NNHS based band, Dead Yet Alive, explores classic rock sounds within their original music

Video by Taleena Nadkarni

Production by Maxx Ludeke

Direction by Eloise Fischer-Fortney

Camera work by Mila Koleva

https://vimeo.com/78012106

By Staff Writer Shreya Narayan

Junior Patrick Naughton finishes the final beat of his drum solo and gives juniors Luke Frees, Alex Garrow, and Steve Davila the cue to strum the final note of the song together, following the ever-famous rock tradition of ending as one. After a few seconds of  picking, Frees plays the highest note of the chord possible as the band ends their song.

The crowd cheers as the boys, who make up NNHS based band Dead Yet Alive, get ready to introduce the next song. For them, this is just one of the many experiences that come with performing.

“We made this band because we enjoy music. I hope to keep this band forever,” Frees said.

According to the band’s website, Dead Yet Alive is a “classic rock quartet.” It was formed in December of 2011 and features Naughton on drums, Frees on vocals and lead guitar, Davila on guitar, and Garrow on bass. Originally, Garrow and Frees were in a power trio with another drummer. Meanwhile, Naughton and Davila were searching for a singer and bassist. When they found Frees and Garrow, the four decided to band together and form a quartet.

The band name, Dead Yet Alive, originates from one of the songs they played. According to Garrow, they needed a name for the Battle of the Bands competition, and they landed on a song from their set list.

“Basically, it was ‘what song are we playing there?’ Oh. Dead Yet Alive. Let’s call ourselves that,” Davila said.

The band has performed at North’s Got Talent, Caribou Coffee, Wicked Good Cafe, Pub Yahoo, Eyes to the Skies, Ribfest, and many more venues.

“There are way too many places to name,” Davila said.

Dead Yet Alive also won first place at the Battle of the Bands 2013 competition, and second place for the Best of Midwest Fest 2012 in Aurora, according to their website.

The band describes themselves on their facebook page as classic rock group with blues, acoustic, punk, and alternative. Dead Yet Alive has written 11 original songs and also covers songs from signed bands like Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, and Led Zeppelin. They have also made a music video.

A Thousand Endings, the band’s first EP, came out in January 2013. According to Garrow, another EP should be released soon, and the band is thinking about creating a full length album.

“The best part of being a band is being able to perform. The worst part is having to stop performing,” Garrow said.