening to Papa Roach – Infest on my Discman (yes, I said Discman) during a bus ride to summer camp. I had “Last Resort” on repeat the whole way there. That kind of raw, unfiltered energy made a lasting impression. A few years later, I picked up a guitar at an auction, and that was it. I knew I wanted to create music that hit just as hard.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
I saw Creed last November, and it was a full-circle moment for me. They were one of the bands that got me into rock in the first place. Hearing those songs live again after all these years was nostalgic, powerful, and honestly still holds up.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
Mental health, especially for men. I’m vocal about it in my music and on social media. We’re told to bury things, but vulnerability is strength. I’ve lost people to the weight of silence, so I do what I can to speak up.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Probably some older Johnny Cash. There’s something hauntingly honest in his delivery that feels timeless. It’s raw in a way that transcends genre.
Everybody is a fan of something. Who or what are you a fan of?
Aside from music, I’m a huge fan of aviation and storm chasing. There’s something calming in the chaos of nature. Also, my two poodles are my everyday companions and emotional support crew.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
The new Dayseeker material has been solid. Also digging what bands like Daughtry and Smash Into Pieces are doing. There’s a darker edge coming back to rock that I really connect with.
What does 2025 hold for you?
More singles, collaborations, and possibly returning to the stage. I’ve taken a break from live shows to focus on school and life, but the drive to perform is still there. I’m approaching everything more intentionally now and with patience.
How active are you on social media, and where can people connect with you?
I’m pretty active, especially around new music drops or behind-the-scenes content. Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are the main ones, and you can find all my links here: https://craigewan.fanlink.tv/DeadDefined
Thanks for the chat! Craig Ewan (Dead Defined)
Photo credit – Tim Deegan
