Interviews: The Deathtones

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Horror Rock band, The Deathtones from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

The idea for the name “The Deathtones” came out of a spitballing session at Mr. Grim’s house. We just threw around ideas until one sounded cool. We then voted on it, the name passed and we became “The Deathtones”. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Mr. Grim has always been obsessed with anything horror and had hinted a few times that we should do some horror rock. We noticed after 2020 our writing was getting darker and more geared toward the horror genre. (Not because of Covid, just because darker metal stuff is more fun to write). Also, the horror genre is, I think, often viewed as shock rock or comedy rock and not taken seriously as a musical genre, when really it’s one of the coolest genres around. The makeup and paint and pageantry and storytelling is really unique and interesting.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes. We knew each other for 2 years prior to the invention of “The Deathtones”. We had previously been in a more mainstream punk act called “RadioRiot!”. We received some radio play and performed at some venues, but The Deathtones is so much more fun.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Billy: 4-way tie between The Offspring, Green Day, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin

Mr. Grim: Motorhead, anything by Danzig.

Mikey: Green Day

Pat: Choking Victim, Dead Kennedys, the dulcet tones of Barbara Streisand. 

Dorian: Barry Gibb, and Jan (of Jan and Dean). His green favorites are Jan (of Jan and Dean), and the Andrews Sisters

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Everything quite honestly. It’s all about how you perceive the world. There is inspiration from other media (music, film, literature, etc) but there is also inspiration in everything else! Walking down the street and seeing something, a choice conversation you just had, or weather changes (it just snowed here, so it’s good inspiration for songs relating to desolation, loneliness, and death. (In a happy, songwriting way. Not a “jump off the roof” kinda way)

6. Where was your last gig?

October 2019. We played a Halloween show at a local bar venue. (As RadioRiot!, The Deathtones didn’t form until 2021.)

7. Where would you like to perform?

Anywhere that has a real stage (we have a bit of a stage show) -Anywhere that will have a turnout. -Anywhere that will pay.

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

Misfits, Blitzkid, Calabrese, The Other, Grave Robber, Wednesday 13, Bloodsucking Zombis From Outer Space, Cancerslug

9. Whom not?

No one is on that list currently.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Oh absolutely. There’s always a little lump in your stomach when you’re about to go onstage. The most important way of dispelling that feeling is to have learned and practiced your parts, rehearsed together, and have the self-confidence that these people are here to see ME. I’m going to put on a show for them. They came all the way from god knows where, and paid money and I owe it to them to do the best I can.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Obviously The Misfits, Blitzkid, and the other bands mentioned above, but really the list would be too long to write down. Everything you hear has the potential to inspire.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Well, she SAID she was a fan, but didn’t speak English very well and kept asking for my bank routing number after telling me I’d mistakenly not paid for Norton 360 antivirus software.

13. What do you think of your fans?

What kind of question is that? We love every single person who has bought, streamed or supported us in any way. What kind of band would say “oh yeah we hate our fans”?

14. What do you think of our site?

10/10 - would answer interview questions again

15. Something to add?

Check out our bandcamp for the latest releases https://thedeathtones.bandcamp.com (https://thedeathtones.bandcamp.com)