Time to build up your list of bands to check out by adding another to the list. Today’s recommendation – The Darkest Hearts…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
Kramedj is from Bakersfield, CA. Luke is From Pittsburgh, PA. Daniel is from Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Leo is From Colorado by way of Mexico.
How did you meet?
A mutual friend put Luke and Kramedj in touch for a project years ago. By happenstance, the same friend put us in touch with Daniel and that is how the core of the band began.
How long have you been playing as a band?
We have been playing for just over three years now. Although the line-up has changed a few times our core of Daniel, Kramedj, and Luke have been consistent since our first performance.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
The band name came from Kramedj dealing with a divorce and the idea that we needed to have a name that was not even close to something that has been seen before. Kramedj said something along the lines of “It came from the darkest part of my heart” and the name The Darkest Hearts was born.
What are your influences?
Our influences are so ranging that there is no way to list everything. Luke is ranging from NIN to classical, Kramedj is all over the board, Daniel comes from all things rock and a couple touches outside of it and Leo is for sure a rocker at heart. The most common influences are Dave Grohl, Dimebag Darrell, Mark Tremonti and basically any legendary rocker.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Our music is a combination of all of our separate musical influences as well as what we hear on a daily basis. The world is changing every day and we are all influenced by it. The way that we write is by accepting what our world shows us and allowing it to come out of us through music. It drives and moves in ways that you wouldn’t expect and it touches ideas inside each of us.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
Kramedj: The theme of each song is determined by the song itself. I listen to the song as a whole before I begin writing lyrical content. I need to feel how the music flows through me and I ask the guys what they were thinking about when they wrote the guitar melody.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Our live show is full of energy and playful banter. We are having fun on stage and we want you to have as much fun as we are. We don’t really keep count of the number anymore.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
The wildest thing that I have ever seen (Kramedj) was probably a guy hanging from the rafters while singing. It was pretty amazing actually.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
- Kramedj – Charvel/Jackson
- Daniel – Gibson/Mesa/
- Luke – PRS/Mesa
- Leo – Barton North American Maple
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
We are promoting our single “Mississippi Devil” right now. You can find it anywhere digital music is sold.
What are your plans for 2018?
We are in the process of writing a new album that is shaping up to be a doozy. Of course we also plan on playing a few shows.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
We would love to open for Black Stone Cherry and we would probably bring along Them Fixes.
The Darkest Hearts: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | soundcloud | youtube
