Getting to Know You
Band name: Dead Defined
Number of members: 1 (solo project)
Hometown: Markham, Ontario, Canada
Year formed: 2018
Genre(s): Hard Rock, Alternative Metal, Post-Grunge
Latest release: One Life (June 19, 2026)
Pre-save/Listen: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/deaddefined/one-life
What’s it about? One Life is a song about mental health, resilience, and making the most of the time we’re given. As someone who has experienced loss and life’s challenges firsthand, I wanted to write something that encourages people to keep moving forward. If the song helps even one person feel less alone, then it’s done its job.
Influences: Alter Bridge, Tremonti, Sevendust, Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown, Creed, Three Days Grace, Staind, Chris Cornell, and Filter.
How did the band come together?
Dead Defined began in 2018 as a creative outlet for me to tell stories and process life experiences through music. What started as a personal project quickly evolved into something much bigger. Working alongside producer Mike Dmitrovic of Voodoo Records Canada, I’ve been able to turn ideas into songs that connect with listeners around the world. Being a solo artist allows me to write from a very personal perspective and stay true to the message behind each release.
What is your proudest moment to date?
There have been a few milestones that stand out. Surpassing 5 million streams worldwide was something I never imagined when I started. Having my music featured on SiriusXM Octane’s New Music Friday was another huge achievement, as was reaching over one million streams on Yandex Music. More than any number, though, hearing from listeners who tell me that a song helped them through a difficult time is what I’m most proud of.
What are the biggest challenges of being in an independent band?
The biggest challenge is wearing every hat yourself. Writing, recording, promotion, social media, artwork, marketing, distribution, and networking all fall on your shoulders. It’s easy to underestimate how much work happens behind the scenes. The upside is having complete creative freedom, but it requires a lot of discipline and persistence to keep moving forward.
What are your views on the impact of streaming on bands?
Streaming has created opportunities that didn’t exist twenty years ago. Independent artists can now reach listeners across the globe without a major label. At the same time, the financial reality is difficult. It takes millions of streams to generate meaningful revenue. I view streaming as a powerful discovery tool rather than the primary source of income. It’s helped Dead Defined reach countries and audiences I never would have accessed otherwise.
What’s next for the band?
The focus right now is on promoting One Life, a song centered around mental health, resilience, and finding hope when life gets difficult. I’m continuing to write new material and build on the momentum from recent releases. The goal is simple: keep creating honest music that resonates with people and continue growing the Dead Defined audience worldwide.
Six of the Best
1. Alter Bridge
Genre: Hard Rock / Alternative Metal
Country: United States
Release that you love: Blackbird
Why they’re awesome:
For me, Alter Bridge sets the standard for modern hard rock. The songwriting, musicianship, and emotion are second to none. Mark Tremonti’s guitar work and Myles Kennedy’s vocals create a combination that’s hard to match. Blackbird remains one of the most powerful rock songs ever written.
2. Sevendust
Genre: Alternative Metal / Hard Rock
Country: United States
Release that you love: Animosity
Why they’re awesome:
Sevendust has always balanced heaviness with melody in a way few bands can. Lajon Witherspoon’s vocals are incredible, and their music carries a level of honesty that has inspired me for years. Their consistency and longevity are something every independent artist can admire.
3. Tremonti
Genre: Hard Rock / Heavy Metal
Country: United States
Release that you love: A Dying Machine
Why they’re awesome:
Mark Tremonti continues to push himself as both a guitarist and vocalist. The songwriting is aggressive, emotional, and incredibly well crafted. Every release feels like an artist striving to get better rather than repeating the same formula.
4. Breaking Benjamin
Genre: Hard Rock / Alternative Rock
Country: United States
Release that you love: Phobia
Why they’re awesome:
Breaking Benjamin writes songs that connect immediately while still carrying emotional weight. Their ability to blend heavy riffs with huge choruses has influenced countless bands. They remain one of the strongest voices in modern rock.
5. Shinedown
Genre: Hard Rock
Country: United States
Release that you love: The Sound of Madness
Why they’re awesome:
Shinedown has never been afraid to tackle difficult subjects like mental health, addiction, and personal growth. Brent Smith is one of the best frontmen in rock today, and their music consistently delivers both power and positivity.
6. Filter
Genre: Alternative Rock / Industrial Rock
Country: United States
Release that you love: Title of Record
Why they’re awesome:
Richard Patrick has always done things his own way. Filter’s music combines raw emotion, memorable hooks, and a unique edge that still sounds fresh today. They’re one of those bands that deserves far more recognition than they receive.
