Exposed Vocals Interviews Nerds in Denial
Nerds in Denial was founded early in 2011. A four piece with a lead, rhythm, and bass guitar as well as a drummer. In late 2012, we became the band we are now with the addition of our current drummer, Dashuan to the group along with our other 3 members originally in the band: Ben Hare, Richie Cardiel, and Devin Johnston. After 5 years of playing in Rochester, Buffalo, New York City, and many other places Nerds in Denial has released ‘Crazy’, announcing the following day, the release of their first album, Take Two. Take Two will be released July 4th, 2016.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Nerds in Denial: Nerds in Denial was formed in Brockport, NY in 2011 by guitar and bass players, Richie (Bass), Devin (Rhythm & Vocals), and Ben (Lead) at ages 14 and 15 respectively. Drummer Dashuan (Day-Shawn) was added in late 2012 to complete the sound of Nerds in Denial. Nerds in Denial, as a whole, aspires to share emotions and experiences with listeners through our music. Music is all of our passion and none of us could imagine pursuing another career.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Nerds in Denial: In 2011, the original Nerds in Denial members were Freshmen at Brockport HS and didn’t take ourselves too seriously, and we still don’t. We liked the idea of being Nerds, without actually being Nerds. Hence, Nerds in Denial. It gives us an opportunity to be whatever we want because we’re not nerds.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Nerds in Denial: Nerds in Denial currently has two tracks, 5 Days Time, and Drug money, available for free on bandcamp (http://nerdsindenial.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Nerds in Denial: There is one huge thing that everyone talks about, yet still overlooks. Social media. For a start up band it is especially important, so you can get the domain you want and start to accumulate fans. Even if you have no original music or recordings, its great when after a show you are receiving praise and you can give someone a place to go, to at least show their appreciation as a fans. Once you do have recordings, or bigger shows, you now have an audience to talk to. Social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Reverbnation are great to start with before music, and once those tracks are recorded check out Soundcloud, Bandcamp, and Youtube.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Nerds in Denial: Inspriration comes from many places for Nerds in Denial such as current or past relationships, music we may hear from another artist, and sometimes we will just jam and come up with something too cool to forget about. We are constantly writing new material, but not every concept or idea we have gets turned into a song. Often times we will leave an idea alone and use it in another song we are working on, whereas some stuff we bring to each other gets made immediately.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Nerds in Denial: We do have a website (http://nerdsindenial.net) where you can find our shiw schedule, music, pictures, and all things Nerds in Denial. We also have many social media platforms such as Reverbnation, Facebook (facebook.com/nerdsindenial), Twitter (@nerdsindenial), and Instagram (@nerdsindenialband). Our music is also on Bandcamp (http://nerdsindenial.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Nerds in Denial: A lot of it would go to different promotions for our upcoming album, ‘Take Two’. In additions to the t-shirts and CD’s we are already printing, we would get vinyl records pressed, print hats, print beer coozies, stickers, etc. We would also be able to put the finishing touches on our home studio, and get some new cameras so that we could put live concert from the Nerds house online. In addition to that we would probably get some new eqipment, pedals, backup instruments, and hardware, along with boat loads of picks, drum sticks, and strings.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Nerds in Denial: There are a million and a half ways to promote music. Some things that have woked for has been A) social media and B) word of mouth. Social media is great with promoting music because of all the built in music players that Facebook, Twitter, etc. have. You can go onto Youtube, or Soundcloud and share your music onto most popular social media sites with just a few clicks. It’s amazing, but sharing you own music on your own page only does so much. If you are personally on social media, even better! Every time you make a post to your band page, go ahead and share it to your personal page. Secondly is word of mouth. Sharing your bands post is a good first step, but you have to be able to promote your band in everyday life if you want to succeed. Every person you meet needs to see the image that you and your band want to portray, even if you’re not playing that night. Once you start playing the local circuit enough, whether you realize it or not, PEOPLE WILL RECOGNIZE YOU! It’s up to you to make sure your future fans see you and think of your band in a positive light.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Nerds in Denial: Nerds in Denial has recently announced some upcoming releases, such as our debut album, ‘Take Two,’ which is coming out July 4, 2016 online. It will available for purchase on Itunes, Amazon, and other online music sites. More information is to come about the album but stay updated by joining our mailing list. You’ll be able to hear new singles and get album news as soon as it’s released by putting you email in right on the front page http://www.nerdsindenial.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Nerds in Denial: All of us were raised on music. It is our love and passion. I would assume if we we weren’t making it we would be supporting it locally at the least by going to shows. I would assume some of us may go to college, maybe travel, maybe even join the military.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Nerds in Denial: It’s definitely not easy and it helps a lot to have 3 other people looking out for you as well. We all have a way of taking responsibility for different shows and keeping the others accountable for showing up and rehearsing beforehand. Luckily it’s something we all love to do so we aren’t afraid to put the band before other responsibilities we may have. If we make the band and every show and every rehearsal a priority, it will become a professional venture, and have a way of getting more and more successful.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Nerds in Denial: Stay updated on our social media about our album, ‘Take Two,’ coming out on July 4th, 2016, and for information about upcoming shows, tours, and new singles. 2016 is going to be a very busy year for us, and if you want to, you WILL be able to see us.