Playdeaf combines the talents of three Toronto artists to create a brooding progressive sound that drives music directly into the audience. Having toured Southern Ontario this summer, Playdeaf will be back in Toronto this October in support of their EP ‘Anna Nicole’ released earlier this year.
Playdeaf - Grow It Yourself
Playdeaf has also been garnering attention for their new video, ‘Anna Nicole’ - a tribute which, “pays homage to not only the tragic celebrity of the song's title, but also to girls who, like Anna Nicole, are caught up in their physical appeal rather than their inner beauty.”
Amidst touring and picking up energy in support of their EP, Jeff of Playdeaf recently spoke with Supernova.com about the band's passion for performing, and the influences behind their strange musical brew.
How do each of you fit together in the band?
Helder (drums) aka H-BOMB provides the thick and juicy beats that make our sound like none other.
Chowder(bass) is all about the catchy licks that provide a lush canvas for the rest of the band to roll around on. Chowder is also an accomplished grade 10 Pianist and gives our melodies a flare bringing them up to a very modern level.
Myself, Jeff Payne (guitars/vocals) I take what the other members contribute, add to it, digest it, twist and sculpt it into the final product.
How did you come together as a band?
We all met when I took a day job at the same company where Helder and Chowder worked. I had recently finished a 7 song solo album, and was looking to form a band. My boss who hired me at the time said there was a drummer, and I sh*t you not, it was one of the main reasons I took the job. From there we would play the established songs while combining efforts to write new material. All that work has got us here today, with an awesome new EP and music video.
A modern day sound influenced by many early 90's to present artists. It's brooding, catchy, trippy, powerful & very sexy.
What is the most rewarding thing about being in a band?
Being able to create something that people can appreciate; whether it's on their iPod, or at a show with 100,000 watts of power oozing out the PA speakers.
Where is your favourite place to play?
Circus Room in Kitchener. There's just no point to being sober for a show there - especially when the PA dies and you end up running the vocals through your buddy's guitar amp.
Probably a band that has been around for a while. Alice In Chains would be somewhere at the top of the list, along with Billy Talent. I think we'd get along really great with those bands.
If you had to listen to one album on repeat for the rest
of your life, what album would it be and why?
Appetite For Destruction. I've been listening to that album since 4th grade and I'm still not sick of it.
What advice would you share with other bands just starting out?
Go with your gut. If something feels forced it's probably not going to work. If you believe in what you're doing, work your ass off and love every minute of it. You get what you give. Life's relative like that.
Some friends of ours passed along the name… Supernova's outfit is great. The support is there and they've got a really cool website with all the social tools bands need these days.
Is there anything else that makes your band unique that
new listeners should know?
Yes. We give you top quality music at no cost; It's the best free stuff out there. Instead of a "mailing list" we have a music distribution list. The only mail you'll get from us is when we have new material for you to download for free! Sign up here.
Helder (drums) aka H-BOMB provides the thick and juicy beats that make our sound like none other.
