1.Introduce yourself and your band and tell us why we should listen to you:
My
name is Dave Perry and I am the creative force behind the one-man-band
that is Fear of Water. I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin but
have been living and making music in Austin, Texas for several years
now. I was clinically deaf for the first six years of my life due to a
number of birth complications and health issues. Music was paramount to
my recovery and since then I’ve known that it is my purpose to make as
much music as possible. I have performed and song written for many bands
but my main focus now is Fear of Water. You can find three (soon to be
four) albums of Fear of Water music on all major streaming and download
platforms. Music I have created has also been used in a number of
television shows and video games.
2.What
do you classify your sound as, Who do you tell people you sound like?
I
enjoy running the sonic gamut, but essentially I’d classify myself as
very melodic hard rock that can swing out of that into acoustic and
conversely into metal at times. For the sake of comparison, I’d
typically tell people a combination of Sevendust, Breaking Benjamin and
Foo Fighters.
3.With
digital music in today's world would you vote to keep or eliminate
physical media?
I am all for the physical packaging of music when it
contributes to the final product and it’s financially feasible. I don’t
see myself printing records any time soon but I will also buy physical
copies of my favorite artists’ new releases.
4.What
is the reason you decided to be a musician and has that reason paid
off?
Music has played an integral role in my psychological and personal
development as a man. I’ve been fortunate to have a skill set that
allows me to play any instrument I’m given in a way that expresses what I
want to convey, I can’t turn my back on that. I am creatively fulfilled
but would love to do more towards the advancement of my musical career.
5.How
do you feel about females in metal getting special attention? Do you
feel it is fair?
I am 100% good with musicians of any gender being
recognized and admired for their talent, showmanship and aesthetic,
hopefully a combination of the three.
6.In
the world climate with hatred being at an all time high and metal being
an “ angry” music, Do you think your music contributes to anger and
hatred?
Music is an outlet of expression and a reprieve from the
ugliness of the world, not a contributor.
7.Are
you opposed to religious beliefs or politics being used in music?
Not
at all. Music first and foremost comes from the expression and
articulation of an individuals thoughts and feelings. If that includes
politics or religion, then that’s their prerogative. If other people end
up liking that music containing those themes, then it’s a win-win for
those involved. I think it’s bullshit when an artist is told to “stick
to music” after making political commentary. Those worlds frequently
intersect. Don’t like it? Shut the fuck up and don’t listen.
8.We
have dive into some pretty deep issues here, do you think your music
sends a message and if so what is it?
The name “Fear of Water” is a
reference to humans being composed of over 80% water, and the fear so
many have in western society to be an individual, to be true to that
water/substance. My music is very focused on that internal and societal
conflict of conformity vs. individuality. My music also covers topics in
life that I’ve had to confront including child abuse, addiction and
suicide.
9.The
market has changed and many bands believe that record labels are a
thing of the past, with many labels now charging bands to “sign” how do
you think a band can make it in todays scene?
Music licensing has been
great for so many bands, including myself. Also the ability to record
incredible albums at high quality continues to drop in price, allowing
artists to consistently produce affordable music and then support their
craft with tours and merch sales.
10.Why
with the thousands of options including netflix , sporting events
everything on demand, Why do you think people should take the time to
listen to what you have to say in your music?
When I write music, my
main objective is to create something that I am proud of, something that
is personally cathartic and something that I would personally enjoy if I
didn’t write it. Beyond that, I’m always happy and humbled when people
enjoy what I have to share and say. I would never tell someone that they
should listen to my music instead of doing something else. My hope is
that the music speaks for itself and achieves that goal.
11.How
do you feel about pay to play? Do you think it is fair for a band to
have to pay money to play?
On a tour, absolutely. You’re paying for
access to a built in audience that, if you have a quality “product” to
share, should pay off in the form of new fans, merch sales and
potentially future tour opportunities.
12.It
is fact that you are the talent and the entertainment explain what you
think is the most important key to success?
I don’t know what it is,
otherwise I’d likely be successful by now. In the meantime, I strive to
be true to myself, be authentic with my music, and be kind to others
along the way.
13.In
country music and even in some cases rock music is written and
performed by different people would your band perform a song written by
someone else?
Absolutely. If Clint Lowery approached me with a song that
he felt was right for what I was doing, there’s not a chance in hell
that I’d say no to that simply because I didn’t create it. Great music
is great music, regardless of source.
14.If
you are pro female in music are you pro using sex to sell your music?
I
am not a female, and I’m not opposed to someone doing that, regardless
of gender, that’s their prerogative.
15.What
is your view on the lawsuits against people saying lewd or
unprofessional things to women or men and how does that affect an art
described as sex drugs and rock n roll ?
I think freedom of speech and
expression is critically important. I think artists should be free to
express whatever they want but they should also be aware that there’s
always consequences, good and bad, on various scales.
16.
Ok lets lighten up a bit. What is your favorite band of all time and
why?
Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl is a hero for the same reason as Trent
Reznor and Clint Lowery: I have the utmost respect for a
multi-instrumentalist front man who can stay relevant over decades, be
prolific with his music, be a great human being and overcome
tragedy/adversity with grace.
17.What
would you be doing if you were not in a band?
I run a social media
agency when I am not making music which I really enjoy but I’d drop it
in a second should the right musical opportunity arise.
18.
Do you have a favorite sports team?
I am a fan of Wisconsin teams as a
byproduct of my childhood but I am not passionate about any sports. I
care more about watching American athletes at the Olympics.
19.If
you could get on stage with anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Dave
Grohl, no question, and I fully intend to make that happen one day.
I feel like the myriad of issues with the music industry has been well documented at this point, but if I had to pick one in today’s day and age, I’d like to see streaming services drastically improve the compensation towards the artists on which they depend for their whole business.
