Getting to Know: Ontario Garage Punks, Dead Broke

Posted by RiffYou On May 15, 2015 0 Comment

In today’s Getting to Know, we meet Dead Broke, a band whose crowd can handle a speaker-smack right to the face. If you are an indie artist or in an indie band that would like to partake in a Getting to Know feature, contact editor@riffyou.com to receive the questionnaire and instructions. Thanks!

Band Name: Dead Broke
Band Members: Michael Bright (vocals, guitar), Evan Saunders (drums), Rachel Bright (bass) and Zack Carlan (guitar).
Years Active: 4
City of Origin: Oakville, ON.
Latest Release: Dead Broke (2014)

Who are you and what do you do?
“My name is Zack and I play guitar in Dead Broke.”

In 20 words or less, how would you describe your band?
“A noisy, beer-soaked, assault of energy. We play punk influenced rock n’ roll from the garage.”

Why should people care about your band?
“Because getting your ears pulverized by loud rock n’ roll at least once a week is good for you.”

What is the most hilarious, frightening, or weird thing you have seen from the stage or while on the road?
“One thing I can think of was last year in New Dundee, Ontario where we play a fantastic cottage party/show every summer. As we were playing, we looked over to notice one of the PA speakers to be missing off of its mount. One unlucky partygoer had caught this massive speaker, with his face. Fortunately, he came out of it only with a bloody nose. I can still picture him with the speaker on his face. I really hope he had enough beer that night. Sorry dude.”

If you become a band that eventually fills stadiums or arenas, what would be the most ridiculous thing you’d require backstage?
“A life-size Venus de Milo Gummy. Every night.”

Which band could your band defeat in a street fight? What methods would you use to ensure victory?
“Dead Tired in a sudden death title-fight. We were ‘dead’ first.”

What is the most pretentious thing you’ve seen or heard from another musician/band? Did you love it or hate it?
“Well, I once heard a frontman ask his other band mates to call their new album Punk as Fuck and Better Than You Are. I Am Rock and Roll. I think that takes the cake.”

How do you feel about smartphones lighting up concert venues instead of lighters?
“I don’t think it’s really a big deal. It’s the way things are now. As long as your massive iPad isn’t lighting up all show in everyone’s faces so that you can capture 30 minutes of blurry noise that won’t ever be watched again.”

If you had to be a tribute act for just one band, who would it be and why?
“Huey Lewis and the News. We just can’t get enough.”

Is it better to burnout than to fade away?
“As a band, I think we’d much rather burn out. Right now for us it’s about playing as many shows as possible, booking tours, writing and recording new music whenever we can and progressing. If we had ever taken a different approach to this band we would be much different or would have faded out already.”