Do you have a story behind your artist name?
MP: The band name is divisive. Ha! You either love it or hate it but I think you definitely remember it. The story goes, Our lawyers actually had a hand in it. No pun intended. After every meeting we had with industry heads we were always left with the worst handshakes from influential people. It began to be the signal for who was insincere and ready to take our money. Ha!
Tell us a bit about your music journey. How has it shaped you?
MP: We have been at this now collectively for 15 years. Our 4th album is on the horizon. Our desire to create has not faltered whatsoever. I think it may even be stronger than ever now with this new expanded lineup. We feel like we have matured as musicians and most importantly as people and have finally been able to break free from “rules” in songwriting to create something that shows who we are today, where we’ve been and where we are still going.
Rob: Music has always been my way of making sense of the world — a form of catharsis, both as a listener and a creator. It gets me through, you know?
As a songwriter, it’s always been about chasing an honest form of expression. When you’re authentic in what you create, it’s incredibly self-fulfilling — and if it happens to connect with an audience, that’s just a bonus.
How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with it?
MP: Well, a magazine described us as U2 meets Soundgarden for lunch at Aaron Lewis’ house. Ha! If you ask me, we are a modern rock band influenced by anything from The Beatles to EDM. We aspire to be an evolution of everything in between.
Rob: Our sound is rooted in rock, but it’s evolved into something more…always melodic but heavy where it needs to be. We try to write songs that pull you in lyrically and sonically. If you like songs that say something, you’ll probably connect with what we do.
What drew you to the genre/instruments you’re playing right now?
MP: Well it’s interesting, because sometimes I feel like the social climate today is doing everything to draw you AWAY from the rock genre. But rock was never for the masses anyway in my opinion. It was for the kid who wanted to stand out from the pack and share something obscure because they found their identity in something artful and unique. I think you will always find a more genuine and connected heartbeat in rock music.
Rob: Rock has always felt like home to me. It’s powerful, emotional, and there’s room to be vulnerable in it. The guitar was my outlet from the start; it lets me channel everything I’m feeling and allows me to communicate without saying a word. The results end up being something bigger than me. Over time, it became less about just playing notes and more about creating moments that feel like something. That’s what drew me in and keeps me there.
What inspires you to write music?
MP: I’m inspired by the people today who do their best to do the right thing and wonder why life seems like it’s against them. I try to write songs that give those people the peace, love and understanding to keep going.
Rob: Real life inspires me: the things you go through, the people you lose, the moments that stick with you. Writing has always been how I process all of that. Sometimes it’s reflection, sometimes it’s release. It’s the way I make sense of everything happening around me and inside me.
Would you tell us about your current project, album/EP, or song you’re promoting?
MP: We have a new single called “Traveling At The Speed Of Life”. It’s the first single off of our forthcoming album “Safe In The Harms Of Love”. It’s also our first new music in 5 years. We are very grateful that there was still a clamor for us to create again.
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your music?
MP: That there is still a reason to be hopeful. Even when this world is convincing you otherwise.
Rob: I just want people to feel something. Whether it reminds them of a moment in their own life or helps them get through something, that connection is what it’s all about. If a song we wrote can make someone feel less alone for a few minutes, that’s everything to me. Life moves fast, and sometimes we forget to stop and take it in. I hope people listening to our music find a little space to breathe — to reflect, to feel, to remember what really matters.
Who are your top three artists right now? If that’s not a fair question, what’s your favorite song right now?
MP: Right now, Ive really been into The Twilight Sad, Stephen Wilson, Jr, and Jason Isbell. I really fell in love with “Im A Song” by Wilson. As much as I enjoy heavy music there’s something special about a solo acoustic guitar and amazing lyrics.
Rob: I recently discovered Cardinal Black, who are a killer band. Tigercub is another band folks should check out if they haven’t. And I haven’t been able to shake off Sleep Token, who find their way back into rotation again and again.
What’s the easiest way for fans to connect with you?
MP: Follow us on socials @deadfishhandshake. We love hearing from you guys and chatting with everyone about what they’re listening to.
Connect with Dead Fish Handshake:
Facebook
YouTube
What’s next for you?
MP: Our new album Safe in the Harms of Love comes out in 2026 – stay tuned. We’re excited to have you on this journey with us.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
MP: Thank you for having us and being supporters of music. These days we need as many unified hands as possible. We appreciate you interviewing us.
ABOUT DEAD FISH HANDSHAKE:
Dead Fish Handshake (stylized as DFH) carved out their place in the modern rock scene with their 2011 debut album, Across State Lines. Originally formed as an acoustic side project by Rhode Island’s Matthew Paul (vocals) and New Jersey’s Rob Ferreira (guitar), the duo soon expanded their sound by adding Darren Furman (bass) and Mark Birkelbach (drums).
Their breakout single, “Changes”, helped DFH make waves in the New Jersey rock circuit. With emotionally driven songwriting and high-octane live performances, the band quickly built a loyal following.
In 2012, DFH released their sophomore EP, The Sixes, produced by Clint Lowery (Sevendust). The lead single, “Turning a Blind Eye”, earned national recognition, while “Leave the Light On” became a fan favorite and one of the band’s most defining songs—a message of hope that deeply resonated with listeners and has grown to hold a special place within the DFH community. Riding that wave, the band hit the road on the “Leave the Light On Tour,” expanding their reach across the country.
In 2020, DFH released their first full-length LP, Lies… and All That Jazz. The album captured the band at full strength—melding timeless rock sensibilities with a modern edge, drawing influence from Foo Fighters, A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails, and U2.
Since then, DFH has expanded its lineup with Vito Rauseo, Jr. (guitar) and Ant Salcedo (bass), bringing a renewed energy and expanded sound to the band’s next chapter.
Over the past few years, DFH has been hard at work—writing and recording their most ambitious material to date. Their upcoming self-produced album, Safe In The Harms Of Love, is set for release in 2026, preceded by the lead single “Traveling At The Speed Of Life”, arriving in Fall 2025.
Through every evolution, Dead Fish Handshake remains grounded in authenticity, creativity, and a passion for honest rock music.
DFH has shared the stage with Stone Temple Pilots, Sevendust, Three Doors Down, Fuel, Scott Stapp, Paul Rodgers, Ed Kowalczyk, Queensryche, Pop Evil, Collective Soul, Saving Abel, Gin Blossoms, Plain White T’s, Godsmack, Skillet, Anthrax, Living Colour, Hurt, and Extreme.
