DFH in Rock Show Magazine
A little reading to go with your breakfast.
http://www.rockshowmagazine.com/articles/dfh.html
Dead Fish Handshake’s infectious intensity influences and inspires the listener while taking them on an emotional ride always cushioning each sharp turn with protective guitar progression and soothing each burn with cool lyrical intoxication. Wrapped in respect for the alternative 90s era, Dead Fish Handshake offers a sound so fresh and original it begs to be acknowledged independently while forcing you to admire the evolution of sound. The lead singers deep and sultry baritone vocal seduces the tempting guitar and the product is the perfect arrangement of dreamy story telling that erupts into an explosive textured sound, filthy and fervent, while completely scathing rock. This Molotov cocktail of blues, rock, and grunge, produces a sound quietly rigid and rough with a proud flaming ferocity of yesteryear. The fellas are hitting the road this summer to take their sound to the masses. Breaking free of the East Coast Metropolitan area will allow the boys a unique opportunity to excel and promote an already successful reputation and a well-received sophomore album.
With a sound all its own and a tangible feel of compassion and vulnerability, DFH’s debut attempt Across State Lines offered the band to its immediate fans as a safe place to rest while wrestling with emotions too intense to assume others shared. Singer Matthew Paul extends his lyrical hand and grabs firmly onto the feelings all so universally accepted yet whispered in a crowd. Music, the excellent explosion and blending of hard rock and roll and soft sentimental lyrics, is sometimes exactly what the doctor ordered. Screw pills. Screw therapy. Pop in your favorite cd and vibe from beginning to end. Dead Fish Handshake cures what’s ailing you every single time. Packed with powerful yet haunting melodic lyrics, penetrating guitar riffs, and pulsating drum beats, its hard outer shell slowly peels open with each original song and exposed is the true talent of experienced musicians bleeding real and raw rock to their core. The result is The Sixes; a rock rooted soundscape with the perfect rise and fall of the simple and the abstract, the need and the want, and the lost and the found. This second attempt solidified the DFH sound but still gave them room to experience and grow. It allowed fans of all creeds to find and follow them.
Add Clint Lowery (Sevendust/Hello Demons Meet Skeletons) as producer and Architekt Music Recording Studio (1 Boonton Ave, Butler, NJ) as the backdrop to this already ambitious band and The Sixes is a product that symbolizes passion, power, and a prevalence to not only succeed but also to surpass. Hits like “Turning a Blind Eye” and “The Blackest Skies” taunt the listener with a pace like an excited heart beat and lyrics that sooth and calm the highest of emotions at the same time. Dead Fish Handshake effectively exhibits power and conviction behind each mesmerizing song and offers a musical journey dotted with gut wrenching ballads, full of passion yet insulated with masculinity, and melodic crispness attacked by genuine authentic rock riffs. Alluring darkness and enticing reality in lyrics drenched in truth and kerosene ignite into fiery flames with the smash of the drums and burn hotter and brighter with each inescapable and poignant chorus. With words so tangible you swear you can grab onto them and suffocate the pain while trying to hold onto the slippery words of comfort and compassion, “Leave the Light On” and “E-Motionless” become the soul of the album. Matthew Paul, in a statement on their website (www.deadfishhandshake.com) said, “And as silly as it sounds my heart smiles when you all tell me how much you connect with what we do. Those songs are about pure misery and defeat and you all bring such a different positive outlook to it and I try to pay you all back by getting on a stage and being a voice for things maybe everyone else wanted to say but could never find the right words.”
The “Leave the Light on Tour” will kick off in Florida, circle up as far west as North Dakota and close with shows back home in New Jersey and Rhode Island, respectively. Dates are slowly popping up on their website and social media sites. If ever there was a band excited to meet new fans and firmly shake some hands (no pun intended) it would be these guys. They are by far some of the warmest and kindest rock and rollers I’ve ever met and know that their special brand of fan centered band will go over very well throughout the rest of the country. They are one of the best kept East Coast secrets and will soon become a national treasure. -
Unfortunately, it takes more than hopes and dreams to gas up a van and fill up a rockers stomach. Such as life, right? The boys said, “As most of you know, and have seen up close and in person, being in a band is not as glamorous as it looks. The reality is, we are about to cram in a van, have a steady diet of non-perishable food items, sleep in Walmart parking lots, and pray that it rains so that we can shower! All so we can bring you our special brand of good ol’ rock n roll! Combine all of that with some overwhelming overhead expenses and you have a recipe for living the dream!” Dead Fish Handshake has created a Kickstarter account as an interactive way to be a part of this project and to aid in their attempt to tour the country. Be a part of this journey and contribute whatever you can. These guys have it, and they are attracting attention from the industry. Be a part of it too. You don’t have to go broke. Just donate what you can and support creativity, local music, and all around a great group of guys. Best part is that each donation comes with some very cool incentives ranging from never-before-released music to private shows, to signed gear!
But hurry up before it’s too late. This project must be funded by July 1st. Take this opportunity to be a part of something. Something great! The sound is unique, the guys are real, and the “Leave the Light On Tour” will be a guaranteed home run. Step up to the bat. You’ll never miss with this band. Visit their Kickstarter page here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/deadfishhandshake.
~Stina Marie Harris
stina@rockshowmagazine.com
message from Matthew
Haven’t been here in awhile…Just thought I’d give a little update on what’s going on in DFH…
If you didn’t know, it’s been a year since the official release of “The Sixes”. So, to coincide with that, we are celebrating by releasing a digital only deluxe version that will include a few acoustic versions of previously released songs. Just got out of the studio doing vocals on these versions and it’s just really cool to hear them like this. I’ve sung these songs a thousand times but I love what we did with them stripped down. Hopefully you will too. Should be out for sale in a few weeks.
So what’s next…well, needless to say, we can’t wait for this tour. First up…Florida. We are so lucky to have this opportunity to tour. It’s weird because I haven’t given myself a chance to enjoy it yet. I know that sounds strange but if you know me well it makes perfect sense. It’s been so hard getting everything together to do this right. Not complaining. But it definitely drains you. We need to thank all of you everywhere for doing what you do to help us out. Whether it’s by sharing a link, giving us a place to sleep, or the gifts we’ve received, or by donating to our Kickstarter fund, we are just grateful for all the random acts of kindness. It’s very encouraging at times when we thought we weren’t gonna be able to pull everything off. So that it I guess…airport is calling my name.
I’m looking forward to the shows and keeping up with everyone over the next month. Hope to see you all at some point along the way. There are some things to look forward to after the tour as well…We’ll be releasing a new song and an acoustic covers EP. They are both included right now as rewards on our fundraiser when you donate. And for what’s it worth to anyone this early, we have already begun writing for the next DFH record.
So thanks again for the momentum everyone. We love ya! -MP
Jersey Fest – Meadowlands Racetrack
Looking for another night out tonight?
We’ll be back the Meadowlands Racetrack tonight for more rockin’ n’ racin’!
DFH mini-sets all evening from 7:30 to 11:00.
Come hang!
Dead Fish Handshake – This year’s Clash for Cash grand prize winner.
WE DID IT!
Thanks WDHA! And a HUGE thanks to our awesome fans for your amazing support. We won first prize. Congrats to the other winners. We’ll be back tomorrow night for JERSEYFEST!
WDHA’s Clash for Cash at the Meadowlands
We’ve been one of four bands selected to take part in this week’s Clash For Cash presented by WDHA FM. The event, hosted by Lindsay Klein, will take place this Friday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack. It all starts at 7:00pm. We will be performing two short sets. DFH set times are 9:53pm and 10:26pm. Hope to see you there.
Tourdates and routing.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deadfishhandshake/dead-fish-handshake-leave-the-light-on-tour-13/posts/473308
Here is a quick look-see at what’s in store for this Summer’s Leave The Light On Tour.
Thank you all for the support. In only a few days, we’re 10% funded. Keep it up y’all.
Message from Matthew Paul
So listen up everybody…I wanna take a minute to speak candidly about this link…I think we all can appreciate some upfront honesty. It’s not exactly a new thing when a band puts out a kickstarter fund. We are all broke. Just like most of you, if not worse. And trust me…It probably is worse. We tour and at the end of the day everyone gets our money but us and we get excited over a venue giving us free water in our rider. That a true example by the way. I looked at Rob Ferreira and actually said “look dude! North Dakota gave us free water!” But no sense in crying over it. It’s just part of this journey and we made the decision to chase this so we suffer the lows that come with it. If you know me well and actually even if you don’t there is one thing that I hate more than anything and that’s begging people for money. Hell, whether you believe this or not, I’m still uncomfortable even when you all pay for merchandise. That’s probably why I’m so easy most of the time and I just give it away for free if you tell me you can’t afford it. The point that I’m making is its very hard to constantly ask you all for financial support because I know firsthand how much you all already have done whether it’s been with your wallets or your statuses or even your personal words. But the fact is to go on a national tour without a label behind you is too expensive and the bottom-line is it can’t be done to a point where it’s worth it to anyone (including all of you) without certain expenses being covered. There’s only one way to do that and that’s by utilizing this fund. I hate to admit this but I’m gonna open up a little bit here…Sometimes I literally think I’m crazy to still wanna do this and there hasn’t been one day where I don’t think about giving up. And the truth is the only thing that keeps me going are the messages in my inbox and the conversations with you all at the march tables after the show. I live for that. I could take or leave everything else. And if you need proof, read my lyrics. They weren’t written because I’m overly thrilled with things in this industry or even this world. And as silly as it sounds my heart smiles when you all tell me how much you connect with what we do. Those songs are about pure misery and defeat and you all bring such a different positive outlook to it and I try to pay you all back by getting on a stage and being a voice for things maybe everyone else wanted to say but could never find the right words. So here’s the reality…if you understand what I’m really saying then please donate to this. If you are just on my page to stalk and still don’t know anything about my band that’s fine too. I don’t mind. But for the others who want this tour as much as we do we need it now more than ever. Worst case scenario… we don’t raise it and this tour falls apart and we fall back into the loving arms of our brothers and sisters in NJ. Best case scenario…we add more of you out there to the family and give you the songs of support that you have given to us with your hearts and money. No matter what we love you and thanks for everything you’ve done for us. P.S. If I sound like I’m having a pity party, I am. And you’re all invited. Tickets are 100$ a person. Ha! JK.
Message from Rob
Hey all,
There’s a lot going on in camp DFH… and while there are some things we’re not quite ready to share, as you all know we are getting ready to embark on the Leave The Light On Tour this Summer and are super excited for it.
I wanted to take a quick moment on behalf of all of us in DFH to thank Mark Birkelbach, whose been an important piece of the DFH puzzle for a long time. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Mark is not able to join us on the road this Summer. He is and will always be a very special and important part of the DFH family.
With all that said, we’d like to give a warm welcome back to an old friend who’s ready to man the drum throne. Recently, we’ve been in the studio cranking out jams with original DFH drummer, Matt Biehl. We’re excited to have him back in the fold and look forward to you all getting a chance to get re-acquainted with him when the LTLO Tour comes to your city.
See you all soon.
-rob
Leave The Light On Tour ’13
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deadfishhandshake/dead-fish-handshake-leave-the-light-on-tour-13
Calling all ‘Hookers’! Ready to shake some hands with DFH across the country? Due to the amazing support you have all shown us since our inception, we are beyond thrilled to announce our first headlining tour this summer!
Unfortunately, like most good opportunities, they come with a price. As most of you know, and have seen up close and in person, being in a band is not as glamorous as it looks. The reality is, we are about to cram in a van, have a steady diet of non-perishable food items, sleep in Walmart parking lots, and pray that it rains so that we can shower! All so we can bring you our special brand of good ol’ rock n roll! Combine all of that with some overwhelming overhead expenses and you have recipe for living the dream!
So here is where we need YOU! We are humbly asking our incredible fan base to pull together one more time, over the next two months, to help us achieve a very aggressive goal of $10,000 to help with our expenses. We need this so that we may bring you the very best tour experience that DFH can provide. With every donation we will be offering special prize packages in return. Please donate as little or as much as you can.
In all seriousness, the only reason this band has done anything is because of our phenomenal relationships with you, the fans. We wouldn’t be here without you, and like you’ve done every other time before, you have elevated us to the great opportunities that lay before us. This is the first step towards taking the DFH brand to places we always dreamed it could go to. Music is about connecting. You all have connected with us in special ways and we are forever grateful. So let’s show everybody on the road what it means to be a member of Dead Fish Handshake. Nobody knows better than all of you!
P.S. Matthew has a very expensive hair regimen! Haha!
Leave The Light On Tour ’13
This Summer we are embarking on a 5 week tour. For quite some time, we’ve been meaning to see some of our old friends again and venture off into some cities we haven’t yet been to. We hope to see you all there.
Leave the light on for us. Dates are below. More info soon.
Station Benefit Bundle Packs
For our show on April 13th, 50% of all DFH merch sales will go towards building the Station Fire Memorial Park,
To further help the cause, we have added a bundle pack to our DFH store, which includes a T-shirt, both DFH CD’s, a ‘signed’ 8 x 10 band photo and (2) 11″ x 17″ posters. For the month of March, 50% of all Rhode Island resident sales to the Station Fire Memorial Foundation. (www.stationfirememorialfou
Go here to order.
New show announcement – benefit for The Station Fire Memorial Foundation
On April 13th, we’ll be playing a very special acoustic benefit for the Station Fire Memorial Foundation at Rok Bar in E. Greenwich, RI.
Ten years ago, so many people lost their loved ones in the tragic fire at The Station.
We’re very proud to be part of this night. No cover charge, but donations are welcome.
Help build the Station Fire Memorial Park.
Go to www.stationfirememorialfoundation.org for more info.
Remembering The Station
The unique thing about our dynamic in DFH is that we have the pleasure of calling two places home: New Jersey and Rhode Island.
Today, we remember all the lives lost all those years ago at The Station. To our friends in RI that were affected by this horrible tragedy, our thoughts are with you.
New show announcement – Dock Street, Staten Island, NY
We are headed to Staten Island to play with our friends in Machine Elves at Dock St Underground.
Request “The Blackest Skies” on radio.
Help get DFH on the air.
Call WSOU and request our song, “The Blackest Skies”.
You have the power to spread the word.
Request line: 973-761-9768
We thank you for the support.
New show announcement – The Saint, Asbury Park, NJ
We’re headed back to the legendary Saint in Asbury Park. This lineup promises to be killer. We’re playing with our friends in New Theory, Beyond Visible, Gathering After Ashes and Reach (formerly Boy Meets Machine)
The evening will be hosted by the lovely Lindsay Klein of 105.5 WDHA FM.
New show announcement: DFH w/ Queensryche
We return to the Bergen PAC, fully plugged in this time, to open for Queensryche on March 8th. Growing up on classic albums like Operation: Mindcrime and Empire, we are very excited to be a part of this bill.
Tickets are available through http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004918DFD6E6D3
New show announcement
Here it is…our last show of the year…
We’ll be rocking the Wonder Bar, Thursday night, 12.13. with Universal Records artist, POP EVIL and our friends New Theory. We hit the stage at 8:30 pm. B
e there!!!!
New show announcement.
We’re excited to be a part of this bill. On January 30th, we’ll be at Architekt in Butler, NJ as we open for Eye Empire and Three Years Hollow. Also performing is our good friends in One Hundred Thousand. It’s an early show. All ages and the price is right. Tickets available through our DFH store. 
New show announcement:
Here it is. Our first show of the new year is a full day of non-stop music on Saturday, January 12th 2013 presented by WSOU Street Patrol & Trendkiller Entertainment.
This show will be raising money to feed NJ Coastal Habitat for Humanity. 
Tickets available through the DFH store.
$10 in advance, $12 at the door. All Ages, 21 to drink
Matt speaks to The Rag about Musicians Against Bullying
Matthew chatted with THE RAG and had this to say about the upcoming “Musicians Against Bullying” benefit show:
“The lyrical undertones of our music speak to those who have endured and overcome personal struggles. I personally believe no one shoul allow themselves to be victimized by the ignorance of others. DFH is about self-empowerment. In order to achieve that status you must have an outlet that allows you to find your true potential as an individual; skin that you feel comfortable in; the confidence to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. Music did that for us. Hopefully being part of this show will continue to allow us the opportunity to spread that message to those who need a reminder.” Matthew Paul
“Speak Into My Good Eye”
Here’s a little DFH mention on speakimg.com
http://speakimge.com/dead-fish-handshake-use-single-leave-the-light-for-sandy-relief/
New Jersey’s Dead Fish Handshake has released a new single named “Leave The Light On” in hopes of using this subdued and uplifting piece of Alt-Rock balladry as a vehicle to raise funds for those affected by Hurricane Sandy.
The track originally appeared on the outfit’s 2011 EP Across State Lines [it was actually from the 2012 EP The Sixes (DFH)] but has since been plucked from that compilation for this special release. Stream it below, purchase here, and help make a difference. All proceeds will be donated to the Monmouth County Food Bank.
Dead Fish Handshake – Leave the Light On: Hurricane Sandy Benefit
On October 29th, Hurricane Sandy hit the northeast US, including our home-state of New Jersey. So many people affected in so many ways.
We, in Dead Fish Handshake, wanted to be able to give back and help in any way possible. All proceeds from this release will be donated to help those residents who’ve endured so much loss and pain.
To donate through purchase of our song, click below:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/leave-the-light-on-single/id576910479
Bring Food & Clothing To Next Week’s Benefit Show
At next weekend’s Anti-Bullying benefit at The Stone Pony there will be a collection of any clothing that you are willing and able to donate to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. We encourage non-perishable foods as well.
