FEAR OF WATER INTERVIEW

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.

20.This is your shot to let loose, Throw down your biggest complaint about the music biz.

 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.