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: An acoustic evening of DFH
We’re returning to the Crossroads for an evening of all acoustic music.
We are being joined by our friends in Statik Silence, Gathering After Ashes and Moises Christopher.
New show announcement: Hard Rock Boston
We return to Boston on May 10th as we get set to play at Hard Rock Cafe Boston.
More details soon.
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.
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.
Dead Fish Handshake: A Firm Grip on Music
A couple weeks ago, Matthew had a chat with Shanna over at NY Social Status. Read the interview here:
http://nysocialstatus.com/2012/11/05/dead-fish-handshake-a-firm-grip-on-music/
There is absolutely nothing more powerful in this world than music. It can draw people together, influence behavior, heal pain; the abilities of music are endless. With such an amazing power in their hands, musicians are in a much more significant position than they often realize. Dead Fish Handshake vocalist, Matt Paul has no trouble recognizing the impact music can have on its audience and is keen to ensure that his music leaves a good impression.
“I’m not trying to preach to anyone,” Paul explains. “The things I talk about in my lyrics are things that I’ve gone through. While the topics may be a little on the depressing side, the message is just to let people know that there’s somebody else who’s gone through what they may not be able to express. Hopefully as a singer I’m in a place where I can give their feelings some words. That, to me, is the best thing about music.”
It’s easy to understand why this is Paul’s favorite thing about music, but when it comes to Dead Fish Handshake, there is oh, so much more to admire. Composed of a collection of members from other bands in the area, Dead Fish Handshake is an effective combination of a variety of influences and excellent musicians with a message for their listeners.
Photo credit to deadfishhandshake.com
“In this band, it’s funny, individually, we’re all into such different bands,” Paul explains. “We’re all on different platforms, and when we put those genres together I guess you get Dead Fish Handshake.”
The music industry couldn’t have asked for a better combination. The DFH sound is a healthy blend of old school rock and decade influences underscored by soulfully written lyrics that simultaneously expose band members and embrace fans. Like any good musical group, DFH has witnessed the growth of their sound into the perfect blend of their individual interests.
“We wanted to have heavy aspects, but we’re also fans of acoustic, electric, classic rock, soul music,” Paul explains. “I think we’re still defining that sound. If you go to the first album, those songs were written acoustic and we built them up to make the rock songs you hear on the record. A lot of those songs touched on a lot of different sounds.”
As a result of their hard work, dedication and production work with rock staple, Sevendust‘s Clint Lowery, the boys from Dead Fish Handshake have just released a new album that captures their sound much more accurately.
“Clint brought the intensity of Sevendust to Dead Fish Handshake but let us be ourselves,” Paul notes. “When you’re inspired by people, you take things from them, and what was cool was that Clint let me keep what I was influenced by, what I was inspired by, but he kinda brought my own voice out of me. With The Sixes we finally created the DFH sound. As far as what our sound is, we’re not reinventing the wheel by any means, but hopefully we’re re-injecting some life into a genre of music that’s taken a lot of heat lately.”
Beneath all the effort and growth Dead Fish Handshake has experienced, the message of their music remains one of the most important aspects of what they do as a band, and their combined forces couldn’t be more perfect for such a mission.
“Mark and Darren, being the rhythm section, they’re what gives it life. They’re the heartbeat,” Paul says. “They’re there to give that emotion, that idea that Rob and I have, life. I’m a guy who writes introspectively. I pull from things I’ve gone through in my life. There are a lot of heavy topics, like suicide, low self-esteem, things like that. They’re just things I’ve gone through myself, and this record was an outlet. I’ve had a lot of heartache in my life. We’re not an emo band, but I do think music should be powerful and there should be emotion behind what you do. Hopefully the topics, while they focus on a darker side of life, it’s letting people know that they’re not alone.”
“You start out writing these songs for you,” Paul admits. “I wrote these songs to help myself. I never in my wildest dreams thought there would be people out there who took comfort from it. One of the things I truly love is interacting with fans. Music aside, I love meeting fans. That’s something I always make it a point to do. They give meaning to that stage. That’s pretty much my therapy. What they do for me is giving me that opportunity and helping me cope. When I go out and sing, in a lot of ways I’m bleeding out those things, and I need that as a human. I hope that when people come see that they maybe sense that, but in a positive way.”
The purpose behind Dead Fish Handshake is a testament to why music is so incredibly powerful, and why it is such an integral part of our lives. We are all human, and we feel so many things. So often, all we’re searching for is someone who understands those feelings.
“Everybody’s problems are all relative,” Paul says. “It’s based on what you’ve gone through individually. I think as a society, we don’t all have enough love for one another. That’s evident. If there’s anything observational in my music, that’s a big one. As beautiful as something like love can be, music can be just as beautiful. The best thing about music: it’s a timeline for what you’ve been through. Everybody needs that time to reflect or to re-evaluate.”
In line with this message and the idea that society should help, not hurt, one another, Dead Fish Handshake is participating in a benefit concert for Students Against Being Bullied on November 16 at Asbury Park’s Stone Pony. Just a few days after their upcoming November 14 showwith Hurt and Smile Empty Soul, DFH will join musician Apryl Evans to raise awareness of bullying in school and the devastating effect it can have.
In an era where mainstream music is focused on partying, physical appearance and meaningless sex, Dead Fish Handshake is a welcome respite and reminder of the impact music can and should have and the undeniable influence it has on everyone involved. Thank God for Dead Fish Handshake.
New Date for Bergen PAC show.
As you know, due to Hurricane Sandy, tonight’s show originally scheduled at the Bergen Performing Arts Center was postponed. The new date has been scheduled for Friday, January 18th, 2013. All tickets purchased will be honored or exchanged for tickets for the new date.
Show at Bergen PAC postponed.
Hey all, this just in regarding Friday night’s show at Bergen PAC, which has now been postponed due to difficulty with travel arrangements:
Here is the complete message from bergenPAC (Bergen Performing Arts Center): “Sadly despite our best efforts, the artist’s travel situation in the after-Sandy world will not allow the Ed Kowalczyk show on Friday to take place as scheduled and is being postponed. Please hold on to your tickets and we will announce a new date shortly. Hang in there New Jersey, we promise things get better soon!!!!”
We, in DFH, hope to still be a part of this show. As soon as a new date is rescheduled, we will certainly let you know. Thanks for your understanding and sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Message from DFH
Our hearts go out to all our friends and families who’ve been affected by Hurricane Sandy. – a devastating storm indeed. We’d like to send you well wishes your way and urge those who are able to lend a helping hand, to please do so. Together, we can get through it all. Together, we can pick up the pieces and rebuild.
- Rob | Matt | Darren | Mark -
DEAD FISH HANDSHAKE
