It's one of those fairytale music success stories: Vancouver-based band Theory of a Deadman went from knocking on doors with its self-produced demo to appearing on the Spiderman movie soundtrack in just over a year.
"Hero", Vancouver band Nickelback's lead single from the Spiderman soundtrack, features guitar work from Theory's front man Tyler Connolly. As well, the Theory of a Deadman track "Invisible Man" appears on the CD.
Drummer Tim Hart called to talk with Career Paths after a tour stop in Virginia where the band is on the road playing club gigs across the U.S. Theory of a Deadman is Tyler Connolly on vocals and guitar; Dave Brenner on guitar; Dean Back playing bass; and Tim Hart on drums and backing vocals.
The band's biography says its unusual name was the former title of a song they wrote called "The Last Song". The lyric about a man writing out his memories before a suicide highlights the many things he might miss if he were gone.
The band's success is intimately tied to a fortuitous meeting with Nickelback front man Chad Kroeger. Hart says when he and Connolly were introduced to Kroeger at a barbeque they were well prepared. Connolly had a demo tape in his car that Kroeger listened to and liked. Theory's self-titled debut CD is the first release from Kroeger's production company, 604 Records.
The band works at music full time these days. Every member previously worked other jobs to fund necessities like rent and groceries, as well as instruments and studio time for making that demo tape. Hart says he worked in an East Vancouver warehouse. His band mates delivered water, installed windows and mirrors and sold fire extinguishers.
"None of us really had a plan B because we were so confident in ourselves that we could do this. For myself it wasn't an option," Hart says. He knows Theory is among the small minority of bands that get a record deal, get their music played on radio and get to make music videos. It was dedication and hard work that brought those things, he says.
Hart says the band is intent on touring and supporting its debut release, which he says they're all very proud of. When they're ready, Theory will head back to the studio. "We want to put a second album out that will live up to that first album."
As for aspiring musicians, Hart says it's crucial to stay positive, because the odds are so stacked against success. "You're going to get a lot of negativity. You've got to just block it out and just do what you do; and do it as hard as you can," he insists. Hart says even his parents were unsure that he would meet success as a musician.
CP: Do you have any role models or mentors?
TH: I have so many. One outside of music is my boss from the last job I had. His company was going to be bought out by his old partners, and it was ugly. But he held on and now the company is thriving and doing really well. I really admire him for not giving up. It was kind of what I based my career on: just keep pushing no matter how hard it is.
CP: What kinds of music do you listen to?
TH: I listen to the Injected album, "Burn it Black". I also listen to a lot of Radiohead and Jane's Addiction, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots. I also listen to a lot of different styles, like Johnny Cash and Nine Inch Nails.
