Music – Deafheaven Interview: George Clarke & Kerry McCoy on their Success & The World of Blogging

It’s hard to imagine that Deafheaven’s success all spawned off the release of their 2010 demo. Even frontman George Clarke and guitarist Kerry McCoy are among the disbelievers, especially since they recorded the four-track effort out of boredom.

Since then it’s been a whirlwind of events for the San Francisco black metal/post rock phenomenon. Praised by the press, hated by black metal purists — you either love ‘em or you don’t. And according to McCoy, that’s the way they like it.

We sat down with Clarke and McCoy to talk about the band’s seemingly overnight rise to prominence, how the world of blogging impacts bands today, and how the desire for success can often be detrimental to success itself.

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We know you’re busy. Here’s what’s covered:

00:03 Memorable intimate shows
00:58 Lessons learned from Russian Circles
01:51 Rules of shows/venues
02:33 Critical praise
03:18 How blogging affects success of bands
05:02 Dealing with haters & internet trolls
06:00 Previous jobs
06:18 The writing process
07:20 How desire for success can be detrimental
08:01 Advice to young musicians
09:47 Thoughts on their own success

The muse struck at a young age and began with Ernie’s Record Shop on Lankershim Blvd. In North Hollywood where I purchased my first Beatle record “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and a record by Major Lance titled “Um,Um,Um,Um,Um,Um”. From there I saw the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl and I was hooked…on Rock N’ Roll. At the age of 13 it seems as if the magical world of Rock N’ Roll opened up and welcomed me. A trip to Indio with Frank Zappa and possee, and subsequent gigs as a dancer at The Teen Fairs at the Hollywood Palladium sealed the deal. As a trained journalist, I’ve written for magazines, newsletters,newspapers and blogs. In addition, I have run a nightclub by the name of The Cave. Music is the thread that weaves a patchwork quilt of genres, venues and experience out of my life and in the process have introduced many fine acts to my followers. For the rest of my story dear readers, read my articles and it will unfold like the petals of a lotus flower. Sometimes you’ve gotta wear the hat to remind people who they are dealing with. LOL