George Clarke & Kerry McCoy (Deafheaven) Interview | Ryan Minic, Ryan's Rock Show

In an interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan’s Rock Show, George Clarke and Kerry McCoy of Deafheaven reflected on their journey from small, intimate shows to large-scale tours. They recalled early performances, such as the Roads to Judah release show, where the energy of 120 packed fans created an unforgettable atmosphere. McCoy discussed their first major tour package, highlighting the professional lessons they learned from Russian Circles, including the importance of punctuality, crew management, and maintaining a strong work ethic without taking themselves too seriously.

The band acknowledged the role of blogs in their success, crediting early online coverage for amplifying their reach in underground music scenes. They emphasized the necessity of embracing media exposure in an era of music saturation. Clarke and McCoy also shared their thoughts on handling criticism, stating that they don’t engage with internet trolls and believe it’s better to be polarizing than ignored.

On their creative process, Clarke described his preference for solitude when writing lyrics, while McCoy explained that his riffs often stem from spontaneous moments or jam sessions with the band. They stressed that passion should always drive music over external factors like money or industry expectations. Offering advice to young musicians, they encouraged taking risks, staying authentic, and prioritizing artistic integrity over playing it safe. Looking back, they admitted their success wasn’t entirely calculated -- sometimes, the right person simply discovers your music at the right time.

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

Read more about it here: http://rrs.la/NUH4Al