Editor’s Note: It was a great time reconnecting with Joe Cotela of rising hard rock band DED for Madness To Creation. We initially covered this band when they were beginning their ascent on top of the hard rock mountain when they provided direct support for Pop Evil in Waterloo. Then, the band won awards and have gained international recognition with their hard hitting riffs coupled with in your face vocals and a punishing rhythm section. DED will be releasing “Mannequin Eyes” later on in 2020 and in the meantime have released their music video for “A Mannequin Idol(Lullaby)”, which seems to have captured perfect timing given the Covid-19 pandemic and the protesting and rioting over the murder of George Floyd. Joe Cotela discusses mental health awareness, the Covid-19 pandemic and other topics in this fun interview. Fans can find Ded at the following locations:
Madness To Creation: You guys are releasing “A Mannequin Idol (Lullaby),” take us into the song and video! What was the most fun part about making the music video?
Joe: It always fun making music videos, it’s like a short film for a song. There’s not a lot of pressure to me, its like a show with no people in the case of doing a performance video like ours. We just go so hard the whole time you get a super bangover. Like a headbang hangover.
Madness To Creation: How would you say you have grown in your music from the days of “Anti-Everything” to “A Mannequin Idol(Lullaby)”?
Joe: I think music is a reflection of self, of the soul. Life. We have lived 3 of the most crazy years of our lives since “Anti-E” came out. An insane amount of experiences from traveling the world, watching bands live, meeting people and practicing our craft. We are wiser and more powerful now. I think it shows.
Madness To Creation: What is your next goal?
Joe: To come out of quarantine in great shape.
Madness To Creation: How have you and the band been coping through the pandemic?
Joe: Trying to read positive things daily, workout, eat good and come out of this stronger than ever before.
Madness To Creation: How have you had to adjust your social media presence through the Covid-19 pandemic?
Joe: I’ve started playing live acoustic versions of our songs and other cover songs. I had never done that before. It’s been a cool experience.
Madness To Creation: What’s the first thing you want to do when this is all over?
Joe: See my parents!
Madness To Creation: Thanks for having me interview you at Spicoli’s in Waterloo, we hung out and had a couple of beers in your trailer. What is your favorite live performance that you’ve done?
Joe: I remember that, with Pop Evil I believe? There are so many live memories, one that really sticks out is Download UK. It was always a dream of mine to play it.
Madness To Creation: Tell us about your very first gig as DED.
Joe: I think it was at a place called Rock Bar in Scottsdale, AZ. So many strobe lights and I think we ripped. We played a bunch of our first songs there that were on an EP that never came out. Was a super heavy EP. Had no idea any of this would happen.
Madness To Creation: We cover mental health awareness at Madness To Creation, what are some things that help you get through when you’re struggling and what makes you happy?
Joe: We make ourselves happy. I try not to find solace in temporary happiness as much as possible. Like buying things ect. I do good I feel good. I do things that I respect in others and myself and I feel good from that. I stay in the present moment as much as possible.
Madness To Creation: What else would you like to add in regards to DED?
Joe: Tell a friend!
And there you have it! Follow DED’s socials for the latest news and happenings in regards to the band!
Check out the acoustic version of “A Mannequin Idol(Lullaby)” below:
