EMQs With Dead Defined

EMQ’s With Dead Defined 

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Canadian Solo Rock project, Dead Defined. Huge thanks to founder and frontman Craig Ewan, for taking part.

What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band? 

My name is Craig Ewan. I’m the founder and frontman of Dead Defined, a solo Rock project that I started in 2018. While it began as just a creative outlet, it’s grown into something much bigger thanks to the talented producers and session musicians I’ve worked with. The sound has always reflected my personal journey, often touching on themes of resilience, emotional tension, and mental health.

How did you come up with your band name? 

“Dead Defined” came from a lyric I wrote years ago. It stuck with me because it captured a sense of finality and clarity, like being pushed to your limits and finally understanding who you are. It felt like the right fit for the kind of music I wanted to create.

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there? 

I’m based between Uxbridge and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The rock scene in Toronto is solid, a lot of talented artists and an appreciation for gritty, honest music. It’s not always easy being an independent artist here, but there’s definitely a supportive community if you know where to look.

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video) 

My latest release is a single called “Better off Alone,” dropping June 6th, 2025. It’s my first new release since 2022, and it dives into emotional confrontation, unresolved tension, and personal reflection. The track is heavy, raw, and unapologetic.

Who have been your greatest influences? 

Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy have both had a massive impact on me, their work with Alter Bridge and Creed helped shape my writing and guitar tone. I also draw inspiration from artists like Aaron Lewis, Chris Cornell, and Brent Smith for their lyrical depth and emotional intensity.

What first got you into music? 

I got into music as a way to channel energy and emotion when I didn’t have the words for what I was feeling. Picking up a guitar as a teenager changed everything. It gave me a voice and direction. Once I started writing, I realized I wasn’t just playing music, I was telling my story. 

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be? 

Mark Tremonti. His tone and songwriting are unmatched, and I think his sound would blend perfectly with the mood and weight of what I do with Dead Defined.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why? 

Download Festival in the UK. It’s iconic, and the energy is always intense. Playing there would be a milestone, it’s the kind of crowd that truly connects with Rock music.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan? 

Someone once mailed me a hand-carved wooden poodle with my name engraved on it. I have two poodles, so I appreciated the thought… even if it was a bit unexpected.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be? 

Keep going, no matter what. Life throws chaos at us, but if you hold onto what grounds you, you’ll always find your way back.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be? 

Chris Cornell. His voice was one of a kind and his presence in rock music is deeply missed.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate? 

I love creating something from nothing, that moment when a melody or lyric just clicks. The hardest part is the mental toll it can take when you’re trying to stay authentic in an industry that often rewards the opposite.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be? 

I’d level the playing field for independent artists. There’s too much gatekeeping and not enough space for genuine voices to break through.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums? 

Alter Bridge – “Blackbird.” Every track hits. It’s emotional, technical, and timeless.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads? 

Vinyl for the experience, downloads for convenience. There’s something about hearing the crackle of a record that digital just can’t match.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date? 

One of my Toronto shows in 2019, packed venue, crowd singing along, and the energy in the room was unforgettable. I haven’t performed in a while due to focusing on school, but maybe again one day.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing? 

Aviation Maintenance, which is exactly what I’m currently studying. It’s hands-on, technical, and gives me a different kind of satisfaction.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party? 

Mark Tremonti, Dave Grohl, Chris Cornell (if he could be here), Robin Williams, and Elon Musk — for the conversation.

What’s next for the band? 

More music. “Better Off Alone” is the start of a new chapter. I’ve been more private the last few years, but the creativity never stopped. This next run of songs is more honest than ever.

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?  

You can find everything at: https://craigewan.fanlink.tv/DeadDefined That includes music, social media, videos, and more.

Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake? 

I’ll go with “Cob” –  it just sounds solid, like it means business. Whatever you call it, if it holds a decent burger or breakfast, I’m in.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add? 

Just a huge thank you to anyone who’s still listening and supporting after all these years. I create from a very real place, and knowing that it connects with people means more than I can say.

Thanks! Craig Ewan

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