Introduction
If you love your rock music with lots of different influences and styles then this is the band for you! Die Tired from Pennsylvania have a pop-punk like style mixed with splashes of classic rock and heavy metal! These guys produce songs that make it impossible not to nod your head along. That’s the sign of a cracking artist.
Interview
We read that your inspirations are classic rock, heavy metal, and pop punk. Which genre of the three would you say most shaped your sound?
Die Tired – The sound of Die Tired is best described as a blend of alternative rock, grunge, and pop- punk. We are a multifaceted band, pulling inspiration from classic rock, heavy metal, pop punk, and just about anything else that we can play on a guitar! Our hidden talent is being unafraid to take chances, we approach our music and the scene in a bold manner. Put it all on the table. Believe in your songs and show them to the world.
The bands name is from an old Marines saying, does the band have any ties to the Marines or the armed forces in general?
Die Tired – Originally derived from the old Marines adage: “You can run, but you’ll just die tired,” one might assume that our music has ominous undertones and potentially dark themes. Well, to us, Die Tired is a punk rock way of saying, “Carpe diem!” Jim, our bass player, served as an infantryman in the Marine Corps from 2010 through 2015.
What is the most obscure song that the band have ever covered either on record, played live or just jammed to in a practice session?
Die Tired – We played an outdoor tent show a few years ago. It was at a local brewery. It was 10 degrees outside, and there was snow falling. The tent was packed. It was our first live show. We had 3 hours of set time to fill. So we rocked a cover of Royals by Lorde. A pop song transformed into a grunge banger by Die Tired.
Which of your songs did you record, and you instantly knew the fans were going to love?
Die Tired – “Play” is a song we wrote that landed us on the lap of our label, Sodeh Records. Te track combines anthemic instrumentals with emotional melodies. Listeners have commented to us that the song makes you want to crank up the volume and roll the windows down in the car. “
Play” is about leaving the things that drag you down behind and pursuing what you love. Taking the people you care about the most with you and leaning into the innocence and beauty that can be found in everyday life. This song is about having fun and being free…go fall in love, skydive, travel the world; as long as it’s pure and it’s what you need.
You’re collectively from different parts of Pennsylvania, is there any local bands that inspired you all or are your tastes widely different?
Die Tired – The three of us have widely different but also overlapping influences and tastes. To name a few, our style and writing is influenced by Jerry Cantrell, Dimebag Darrel, Dave Mustain, Manchester Orchestra, Silverchair, Thrice, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and Jimmy Eat World.
Is there anything about being a trio that you don’t like?
Die Tired – Working and performing as a trio has been great. Nurturing our friendships with each other off stage and outside of the studio enhances both the writing and the performances. We work well together and do not take anything personal when it comes to delivering constructive criticism or exchanging opinions of changing parts, etc.
Our philosophy is that each of us will bring something unique to the evolving track, and the song will ultimately end up as the product that it is supposed to be, even if that final product is different from the initial vision. Trusting in the organic process of writing and evolving a track is key. There have been a few tracks that have not been considered final until six months of just jamming the song to see where it goes.
It’s been a couple of years since your last EP (Self-Titled) can we expect another soon or perhaps a full length album?
Die Tired – We are excited to announce our next single “Reel Me In” coming this March via SODEH Records!!!! “Reel Me In” continues the evolution of Die Tired’s signature sound. The lyrics offer a beacon of hope in times when you feel like you may have lost your way. Stay tuned for more details and announcements as we get closer to the drop.
After this release, we are STOKED to report two more singles in 2025 that will eventually lead up to our first FULL LENGTH ALBUM! Target date for the full LP is Fall of 2025. Many shows are being booked in support and we can’t wait to play these new songs for you all. 2025 will see the largest drop of Die Tired music and content to date. It’s what you’ve been asking for so it was time for us to deliver.
Need To Feed is our favourite song of yours, would you mind breaking the song down a little and explaining what inspired it and what it is about?
Die Tired – “Need to Feed” draws inspiration from one of our favorite movies, the acclaimed film “Good Time,” starring Robert Pattinson. We believe that the song encapsulates the film’s gripping and gritty ambiance, transforming it into a sonic journey that plunges listeners into the realm of brooding grunge and modern rock.
We wrote the track to musically convey visceral energy, intertwining robust guitar riffs, hypnotic drum and bass, and evocative lyrics that echo the film’s thematic essence. The lyrics delve into life’s complexities, mirroring the movie’s exploration of crime, desperation, and the quest for redemption.
“Delving into a character’s relentless struggle to break free from dire circumstances, only to spiral further into darkness, was a theme I found particularly intriguing,” shares singer/guitarist Matt DeAngelis. Fans of moody grunge rock and devotees of the movie “Good Time” will discover a compelling synergy between the film’s gripping visuals and our musical odyssey.
The artwork for the song Better Off Alive is awesome! Who designed it and what was it meant to say to those who saw it?
Die Tired – The artwork for “Better Off Alive” is an adaptation of our original skull and sickle logo. Our original skull and sickle logo was designed by Jim’s brother, Harry.
It was designed so that the skull was a shape of a “D” and the sickle was the shape of a “T” – for Die Tired. This design does not necessarily represent anything specific, other than we thought it simply looked cool and fit our vibe as a band!
If you could have any band in the world cover one of your songs, regardless of size. What band would it be, which song, and why have you selected them?
Die Tired – Collectively, the three of us have always loved and admired Silverchair. It would be an honor for Silverchair to cover “Need to Feed” and we think it would be obviously be a cover full of FIRE. We each have varying influences and styles.
However, the sounds of Silverchair fit in the zone of where all of our tastes land in harmony and balance. A lot of fans have commented that they can hear the influence of Silverchair in our music. We have covered their track “Freak” live, and it would only make sense for them to cover a Die Tired track such as “Need to Feed.” Lots of love to Silverchair!
We noticed there was an acoustic version of Play, what about that song do you think lends itself well to be done acoustically?
Die Tired – With “Play (Acoustic)” we wanted to unveil a fresh facet of our creativity and a departure from our signature style. Our aim was to rekindle the essence of our breakout hit, ‘Play,’ but in an unplugged rendition. Through a rich, emotive production, our desire was to offer audiences a deeper glimpse into our artistic evolution.
Drawing inspiration from the famed MTV Unplugged sessions by revered acts like Alice in Chains and Nirvana. Presenting our tracks in this manner is paramount to us. It not only grants us artistic liberty but also unveils a hitherto unseen side of the band to our dedicated fans and listeners. Reimagining “Play” in this acoustic rendition opened up novel avenues for creative expression, allowing us to convey the song’s essence in innovative and compelling ways.
Sit back, grab your drink of choice, and seek solace in your sanctuary, whether nestled by a crackling fire, adrift on a boat, or feeling the sand between your toes. “Play (acoustic)” encapsulates the mood to transport you until “Laughter is the only thing we hear….”
What is the one thing the band cannot be without when on tour?
Die Tired – The one thing we cannot be without when on tour is good local food. When visiting a new city, it is always a high priority to check out the local establishments and score some food local to that town or region. Omaha, Nebraska… being one of our favorites, has absolutely awesome smash burgers and hot chicken sandwiches. The Magnolia Hotel downtown is where it is at! We were thrilled to be able to visit the Omaha region this past year to perform at the Herostock Festival.
Is cheese steak as good as people make out? Where is the best place near you where people can get the best one?
Die Tired – Cheesesteaks are absolutely as good as they say. If you end up in the Philadelphia area, Jim’s on South Street is our band’s personal favorite. Also happens to be walking distance from a great local venue, Theater of Living Arts.
If earth was being invaded and aliens beamed, you up… What song of yours are you playing in a rock off against them?
Die Tired – If Earth was invaded and aliens beamed us up, we would most definitely be playing our track, “Slow Down” in a rock off against them. “Slow Down” is meant to be a mantra to fight off any negativity or lack of self-confidence when facing something difficult. The song is about those fight or flight moments.
Those times when you are faced with the decision to take something head on or run away from being too scared to face the moment. For many, this song is an anthem for those make or break situations. Like an athlete sinking the game winning shot or that split second before you enter a big job interview or presentation.
If you ever feel a lack of confidence or need a push to take you to the next level, all you need to do is turn up “Slow Down” and settle in. Always remember, like the lyrics state…”Take a deep breath, this won’t last forever, become who you are!”
Your latest single Open Hearts Club came out recently, can you go into a little detail about what its about and what inspired it?
Die Tired – In collaboration with our label, Sodeh Records, “Open Hearts Club” was co-produced and mixed by Grammy-nominated producer Glen Robinson. In an era where authenticity often feels out of reach, the track delves into the challenges of staying true to oneself and others. It is an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery, highlighting the struggles and rewards of living with honesty and integrity. We wanted to inspire listeners to explore the intricacies of modern relationships and the importance of personal truth.
This song reflects our shared yearning to break free from the barriers that keep us from being open and honest. We wanted to create something that resonates with what we see as a universal experience. Under the expert guidance of Glen Robinson, known for his work with some of rock’s biggest names, “Open Hearts Club” captures the essence of our vibrant and dynamic sound.
What comes first lyrics or the tunes?
Die Tired – Our writing process starts with music first, mainly a guitar riff. A lot of the time, it begins as a riff on the acoustic guitar. Then we write a groove for the verse. Lyrics are written and a chorus is typically the final piece of the puzzle.
What is your dream festival to play at? And why?
Die Tired – Warped Tour. Absolutely. Bring it back and put us on it. We are ready.
All rights to the songs in this interview are retained by Die Tired. This site claims no rights over them. All photos were provided by Die Tired and taken by Chris Kauffman Productions.
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