A Dirty Dozen with TED KELLIHER from FUSED BY DEFIANCE – October 2022
According to a recent press release: “Los Angeles metal band Fused By Defiance released their new single “Villain” to all major platforms along with the official lyric video today. The band has announced tour dates this fall in support of W.O.R. (dates below). The unadulterated ball of defiant energy known as Fused By Defiance (FxD), blends heavy riff driven rock, metal and rap with socially conscious lyrics. This dominant force continues to rise in popularity due to their memorable songs and highly energetic live performances. With the intention of social progress, this fearless five-piece has a reputation for defying the status quo in such an electric way that listeners are inspired to open their minds.” We get drummer Ted to discuss new music, influences, and more…
1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?
Our latest release is called “Villain.” It’s about reciprocating negative energy that has been projected on to you. Definitely check out the lyric video to get the full vibe. In the studio we added thick layers and grainy textures which help communicate the theme of the song, nothing intentionally “hidden” though. Maybe you’ll find something we haven’t heard yet.
2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?
My grandfather, dad, and brother got me into music. I remember many Christmases and camping trips as a boy when my grandfather would entertain the family playing guitar and harmonica. When I was about 10, my older brother got a CD player. I’d sit in his room listening to classic rock albums my dad and bro bought on these clunky headphones my dad had since his college days. A few years into doing that, my brother started taking guitar lessons. Wanting to be like him, but not exactly like him, I decided to learn how to play the drums.
3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?
In middle school, I was a huge U2 fan. Again my brother’s influence on me. U2 songs aren’t particularly difficult on drums, so they were fun to learn and jam on with my big bro.
4. Who would be your main five musical influences?
Not necessarily in this order: Danny Carey, Larry Mullen Jr., John Bonham, Brad Wilk, and Ginger Baker.
5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?
I’d love to collaborate with anyone who inspires me. It’s hard for me to get specific because the list is so long and endlessly growing.
6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?
Our music is thought provoking, riff-heavy metal. Other than that, I leave descriptions up to the listener. I’ve never cringed or disagreed with a listener’s comparison before. Usually, they have a hard time pinpointing who we sound like.
7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?
The best thing about being a musician is the creativity, freedom that goes along with it, and the excitement of performing on stage.
8. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?
We don’t do any of those things as a band. Maybe someday we will.
9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?
I was star struck when I met Danny Cary in a small club called The Mint in L.A. I shook his hand and watch him perform feet away from me with his project, Volto.
10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?
Maybe something in the health industry.
11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?
I will quote a hero of mine, Bob Ross. “We don’t make mistakes. We just have happy accidents.”
12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?
I tend not to fantasize about being places I wasn’t, so I can’t really answer that. I focus more on the idea that things happen as they are meant to.
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Category: Interviews