CROOKED HALO
Location: Hampton, Iowa
Members: Mike Deardeuff (Lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Patrick Owen (Lead guitar, backup vocals), Steve Hanson (Drums), Denver Nettifee (Bass)
Genres: Hard Rock, Metal
Record Label: Currently seeking
Crooked Halo on MySpace
Crooked Halo Merch
Members: Mike Deardeuff (Lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Patrick Owen (Lead guitar, backup vocals), Steve Hanson (Drums), Denver Nettifee (Bass)
Genres: Hard Rock, Metal
Record Label: Currently seeking
Crooked Halo on MySpace
Crooked Halo Merch
Say hello to the first ever hard rock/metal band to be featured on the blog! I had to laugh a bit when I got a request for a post from these guys. I mean, since when did a metal band want to be featured on a bright-colored, grassy, and bubble-filled baby blog (Let alone follow indie rock bands and two ukulele players)? Luckily, Crooked Halo is not your typical hard rock band. Instead of relying solely on growling and doom, they have amazing vocals, lyrics, and a guitar trio that's not to be spat at. I had a chance to interview them, while Jim reviewed their latest EP, ...Still Burning.
Congrats! You're the first hard rock band to be featured on teh blog. What made you choose that genre instead of, say, Yiddish folk music?
I guess we were just fortunate enough to find a group of people that had the same interest in music and that desire to play in the small town of Hampton. There are only about 3000 people in this town, and it's been crazy how far we have been able to go so far from such a small area. As far as Yiddish folk music, that was Denver's first choice, but we managed to get him on the rock boat.
I guess we were just fortunate enough to find a group of people that had the same interest in music and that desire to play in the small town of Hampton. There are only about 3000 people in this town, and it's been crazy how far we have been able to go so far from such a small area. As far as Yiddish folk music, that was Denver's first choice, but we managed to get him on the rock boat.
Yamaha basses, Pearl drums, Peavey amps...those couldn't have been cheap. How did such a new band score such nice equipment?
We have always looked at equiptment as an investment for the individuals and the band collectively. With musical instruments, you definitely get what you pay for. You could always go out and buy a $200 bass cab and it might be okay for a while, but I would rather pay $200 a month for a couple months and get a solid, great-sounding cab that will last forever and have exactly what you want instead of what you settle for in the cheaper models. We have always had connections at music stores in the area as well. Rieman Music, West Music, and Guitar Center have all been great. Also, American Music Supply has this awesome no-credit buying system. I suggest you check it out.
We have always looked at equiptment as an investment for the individuals and the band collectively. With musical instruments, you definitely get what you pay for. You could always go out and buy a $200 bass cab and it might be okay for a while, but I would rather pay $200 a month for a couple months and get a solid, great-sounding cab that will last forever and have exactly what you want instead of what you settle for in the cheaper models. We have always had connections at music stores in the area as well. Rieman Music, West Music, and Guitar Center have all been great. Also, American Music Supply has this awesome no-credit buying system. I suggest you check it out.
I was looking at the guestbook on your MySpace. You've got lots of fans all over America, but also a few in London. Did you ever expect your music to spread that far?
Honestly, when we started, it was all about having fun and making music. In a way, it still is and always will be. If you aren't having fun doing it, then don't do it. As far as fans overseas, it's crazy. We have some fans from Ireland that email and comment our page all the time. We love it. We always like to respond and chat and meet new people as much as possible. I don't think there has ever been an email unread or even unresponded to in the MySpace. We don't want to take things for granted at all.
Honestly, when we started, it was all about having fun and making music. In a way, it still is and always will be. If you aren't having fun doing it, then don't do it. As far as fans overseas, it's crazy. We have some fans from Ireland that email and comment our page all the time. We love it. We always like to respond and chat and meet new people as much as possible. I don't think there has ever been an email unread or even unresponded to in the MySpace. We don't want to take things for granted at all.
I noticed that you listed Mountain Dew as an inspiration.
Yeah, the Mountain Dew inspiration was kind of an inside joke thing that we have. I'm glad you asked about this one as opposed to other inspirations. When we first started practicing, it was at Mike's house. In Iowa, you can redeem cans for the deposit. So, at times before we took the cans in for cash, Mike had a wall in the kitchen covered in Mountain Dew boxes filled with empty cans. That is how much Dew had been drank through a few weeks of practice.
Yeah, the Mountain Dew inspiration was kind of an inside joke thing that we have. I'm glad you asked about this one as opposed to other inspirations. When we first started practicing, it was at Mike's house. In Iowa, you can redeem cans for the deposit. So, at times before we took the cans in for cash, Mike had a wall in the kitchen covered in Mountain Dew boxes filled with empty cans. That is how much Dew had been drank through a few weeks of practice.
For those who are too lazy to use Google, what is scordatura?
Scordatura is just a fancy musical term for detuning your instrument. Since we drop tune, I thought it only fitting to educate the world.
Scordatura is just a fancy musical term for detuning your instrument. Since we drop tune, I thought it only fitting to educate the world.
You have quite a few shows coming up. What's the most interesting experience you've had?
One of the most interesting experiences in a positive note is playing at the legendary Surf Ballroom. We headlined a show there and it was incredible to think of all the greats that had played there before us. Not to mention the fact that it was the last place Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens ever played before their deaths. It was an amazing show and earned us more recognition in the north Iowa area.
As far as most crazy, we have a lot of those. One time, Denver, in the middle of the song when the build was coming back into the chorus, decided that it would be a good idea to jump-kick off the wall and spin back to the middle of the stage, still rocking out. He had done this many times before in the same venue, but this time, hit a weak spot in the wall and kicked his leg through the wall. He had to yank his foot out from his high-kick position and lost his shoe down the inside of the wall as he brought his foot back in. He had to finish the set in one shoe.
One of the most interesting experiences in a positive note is playing at the legendary Surf Ballroom. We headlined a show there and it was incredible to think of all the greats that had played there before us. Not to mention the fact that it was the last place Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens ever played before their deaths. It was an amazing show and earned us more recognition in the north Iowa area.
As far as most crazy, we have a lot of those. One time, Denver, in the middle of the song when the build was coming back into the chorus, decided that it would be a good idea to jump-kick off the wall and spin back to the middle of the stage, still rocking out. He had done this many times before in the same venue, but this time, hit a weak spot in the wall and kicked his leg through the wall. He had to yank his foot out from his high-kick position and lost his shoe down the inside of the wall as he brought his foot back in. He had to finish the set in one shoe.
Would Patrick or Mike ever let a fan braid their hair if they asked nicely?
Sure. Are you asking nicely?
Maybe.
Sure. Are you asking nicely?
Maybe.
What tattoos does Denver have?
Denver: I am sort of what they call the illustrated man. No, not really. I do have about sixteen tats, though. My most recent and one of my faves is a bass clef that starts at my right shoulder and works its way to my chest down to my right side, having music notes following down my right side.
Denver: I am sort of what they call the illustrated man. No, not really. I do have about sixteen tats, though. My most recent and one of my faves is a bass clef that starts at my right shoulder and works its way to my chest down to my right side, having music notes following down my right side.
Any last thoughts?
We really appreciate being a part of this interview and it has been one of the most fun ones to do. We appreciate the research that you have put into it and hopes everyone checks out our new EP, which is available at our merch site (see above) for only $5. And if you are in the area or online, come say hi!
We really appreciate being a part of this interview and it has been one of the most fun ones to do. We appreciate the research that you have put into it and hopes everyone checks out our new EP, which is available at our merch site (see above) for only $5. And if you are in the area or online, come say hi!
"Closer To Perfect"
This track starts off with a quiet, ambient hum and, as a listener, you have no idea what you are in for. Then in comes the ridiculously complex riff, and the rest of the band following shortly after with a pounding rhythm. The drummer is really spot-on. Special attention should be paid to the vocalists: they shift effortlessly between screaming and singing. And the lyrics are very intense- they seem to be pulled from a place incredibly deep to the band. Also, the production is great. This song, like the rest of the EP, just sounds really good. On this track, it's really all about the vocal delivery. I'm not sure if it's the lead singer Mike who does the screaming, but holy hell. I haven't heard a vocalist this over-the-top since 80's Chris Cornell (at times it sounds like he's actually being tortured...but in a good way. This is raw and powerful stuff). He's like a banshee. I can actually imagine paint peeling off the walls when he hits some of the high notes.
"In Between Us"
An amazing drum pattern starts this one off. I'm talking like Neil Peart-caliber. It really caught me by surprise. It's complimented nicely by a thundering, propulsive bass line. In fact, this little moment here that opens up the track may just be my favorite moment of the whole EP. I see the band lists Alice in Chains as an influence, and I can definitely sense a bit of that here, especially in the more laid-back vocal parts. They remind me of Jerry Cantrell. I also dig the lyrics I wanna break away/I need the seeds of change as they seem to be very resonant at this point in time in American history.
"Do You Believe"
This one starts off with what appears to be an acoustic guitar and breaks up the pace of the EP nicely, with the rest of the song continuing in a still-rocking but a bit more laid-back vein. Lyrically, this song addresses a theme common in all of our lives: feeling unappreciated, and having the strength to press on in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Never give up, never give in/You can't hold me down'. It could apply to any situation, be it succeeding in sports, or in a relationship. It's pretty much universally applicable.
This one starts off with what appears to be an acoustic guitar and breaks up the pace of the EP nicely, with the rest of the song continuing in a still-rocking but a bit more laid-back vein. Lyrically, this song addresses a theme common in all of our lives: feeling unappreciated, and having the strength to press on in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Never give up, never give in/You can't hold me down'. It could apply to any situation, be it succeeding in sports, or in a relationship. It's pretty much universally applicable.
"Addiction Affliction"
Firstly, I really appreciated the wordplay on this one. My addiction, my affliction/This disease is killing me. It's not often you get to mention alliteration in a song review. But in all seriousness, his seems to be the most intensely personal song in the set. The line Help me find a reason, help me find a way/Help me. I can't breathe and I fucked up again is repeated again and again like a mantra. There actually seems to be a deeply-rooted message in the lyrics, honestly heartfelt and sincere. Their words ring true, like people who can actually relate to what they are singing about, and don't just use their hard-hitting subjects for shock value.
Firstly, I really appreciated the wordplay on this one. My addiction, my affliction/This disease is killing me. It's not often you get to mention alliteration in a song review. But in all seriousness, his seems to be the most intensely personal song in the set. The line Help me find a reason, help me find a way/Help me. I can't breathe and I fucked up again is repeated again and again like a mantra. There actually seems to be a deeply-rooted message in the lyrics, honestly heartfelt and sincere. Their words ring true, like people who can actually relate to what they are singing about, and don't just use their hard-hitting subjects for shock value.
"Justified"
This song starts off with a very beautiful, Eastern-influenced guitar line. There are some more Alice in Chains overtones here too (it reminds me a bit of something that might be on their Jar of Flies EP). The rhythm section is incredibly precise throughout- and the drums get really interesting around 2:12. Overall, I thought this was a nice way the close things, although I will admit to being slightly disappointed that the lyrics made no reference to the Justin Timberlake LP of the same name. But, I guess that would have been a ridiculous demand. What the song does appear to be about is the aftermath of a tumultuous relationship, and coming to terms with the end...knowing you had done what you could to salvage it and that sometimes, things just don't work out. Actually, I make it sound like a bit of a downer, but still a fitting end to a powerful and brutally honest, good old hard rock EP, something we just don't get enough of anymore in a musical atmosphere overrun by hip-hop and bizarre (but admittedly sometimes great) indie pop.
This song starts off with a very beautiful, Eastern-influenced guitar line. There are some more Alice in Chains overtones here too (it reminds me a bit of something that might be on their Jar of Flies EP). The rhythm section is incredibly precise throughout- and the drums get really interesting around 2:12. Overall, I thought this was a nice way the close things, although I will admit to being slightly disappointed that the lyrics made no reference to the Justin Timberlake LP of the same name. But, I guess that would have been a ridiculous demand. What the song does appear to be about is the aftermath of a tumultuous relationship, and coming to terms with the end...knowing you had done what you could to salvage it and that sometimes, things just don't work out. Actually, I make it sound like a bit of a downer, but still a fitting end to a powerful and brutally honest, good old hard rock EP, something we just don't get enough of anymore in a musical atmosphere overrun by hip-hop and bizarre (but admittedly sometimes great) indie pop.
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