Interviews

Interviews: Default

With Default's album The Fallout generating a lot of buzz throughout the U.S., this Canadian fourpiece is ready to make waves in America with their likeable modern rock. Smother's very own LochNessPimPster had the chance to chat with band vocalist Dallas Smith about Default's history and Canadian rock music. Read more:

Smother: How did Default get formed?

Dallas Smith: Jeremy, Danny and I grew up together and went to the same school in Langley B.C. At the time Jeremy and Danny were playing for a band that played a few local shows around Vancouver. After a while they decided to part ways with the other members and try something new. Having a dream that I thought would never be realized I swollowed my fears and auditioned for the lead part. I think I took everyone by surprise. We started writing a few songs together until we had enough to record a demo in our rehersal space. Through mutual friends that demo made it into Chad Kroeger's hands. Shortly after hearing that demo he convinced us to take out a family loan and head to the studio with him.

Smother: Canada has been given some new attention with the sudden explosion of true rock bands such as Nickelback and yourselves. Do you feel that Canada has much to offer new bands? I have talked with a number of young groups from Canada who claim the scene is almost non-existent compared to the over-abundance of new music in America.

Dallas: I would agree with the statement that the music scene has been lacking in Canada in the past. I think things are changing though. There are many bands making noise outside of the country. Sum 41, Nickelback and the Matt Good band all got their start up here. Hopefully we are to join that list. I think Canada will be a hot bed for new talent in the near future.

Smother: The band has ties with Chad Kroeger and Nickelback, and both bands share a similar style. What would you say sets Default apart from other rock groups currently on the radio?

Dallas: I think the thing that seperates us from the rest is the fact that the listener can feel the passion and emotion in every note that we play and sing. It's as simple as that. We play what is true to us and not to anyone else.

Smother: What was it like to work with Rick Parasher while recording some new songs for The Fallout? After all, he has worked with some tremendous names in the rock world, such as Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains. Did you find an instant bond with him while in the studio, and did he help bring out the best of Default?

Dallas: Rick and his studio inspired all of us. There has been alot of great music made with him in that studio. The man gets great takes and did not try to sell any ideas on us. Rick just gave us that little push that we needed. He is a very gifted musician and producer as far as we are concerned, and we would love to work with him again in the future.

Smother: Your song Deny was an instant hit when it started airing on Canadian radio. Did you expect the band to blow up so quickly, given the relatively short time the group has been together?

Dallas: I feel that the fact that Jeremy, Danny and myself were friends when Default was formed gave us a big advantage. We were not afraid to bring ideas to the band and we were also not afraid to tell each other that some ideas sucked. Deny was a product of that. There are our own influences heard in that song. We all knew this day would come but it still doesn't seem real.

Smother: How did Default settle with TVT Records as the label that The Fallout would be released on? What pushed the group towards TVt over the other labels bidding on you?

Dallas: The other labels that were interested wanted us to try to write a little heavier which didn't sit well with of us. TVT stepped up to the plate in all the ways that we were looking for. They were the label that seemed to take us seriously for what we already were. It wasn't a hard decision on our part.

Smother: Have you had the chance to tour since signing with TVT? How has the audience reaction been to the shows you have played?

Dallas: We have been busy writing and recording in preperation of our release. We have just been playing locally in the meantime and the response has been great. We are looking forward to heading out on the road and seeing North America.

Smother: Musically, who influences the band?

Dallas: Each member has their own unique musical influences. Jeremy is into Hendrix, Zeppelin and Clapton. Danny loves rhythmic bands like Primus and Soundgarden. Dave listens to the Chillie Peppers and Jane's Addiction. I personally like music with a strong focus on the vocal melody. Singers like Scott Weiland, Richard Ashcroft, Robert Plant and the Gallagher brothers have been my biggest musical influences.

Smother: What does the latter half of 2001 have in store for Default?

Dallas: For the rest of 2001 we simply plan to play alot of shows in alot of different cities and sell some records.

Smother: If a fan walked up to you and claimed "Hi, my name's Carbomb." how would you react?

Dallas: "Nice to meet you, I'm Tommy Gun"