Getting to Know… The Deathtones | Interview 🎤

In the 318^th Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from Milford, Pennsylvania horror rock band, The Deathtones.

“We bring a theatricality rarely seen in a genre known for theatrics.” That sounds like a total mic drop, 🎙 The Deathtones! In response to our first burning question, the horror rock band from Milford, Pennsylvania expounds, “Any band can play four chords and sing about zombies, but we incorporate so many more elements that elevate our songs to be almost cinematic in nature. Sound effects, organs, strings, vocal and instrumental harmonies, just so much.” The Deathtones is comprised of 🎙 Billy Bones (lead vocals, guitars, keys), 🎙 Mikey Murder (bass, backup vocals), 🎙 Mr. Grim (drums), 🎙 Killer Pat (lead, rhythm guitar), and 🎙 Dorian Mordrake (lead guitar). What a crew – woo! Like our many other Getting to Know Q&As, we get the inside scoop on the collective: their genesis, goals, musical influences, and of course, current, and future musical endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into 🎤 Getting to Know… The Deathtones: Interview No. 318!

For those who may not be familiar with The Deathtones, what would you say makes you distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

🎤 We bring a theatricality rarely seen in a genre known for theatrics. Not only in our stage show and appearance but in our music as a whole. Any band can play four chords and sing about zombies, but we incorporate so many more elements that elevate our songs to be almost cinematic in nature. Sound effects, organs, strings, vocal and instrumental harmonies, just so much. Not to mention a thunderous rhythm section that creates an absolute wall of sound.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did The Deathtones form and what were some of the goals or visions you had early on?

🎤 The Deathtones began as a different band entirely. We originally got together in 2019 and went under the name “RadioRiot!”. That was a much more mainstream punk and metal act, but we wrote some good stuff. We released a few singles, an EP, and a full-length album, but we noticed along the line that our songs had taken a darker and more creepy tone and could honestly no longer be considered “mainstream”. Our drummer, Mr. Grim is quite possibly the biggest horror nut on the eastern seaboard and had been hinting for a while about us maybe transitioning to the horror music genre, so one day we just got together and spit-balled band names for a horror rock band. There were a few good ones in there but “The Deathtones” stood out. We voted, and that was that. Our goals that we had early on are the same goals that we have now. Get as big as we can in the genre, make music and be part of the next generation of horror rock legends. (Not shooting too high, are we?)

 Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting out? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

🎤 Our goals haven’t changed since we decided to form the band. Our execution in order to achieve those goals has changed, but the goals remain the same.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Whom would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

🎤 Every band member has their own story as to who is most influential for them, but as a group, we focus very much on the legendary Iron Maiden. They put on a jaw-dropping show complete with set changes, costume changes, lights, props and so much more. When I finally got the chance to see them live I thought “The production values are so good on this it’s like I’m watching a Broadway show that just happens to have Iron Maiden performing” and that’s how we want to be. We want to put on a show that you will remember for years to come.

Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

🎤 To be honest, we haven’t played that many shows. It’s hard to find gigs around us that will actually pay you to be there, so we focus primarily on building a great online presence and writing and releasing as much as we can. Nothing crazy or wacky, just hard work.

Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?  

🎤 I’m sure the other guys have opinions but being the one who does most of the preliminary writing (lyrics, melody, verses, choruses, etc.) I can’t really give you a solid answer. I love all our songs as they’re all different and tell a different story. There are certain riffs I like more than others, but as far as a favorite song, probably the last one I’ve written and recorded, as it’s the freshest in my mind. We release so much so often that it’s hard to form an emotional attachment.

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left-of-center the world should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

🎤 Between the 5 of us (6 if you count our femme fatale co-manager, Heather Grim) we are incredibly talented at filmmaking, effects, and writing. Mr. Grim is like the Tom Savini of the horror punk scene. Billy is a consummate actor and writer, like, we all have this great ability to create awesome stuff and share it with our fans.

Closing out, what is The Deathtones currently working on, promoting that you can share with us or want us to know about? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure.   

🎤 We actually just signed a deal with We Are Horror Records for a greatest hits album along with three never heard exclusive tracks. That will be coming out in the new year (2023). Other than that, keep up with us on our social media pages as we announce and release new music almost monthly. We aim to be one of the most prolific bands in the genre, and our first year alone shows how much we can do, so get ready!

Thank you so much for sharing taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward.

Follow… The Deathtones: Instagram • Facebook • Twitter • Spotify • YouTube • Bandcamp

Getting to Know… The Deathtones: Interview No. 318 [📷: Brent Faulkner, Darkmoon_Art, The Deathtones, luis2500gx, The Musical Hype, Pixabay, OpenClipart-Vectors]