Dean Lickyer: CMW '09 Special

In a world of metalcore, mathcore, screamo-core and whatever-the-fuck-else-core, sometimes you just want to go back to a simpler rock 'n' roll time and place.

For Dean Lickyer, that place is apparently a Hamilton, Ont. basement rec room, because they look and sound like a band that could have been banging it out in 1976. Think Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones and (not a diss) the tougher parts of Foreigner.

CHARTattack email-blasted the band with some questions in advance of their appearance at Canadian Music Week.

Hometown:
Stoney Creek, Ont.

Members:
Joshua Alvernia (vocals)
Sean Royle (guitar, vocals)
Justin Bozzo (bass)
Eric Martin (drums)

Official Website: www.myspace.com/DeanLickyer

CHARTattack: So, you're about to play the big industry event that is Canadian Music Week. What's the most shameless thing you've ever done to promote your band?
Dean Lickyer: We once played acoustically outside the AC/DC concert that was taking place in [Toronto's] Rogers Centre. We don't think that is something we should be ashamed of, but I think most bands would think it beneath them.

What's the hardest part about being an up-and-coming band?
There really is no hard part as long as you enjoy working. There are a lot of little things like shrink-wrapping your own CDs to save money. The little things can get under your skin, but you just take it in stride.

How important is it for your band members to circulate and flirt with the audience before or after the show?
Well, saying it's flirting makes it seem dishonest, like you're trying to trick people, but it is very important to let people know who you are as a person. Everyone wants to know the bands they support on a personal level. It's important for them to know: are they jerks? do they care about the support they receive? Et Cetera. So it's vital that you help people get to know who you are.

Have you ever stolen from someone else's rider? If so, who was it and what did you take?
We have never stolen from anyone. Most of the bigger acts we have played with were very congenial and when we went to party with them, they openly offered food and other things. For example, Protest The Hero were the greatest bunch of guys and it was a blast partying with them after a recent show.

Have you ever been graded before according to CHARTattack.com's Rock 'N' Roll Report Cards?
Nope.

Have you done anything new or interesting this week?
We're doing a live webcast on Friday, March 6 at 9 p.m. at www.thatchannel.com/unchartedsounds and it will be available for streaming on Monday, March 9. Other than that, we're playing a bunch of shows, meeting lots of music lovers and soaking it all in.

Dean Lickyer play the Horseshoe Tavern on March 12 at 3:10 a.m. as part of the annual CHARTattack/Horseshoe/Canadian Music Week showcase.

Check out CHARTattack's official CMW microsite here.