15 Questions With DedBuny

[Rex Mundi The Great]

1. Where are we talking from today? 


Today I live in the beautiful Southern California’s Inland Empire town of Calimesa.


2. What would you like to accomplish in 2019? 


Completing my first album as an Acoustic Rock Singer/Songwriter.  I go into the studio at the end of this month and hope to have the record finished by end of May.  Then I’ll be booking Album Release Shows around California.


3. What is your take on politics?


I always like to think of myself as Politically Agnostic. While I do have lots of opinions, I don’t really take a political side.  I’ve worked for the government for many years to include 5 straight years in Afghanistan so I’ve a pretty good insider’s view of how things really work and it’s kind of sad.


4. Where did you get your artist name from? 


The short version is in 2003 while living in Queen Creek, AZ I entered a Target Store.  As soon as I go in, I notice all kinds of fake fur items on display to include this scarf that had a little rabbit head at one end.  So naturally I started having it talk to various customers in the store introducing him as DedBuny.  I continued having fun until forced by the Regional Manager of Target to stop (after arguing with him through DedBuny).  After leaving the store I thought that the name DedBuny sounded like a cool Band Name but ended up using it as my Stage Name regardless of being in a Band or Solo.


5. Growing up, how important has music been in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?


 Music has and will always be a big part of my life.  I wanted to be a singer as far back as I can remember.  I remember seeing a Report Card from my Kindergarten year commenting on my talent for making up songs on the piano.  I would sing along to so many bands in my bedroom just dreaming of the day I could sing on stage for real.  Since I was 19 years old, I’ve been in several bands as the primary songwriter, singer and bassist.  Since 2018 I’ve learned to play the guitar and have been performing Solo shows in between my Band gigs.  In 2019 I’m focused on just performing Solo Acoustic Rock Shows.


6. Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what could you see yourself doing? 


I wish I could say that I’ve been able to fully support myself playing music and that I never imagined doing anything else, but life has not worked out that way.  I worked in various security related fields for most of my life and now drive a semi to make living expenses. My “day jobs” have always provided the means to purchase any musical related item I need to perform great live shows.  If I could just perform music for a living I would jump at the opportunity.


7. What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? 


The surprise and challenge combined as been a couple issues.  First, trying to find other band members is so much harder than many people can imagine.  One, is they have to have talent.  Two, is they have to believe in the same musical goals as you.  Three is you have to at the least be able to tolerate their individuality as an artist and person.  Second is finding decent venues that will allow you to play without it becoming a Pay-to-Play situation.  No matter how great you may think you are, the music business is very cut-throat and difficult to gain great success.  For every “known” artist there are literally hundreds if not thousands of unknown, yet equally talented artists out there.  We all dream the dream, and when being truly honest, just love performing.  Even if only 1 person shows up, then that 1 person deserves your best.  The hard part is not to be too discouraged and simply give up.


8. What was it like putting together your EP?


All of my earlier EP’s were all recorded by me.  I wrote, played the instruments, sang, recorded, produced and managed every part of it.  This year will be the first truly professionally recorded album and I’ve very excited.  Having to engineer everything yourself is extremely hard and time consuming.


9. Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future? 


My musical inspirations are as varied as my own material.  While I do prefer to stay in the Rock Genre (all varieties) I would name Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, U2, Staind, Shinedown and Blink 182 (and spin offs of Blink) as bands that affect my style of writing and singing.  I would love to work with Aaron Lewis or any of the Original Blink 182 members any time!


10. What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?


 I keep up with all the various online outlets myself and it is hard and sometimes tiring to do it all alone.  I really try to use the more popular sites like Facebook, YouTube and Reverbnation to keep my fans updated with shows and new material.  Gratefully I always have some downtime to post updates and I always respond back to fans that send me questions or comments on my various media pages.  I would like to believe that they really appreciate the fact that I really do write back even if it’s just say thanks for the support. 


11. If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island, what musical item would you take with you and why?


My Acoustic Guitar!!  Doesn’t need to be plugged in and I can pass my stranded time writing new material.  Maybe a song about the whole experience….haha


12. If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in? 


The Punisher Series on Netflix would be my choice.  I’ve always been a big Punisher fan up to the point that I have the Punisher Skull on my DedBuny Prop and tattooed on my chest.


13. At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?


Almost all my songs have the message of hope and internal personal strength.  I try to send out a positive vibe in the songs and want to connect with people through music that makes them feel that no matter how low it seems right now; it will get better and don’t ever give up!!


14. When you are not making music what else do you enjoy to do? 


I have always been an avid Cyclists and Hiker.  Through the help of my beautiful girlfriend Mary, I made it the top of Mount Whitney last year (14,508 feet).  I also love to cook and create yummy new food items!


15.  Where you @ online?  My primary sites are: 


www.facebook.com/dedbuny


www.youtube.com/dedbuny


www.reverbnation.com/dedbuny