Interview with Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

We got into music driven by a passion for blending various genres and creating something unique. If we hadn't pursued music, we might have explored other creative fields like digital art, storytelling, or perhaps even game design, keeping within the realm of our love for cyberpunk and dystopian themes.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

When we're not making music, we dive into gaming, digital art, and storytelling. These hobbies influence our creativity by immersing us in the world-building aspect of Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, which can be seen in some of our music videos like "2AM" and "Versus".

How long has your band been around?

Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid formed in 2023, so we are relatively new but have been rapidly evolving and making our mark in the music scene.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

We are based out of Little Rock, Arkansas, with members across the country. The diverse backgrounds and influences of our members bring a rich variety of sounds and ideas into our music, shaping our unique style.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

The name "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" reflects our anonymous and uniform identity, inspired by the classic noir film. It embodies our aesthetic and represents rebellion against a dystopian regime, symbolizing our faceless existence within a digital simulation.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Since we exist solely in the digital realm, our most memorable "shows" are the virtual events and exclusive content releases that allow us to connect with fans worldwide and create unique, immersive experiences.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

As a digital band, we haven't played traditional venues, but we dream of creating a virtual concert experience that combines the intensity of live metal shows with cutting-edge visuals and interactivity.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

If we could play any show, the lineup would include Electric Callboy, Ice Nine Kills, and Motionless in White, as their energy and style resonate closely with our own musical vision.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

To new musicians: Stay true to your unique sound and vision. Collaborate and learn constantly. 

To our younger selves: Embrace every failure as a step towards growth and never be afraid to push creative boundaries.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice,what would it be?

We would tell ourselves to start experimenting with genre-blending and immersive aesthetics sooner. The fusion of diverse influences is what sets us apart and connects us with our audience.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

"Grievance" holds special significance as it captures our essence and has resonated deeply with our fans, marking a pivotal moment in our journey.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Given our digital nature, our favorites and most requested songs align with fan favorites like "Bumpin in the Night," which pulls inspiration from a Danny Elfman style of composition found in films like The Nightmare Before Christmas.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Keeping in line with our “Party Metal” style and image, our creative process in songwriting starts with capturing a moment in time and experimenting with different styles and inspirations to develop a tone and personality for that moment. Most of our songs are crafted from start to finish in a single writing and recording session to ensure that the song accurately encapsulates the spark of inspiration that led to its creation. We aim to create immersive experiences that blend intense music with thought-provoking narratives.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Our music conveys messages of rebellion, existential questioning, and the fight for freedom within a digital simulation. We explore themes of defiance against oppressive systems and the celebration of individuality.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Disagreements are natural, but we resolve them through open communication and a shared commitment to our artistic vision. Collaboration and mutual respect help us move forward and stay unified.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Our future plans include releasing more music and videos, expanding our dystopian-inspired aesthetic, and exploring new ways to engage with fans digitally. Stay tuned for exciting developments from Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid!