Previously known as “Aberdeen,” the duo remains humble throughout rapid growth.
Dallas’s local “Psych-Grunge” band, Aberdeen is Dead is making it big in the local scene in Dallas, accompanying alternative rock artist Violent Vira on their “We’re All Dead Tour”. Previously known as “Aberdeen”, The original duo consists of vocalist Jake Linder and guitarist Matt Bolling along with touring members Anthony Brown on bass and Brendan Flanagan on drums. The crowd could feel the energy rising before the group could walk out from behind the side curtains. The room full of locals’ turned their complete attention to the band by yelling and screaming out of excitement. “Even though we’re not the headliners and didn’t sell out the show by ourselves, I know there was still a good chunk there to see us and it feels like we’re taken care of by our people,” guitarist Matt Bolling said. “I recognize faces pretty easily especially with hometown shows because we have repeat supporters and it’s almost like seeing family again on thanksgiving.”
The crowd enjoyed hearing originals like “We’re All Mad Here” and “The Impulse Theory,” but making the night even more memorable they included covers such as “Elephant” by Tame Impala and “Zero” by The Smashing Pumpkins encouraging the audience to open up the pit and mosh together. The chemistry between the original and touring members rubbed off on the audience, coming together as one big room of people with a love for music. Gaining popularity on social media, the band became a hope for the future of grunge. Heavily inspired by 90’s grunge bands such as Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins, the name “Aberdeen” is inspired by Kurt Cobain’s birthplace in Aberdeen, Washington. “Jake came up with the band name years ago over the love and inspiration of Nirvana and grunge,” Bolling said. “It’s what started the band and influenced the sound, although our sound has changed and the name has taken on new meanings to us… such as how good comes from bad and bad comes from good.”
Starting out the tour with a sold out hometown show, Aberdeen is Dead and Violent Vera already have low ticket alerts for Los Angeles as well as added tour dates to Las Vegas, Nevada and Columbus, Ohio. Remaining humble throughout the band’s rapid growth, they say they are simply just two dudes with guitars, a laptop, and nothing better to do. “In the grand scheme of things I wouldn’t consider ourselves making too significant of an imprint yet,” Bolling said. “I’m grateful, I know it was a combination of luck and hard work, and I hope everyone pays attention to anything we create, involving this band or not.”
I am a Dallas-based photographer. I am social media manager and photographer for indie-rock band Laredo Two as well as writer and photographer for Prosper's online newspaper, Eagle Nation Online. I have always had a passion for anything music from playing shows myself (I play bass and guitar) to music photography. When I am not taking pictures or at a concert, I run a small jewelry business and work at a local guitar shop!
