Interview: Deadly Virtues (Written)

Deadly Virtues are a metalcore group (with varied influences) whose debut album, ‘Decay of Society’ was released earlier this year. In this interview we get to know them a little better.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

Mike: Deadly Virtues was started by myself and Brian in December of 2022 as a rock/metal cover band in Phoenix, AZ. We met through personal training, and once it was discovered that we both came from a music background, the rest is history. Originally, we started off working up songs from AC/DC and Whitesnake, to Godsmack and Killswitch Engage. In the process of trying to find a rhythm section, I started messing around with some original content. One song led to a few, then before you know it we were in the studio laying down tracks.

Brian: I believe we actually started in the summer of 2021. Mike showed me the Doom Soundtrack song “The Only Thing They Fear is You” and the first song Deadly Virtues that he had begun writing from his inspiration thanks to Mick Gordon.

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

Mike: Brian came up with the term Retro Metalcore, which I believe suits us pretty well. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what subgenre of metal we are due to such a variety of influences from Killswitch, Korn and Breaking Benjamin to Whitesnake, Pantera, and Van Halen. It is quite a diverse range of styles being put into one, but I think most people would settle on calling us a metalcore group.

Brian: I would say metalcore with 80’s and nu-metal influence.

3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.

Mike: Currently, we are working up a tour show for the album, and plan to take it on the road in the spring of 2025. We also have started writing new songs for the next album set to release around spring 2026. There should be some new singles making an appearance on tour shows and social media in the fall of next year. It’s been nonstop since we finally got our album out this May, but we’re excited to continue gaining momentum and getting our music out to those who want to hear it.

Brian: We’re also looking for permanent members to finalise the group, as well as expand our social media presence. Perfecting our craft and honing our performances as well. Just making sure overall we have a professional product for the fans.

4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?

Mike: Discovering who we are as a band, and finding my own voice without trying to sound like anyone else. After finally settling on a sound that I was happy with, and to find that there were people out there that actually liked it was very rewarding and motivates me to continue creating and growing as an artist. Brian and I have a very good natural connection when it comes to writing music and that has been a new rewarding experience as well.

Brian: Since writing with Mike I’ve definitely been challenged with syncopation and complex rhythms. Having to be creative and getting a chance to build off of the compositions with Mike has been really rewarding. Especially with songs like Ascension and IV.

5. Likewise, what have been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?

Mike: It seems like no matter how well things are going there are always going to be obstacles and setbacks. We went through multiple studios trying to produce a sound that we were happy with, and we finally found a home at Premier Studios. Finding like-minded people has been a struggle as well. When you’re committed 100% to this craft, many people only want to do this as a hobby, and it can be difficult to find the right fit both personality wise as well as musically.

Brian: The challenging aspects have been trying to find recording professionals that meet our high expectations as well as artists that have the capabilities to keep up with our compositions. A lot of times we get people with intentions to play for the group, but it comes from individuals who haven’t even listened to our music and they’re just looking for a gig. It’s definitely been difficult to find someone with a professional mindset.

6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?

Mike: It’s a 24/7 job, and many people out there tend to think it’s just making music and having fun. There is a lot of business behind our operations, especially as an independent artist. From contracts and network development, to ticket sales and merchandise development, it’s like running your own business. Even laying down tracks in the studio can be taxing as everyone is trying to settle on a sound that is mutually liked and approved. This is absolutely a marathon, and while other bands are out there trying to get viral from stupid social media trends, we stay true to pursuing and honing our craft to put on shows that rival those major headlining acts that you see out there today. If it’s organic and starts out slow but is trending upward, you have to be patient and stick to the formula. We’ll get to where we are going eventually. It’s all a learning process.

Brian: We have to realise that in modern society that is how the game is played. Whether you want to do it or not, it’s something that is necessary to expand your influence. Any way you can get fan engagement while remaining authentic is the key. We aren’t one’s to follow trends, but we do try to be original in our social media content and ensure the quality is high enough to catch people’s attention and engagement.

7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?

Mike: I recently read an article in which Steve Vai was discussing the gatekeepers and other difficulties when it comes to working with the music industry. One of the best things about reading the article was his statement that as an artist, if you’re not the best paid person in the deal, then it’s not worth your time. Shows are put on by talent, and without that talent or act, there is no concert or event or festival for people to enjoy and sponsors to make money. Business is cutthroat, and the music business is no exception. I hope talented artist try to remain smart in handling business affairs and don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of.

Brian: The fact that labels and their associates still run the music industry, and to “make it big” you need to be backed by a label. Looking at artists like Tom McDonald, we are creating our own support system and gathering the resources and connections we need to be successful without the help of a label.

8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?

Mike: First and foremost thank you all for your support and encouragement. Seeing you all out there enjoying our music is motivating and helps us keep our drive going to produce the best music for you we possibly can. The best way to support the band would be to help us network and spread the word about Deadly Virtues.

Brian: The biggest thing we can ask is to share our music with people that would enjoy it. The more people that spread the word about our music, the greater the influence and ability to reach potential listeners worldwide.

9. Outside of the music, what do you do to relax?

Mike: I really like to spend time at home with my kids watching movies or fun shows like “How it’s Made”. I enjoy cooking and riding motorcycles both on and off-road. Once in a long while I’ll step out for a night of dancing, but it is rare these days. I also like to rock some Helldivers when I have the free time to do so.

Brian: I like to maintain my goals at the gym when I can. I also enjoy motorcycle riding and going up north to enjoy nature on occasion. I’m a fan of whiskey, so I do like to try new types and brands as well.

10. Where can people find you?

Mike: Go to www.deadlyvirtues.com for upcoming shows, merchandise, media, etc. We are also on all major music platforms and listed as Deadly Virtues Band on a majority of social media.