Playing local bars and events since 2010, many of us in Windsor Essex can remember the local band Drop Dead Famous for their covers of songs by U2, The Killers, Kings of Leon, Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode, just to name a few.
They have a great fan base and following and could have played gigs for years doing covers of their favourite musicians. But as front man and lead singer Rob Higgins says “with all the passion and dreams Drop Dead Famous have, it was time to go to the next level.” With that, they began writing and recording their own original music.
Drop Dead Famous was formed six years ago when Higgins and Chris Blais (keyboards) formerly of Vibe-A-Tribe and No Ordinary Machine joined talent with Dave Sinewitz (guitar) and brothers Scott Holmes (bass) and Chris Holmes (drums) formerly of Heat Mizer.
They have stayed together because they respect one another’s opinions and rely on each other beyond the band issues. They keep one another accountable and everyone has each other’s back. Combined they have almost 100 years experience in the music industry.
As with most artists, the band members also have their day jobs. Higgins is a Firefighter and Manager of The Hook and Ladder, 3690 Seminole Street. Scott Holmes is also a Firefighter and his brother Chris, an Engineer. Sinewitz is a Pharmacist who graduated from the University of Toronto. Blais is a Visual Arts Digital Technician and has produced music for television, radio and independent films.
Higgins recalls playing gigs as small as a wedding in Toronto where they made sure everyone had a great time to opening a sold out July 2014 show for Theory of a Deadman in Barrie at Sound Empire, which was like a dream come true for the band. They used this to drive them to want to be known for their own music and not just the covers they have been famous for in the area.
Drop Dead Famous has been recording original rock/pop songs at SLR Studios for over two years and have 13 songs mastered. They release them electronically as they finish each song to get them into the hands of fans as soon as possible.
Blais is a technology genius and works hard to get their music exposure. Their songs are on “iTunes,” “Songkick” and many other sites and have been downloaded all over the world, as far away as New Zealand. The feedback has been extremely positive and it gives the band inspiration to keep working on their art. Singles on “iTunes” include: “Better Go,” “Find Myself,” “Lost Your Way,” “Survive Tonight,” “For You” and “Dream.”
One of their newest songs, “The Other Side,” was written to reflect all the loss of family and close friends the band members have experienced over the years. Higgins says, “The Other Side is a little heavier type of tune as it is okay to be sad and angry about losing loved ones. People will try and console you, tell you in time it will get easier, it is all with great intentions. But it doesn’t always help. The song goes out to everyone who has lost someone too young, too soon.”
Photo credits: Drop Dead Famous’ guitar player Dave Sinewitz. Photo courtesy of Zack MacPherson. Drop Dead Famous’ lead singer Rob Higgins (r). Photo courtesy of Zack MacPherson. Local Musician Rick Labonte (c). Photo courtesy of Ryan Frith.
