Welcome to the feature where we talk to musicians about some of their favourite things about the industry. Today we speak to Craig of Dead Defined who has recently released the single Better Off Alone. Today I ask some difficult questions about favourite things about the music industry.

What is your Favourite:

Song you have written

“Better off Alone” is one of those moments where everything poured out fast and nothing felt forced. Proud of this one, even now.

Lyric

“Can’t fake a smile when the silence gets loud.”
It never made it into a song (yet) but it probably should have. That line says everything about what I was going through during the gap between releases.

Musician

Mark Tremonti. His playing, his tone, his work ethic, the guy’s a machine. He’s been a massive influence on how I approach guitar and songwriting. I met him once and told him straight up that his music helped pull me through some dark places.

Film or Television Show

The Punisher on Netflix. Not because it’s flashy, but because it’s gritty and real. It doesn’t sugarcoat pain, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need to see.

Venue to perform at

The Rockpile in Toronto, Canada. It’s not the biggest venue, but it’s home turf. Played some early shows there and got my footing as a live artist. There’s a comfort in that.

Item to take with you on tour

Caffeine and cough drops. Not glamorous, but when your voice is your instrument, those two things become gospel.

Instrument

A simple electric with a warm tone, usually a Gibson. I don’t go for flashy gear. It just needs to hold up live and not fight me in the studio.

Song to play live

“Better off Alone” I don’t play live at the moment, but if and when that changes, this would be the one. It hits different depending on where I’m at mentally and every time I go through the lyrics, it feels like I’m getting something off my chest. 

Album by another musician

Infest by Papa Roach. That was blasting in my headphones on the way to summer camp as a kid. It was loud, angry, and honest. It cracked open something in me creatively.

Memory of tour

Seeing the guys from Sevendust at a bar and buying them drinks. It wasn’t about fanboying, it was just mutual respect. They’ve been through it, and so have I in my own way.

Era for music

Late ‘90s to early 2000s. That era shaped everything I do. It was polished, emotional, and heavy in a way that still holds up today.

Part of making a record

That early demo stage when the song still has all its raw edges. Before the editing, before the mix, just that first spark where it feels like you got it.

Thing about performing at festivals

You’re in the dirt with everyone else. No backstage illusion, no glamour, just the music, connection, and that shared chaos. You’ve got 30 minutes to prove you belong.

Quote:

“You don’t always need people to lean on. Sometimes the most honest kind of love comes from your dog.” It sounds simple, but I lived that. After losing Dexter, that line became something more than just a thought. It became a belief.

Thing about the music industry at the moment

There’s more freedom now than ever, but also way more noise. You’ve gotta cut through with truth, not trends. That’s what I’ve been trying to get back to.

Thing about this year so far?

Letting go of the pressure to always be “on.” Releasing a song after three years wasn’t about hype. It was about finally being ready to say something again, and meaning every word of it.

It is really hard to find a lot of information on this song but take a listen to it today.

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