Detroit, Michigan’s DEATH FROM DETROIT are living proof that raw talent, ambition and honesty can prevail in an ever changing music industry. By aligning their unwavering dedication with a signature sound, DEATH was conceived by band leader and Guitarist David Hackney (1952-2000) in 1973. Although no one at the time would disagree that the unique Rock-N-Roll sound of DEATH was revolutionary, the name stirred controversy and mixed reactions.Despite the fact that one of the music industry’s most well known and powerful record label executives offered DEATH a possible deal in 1975, if they considered changing their name, David still refused, staying true to their concept, vision and inspiration. The band managed to get it’s master recordings back in their possession and released a 45 vinyl record in 1976, which launched the band and their music on an incredible 35 year journey. By aligning their unwavering dedication and work ethic with a truly revolutionary sound. In 2008, DEATH’s music was rediscovered and noted by Rock historians as the sound that pre-dated the “Punk” movement of sound by five years… Read More About DEATH FROM DETROIT
1.) What attracted you the most to music? What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living?
Our’s was a family decision. We were three very close-knit brothers who explored just about everything together. When we explored music and playing instruments, we knew right away that if we became good enough, we would want to do it for a living, or at least make playing and creating music an integral part of our lives.
2.) Did anyone influence you to do music? If so, who? Influences? Role Models?
Growing up in Detroit, we had many influences, Motown, Detroit Rock, bands and singers playing everywhere throughout the city. I mean in Detroit, music was just plain in the air; all you had to do was breathe.
3.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
Stay true to my art, my craft, my music, and most of all, myself.
4.) Do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead? Why or why not?
Of course it is, it’s a progression of time, generation, and culture. Radio stations and print magazines no longer rule like they once did. Technology has become an unstoppable force that has sucked up the industry, with no end in site. Every device is a small television that has everyone’s attention, so the traditional way of operating in the music business now has to be a fineline mixture of the traditional way and the new way.
5.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?
Yes. It’s really a good and bad thing. It good because artist now have a platform to get their music across It’s only a bad thing because most artist don’t know the business side as well to truly take advantage of this platform.
6.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
If you are a true artist you will survive if you only have an instrument, a pencil or pen, and a piece of paper, but if an artist wants to thrive in today’s market you either have to be social media savvy, or have someone on your team that is.
7.) What made you want to get into the music business in the first place?
See item answer no.1
8.) What does 2015 hold for Death, what can your fans expect from you this year?
A brand new album to be released on April 21, appearance dates are scheduled for New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. this coming May. Death will also be performing in London, the Netherlands, and in BC this coming summer, along with some other very interesting projects we are planning… we’ll keep you posted.
9.) What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in life and has that had any effect on your path to becoming a musician and if so, why?
Two things, I would have to say the most difficult thing was losing my Dad in 1968 and my brother and songwriting partner David. Losing our Dad had the most effect for us pursuing music, as we remembered how proud he was that his sons would stick together and play music together.
10.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why?
When David came up with the name Death in 1974, he was convinced there was no other Rock act that could be compared to Death. After living and witnessing this story and his prophetic proclamation about Death, I would have to agree with him. I can’t compare any artist I have heard of or know of that I would compare to the Death story.
11.) Since a lot of popular artists are forced to conform in order to please the general public, is this something you plan to do in order to make money or do you feel that you can be successful by just staying true to who you are?
The only answer I could give for this is for you to watch the film/documentary “A Band Called Death” there, you will find the true, most complete answer to your question.
12.) When you do music, what do you think your listeners get out of your music?
I hope they get the feeling I felt when I first heard the magic within, because that magic is what we try to convey on our records and live performances.
