Anyone remember the ‘80s metal band Queensryche? They were a pretty popular band at the time, but tell that to the angry fans who basically shot down and pissed on the band night after night when they opened for Metallica. Playing with a variety of big name bands can help a smaller band raise their profile. But if they can’t deliver to the fans’ interest, then it’s like sending the proverbial lamb to the slaughter.
Default have had the unenviable task of catering to different types of audiences ever since they broke on to the scene, but bass player Dave Benedict said that the band isn’t fazed by the challenge.
“We’ve been pretty adaptive to any bands that we played with,” Benedict said. “We’ve played with some heavy bands and we’ve played with some lighter bands, and we just play accordingly.”
Default are currently on tour in the United States with Evanescence, one of the biggest success stories of 2003. Sounds like a tough act to precede, but Default have been there and done that. They got their first big break playing with their friends in Nickelback during the days when “How You Remind Me” temporarily replaced “O Canada” as this country’s national anthem. After that, the band found themselves in the U.S. playing in front of a loyal crowd of Sevendust fans.
On some nights, they’ve been challenged to prove their commercial viability against the likes of Hoobastank and on another nights, they’ve had to try and match the riff roaring power of Godsmack. Despite playing for such a wide range of audiences, the boys from Vancouver have found a way to appeal to everyone that hears them. A platinum-selling album in both Canada and in the U.S. is proof of that.
“The crowds treat us really well,” Benedict said. “It’s been consistent both in Canada and in the States.”
Default’s latest challenge is playing to a crowd that will most likely be there to ogle Amy Lee, Evanescence’s beautiful and moody vocalist. Once again, Default will have to rely on their adaptability if they’re going to impress this crowd. With a collection of darker songs like “(Taking My) Life Away” and edgier tracks like “Deny” in their arsenal, Benedict is confident that Evanescence and Default are a good match.
“We’ll pull out the big guns for this crowd,” Benedict said, “but I think they (Evanescence) got quiet a pop element to them as well, so I think it’ll work.”
Why wouldn’t it? They’ve made it work so far.
