DROP DEAD, GORGEOUS – AN ARTIST SPOTLIGHT AND INTERVIEW
By Ralph Beauchamp
Drop Dead, Gorgeous is a post-hardcore five piece based out of Denver. After an extended hiatus, Drop Dead, Gorgeous have returned with a new mission and fresh fire. They recently have released two singles that will elevate them right back into the musical mainstream. “Six Feet” is a devastating track that features dynamic guitar riffs, ferocious vocals and a cadence that is simply intoxicating, The dirty growls carry the song to new heights. “Burn” is an anthemic masterpiece. The groove is melodically hard and sonically brazen while the vocals are brutally cinematic. Every note is an aural explosion of galvanic proportions.
Drop Dead, Gorgeous is comprised of core members Daniel Stillman (Lead Vocals/Keys), Danny Cooper (Drums) and Jake Hansen (Bass). The band is rounded out by Jacob Belcher (Guitars) and River Wilde (Guitar). Their sound blends melodic vulnerability with abrasively chaotic energy. Drop Dead, Gorgeous‘ songwriting is impressive. They constantly embed frantic guitar work, sharp breakdowns and emotionally-charged vocals. They exude a divine rawness that easily resonates with their followers.
Drop Dead, Gorgeous have always experimented with contrasting moods. They pair dark soundscapes with aggressive rhythmic shifts in order to create something unique and singular. They also balance polished musicianship with a bold hardcore edge. In both sound and aesthetics, Drop Dead, Gorgeous have heightened their post-hardcore flair to truly represent today’s modern times.
Danny Cooper was kind enough to sit with AMP for this informative interview.
AMP: How did Drop Dead, Gorgeous first come together? What was the spark that made you decide to form a band?
DANNY: Drop Dead was formed when we were all a bunch of teenagers in various local bands. No real goal in sight, just kids getting together and making music.
AMP: Do you remember your first show? What was the experience like?
DANNY: I believe our first show was a High School battle of the bands. It was probably awful, but I remember us having a good time and people enjoying it.
AMP: Looking back, what’s something from your early years that still defines the band today?
DANNY: The local music scene in Denver was wild in the early days of the band. There were so many cool bands that certainly influenced us at the time and still today.
AMP: Drop Dead, Gorgeous has a very distinct mix of aggression and melody. How do you balance those elements in your songwriting?
DANNY: I think the elements of our songs are pulled from elements of life. Sometimes, life is great, sometimes, not so great. I think the emotions we feel as humans come out in our music.
AMP: Your new single is “Burn”. Can you walk us through on how the song came about?
DANNY: “Burn”, in our opinion, is a natural progression of a band that has been together for 20+ years. As people grow and their music taste and abilities evolve, so does the music!
AMP: Working in the same vein, what’s your creative process like? Does it start with lyrics, riffs or an overall concept?
DANNY: There’s no real blueprint for how Drop Dead songs come together. Anything can spark an idea for a song, whether it be a melody, drum beat, guitar riff, etc. Sometimes songs come together easily, sometimes they take a little more effort.
AMP: What’s your most memorable live show – good or bad?
DANNY: We most recently played a show in Denver, Colorado, where the band was formed. It was our first show in 14 years, and our first show since the passing of our guitar player Kyle Browning. It meant a lot to all of us to be able to get together and put on a show after all these years.
AMP: How do you feel about the post-hardcore scene today compared to when you started?
DANNY: The genre has evolved in so many ways. It has been very enjoyable to step back into this scene and write songs for Drop Dead again. There are so many good bands right now and it is awesome to see the genre still alive and well.
AMP: What’s next for Drop Dead, Gorgeous?
DANNY: We have plenty more coming for Drop Dead. Starting with a release very soon and more early next year. We also plan to go back into the studio sometime next year!
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