An Interview with Avery Sims of DEF MACHINE
In the world of music, few bands bring the same level of passion, authenticity, and innovation as DEF MACHINE. A seasoned musician and producer, Avery, alongside his production partner Craig “Mr. Groove” Lane, has drawn inspiration from legends like Parliament-Funkadelic, Jimi Hendrix, and Earth, Wind & Fire to create music that’s as soulful as it is revolutionary. In this interview, Avery takes us through his journey, from his early beginnings inspired by family and iconic musicians to the challenges and triumphs of making meaningful music in today’s ever-changing industry.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
Growing up, music was an integral part of our life, myself Avery A. Sims, and my production partner Craig “Mr. Groove” Lane. We were deeply influenced by groups like “Parliament-Funkadelic” and the man himself “Jimi Hendrix”. I was captivated by the energy and harmonies of the “Jackson 5”, and “Earth Wind and Fire” all of who were a major inspiration.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
I Avery A. Sims initially started playing the guitar, but my father saw something in me and my brother and encouraged me to switch to the bass guitar. I embraced the change, and it became my passion. A significant turning point in my journey was discovering Lamont Johnson from the band Brainstorm. His innovative style and groove had a profound impact on me and shaped my approach to playing the bass.
I officially began my musical journey in my childhood, and those formative experiences—along with the support and influence of my family and musical idols—set me on the path to creating and producing music.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
One of our biggest challenges as artists has been gaining greater visibility and connecting with new fans through live performances and shows. Live events are such an important way to build a deeper connection with our audience, but securing consistent opportunities to perform in front of larger crowds can be a hurdle.
Additionally, navigating the digital landscape to effectively promote our work has its complexities. With so much content out there, standing out requires strategic efforts to get the right eyes on our videos and ensure high attendance at the shows we promote. Balancing creative output with the business side of promotions is a challenge, but it’s also a learning experience that pushes us to grow as artists and professionals.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
Right now, my favorite project is our newest single, “Break Thru.” This record represents a significant step forward for us as artists and producers. We’re always striving to push our production standards and sound to new heights, and with “Break Thru,” we feel we’ve achieved something truly special. We poured so much energy, creativity, and passion into this track, and it reflects where we are musically at this moment. It’s some of the best music we’ve created so far, and we’re excited to share it with the world and see how it resonates with our audience.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
We draw inspiration from a wide range of artists and bands, both contemporary and classic. We actively keep up with what’s charting on the Billboard charts, as it’s essential to understand the current musical landscape and trends. At the same time, we find inspiration in timeless favorites from all genres—whether it’s R&B, Hip-Hop, NuMetal, Funk, Pop, or Country Rap.
We believe good music transcends boundaries, so we’re constantly exploring different sounds and styles. This eclectic approach fuels our creativity and helps us craft a versatile and innovative musical identity. From modern hits to older classics, we’re inspired by anything that moves people and tells a compelling story.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
The process behind working on a song like “Break Thru” was deeply personal and collaborative. The inspiration came from our struggles, especially the challenges we’ve faced navigating the music industry behind the scenes. These experiences fueled our creativity and gave us a story that resonated with everyone in the band.
When creating this song, it was important to ensure that every element—from the lyrics to the production—reflected our emotions and shared vision. Writing and producing “Break-Thru” was a collective effort, with each member contributing their unique perspective and energy. We leaned on our strengths as a team, experimenting with different sounds and ideas until everything aligned perfectly. This honest and heartfelt approach is what gave the song its depth and authenticity. It’s a testament to our perseverance and unity as a band.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
Our upcoming album, “America: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly,” is one of our most ambitious and meaningful projects to date. This album is designed to jolt listeners back to life with its revolutionary energy while also offering a sense of calm and reflection. It addresses the pressing issues of our time—political, social, and personal—through honest and thought-provoking lyrics that we hope resonate with people on a deep level.
The inspiration for this project came from observing and experiencing the world around us. There’s so much tension and division right now, but also a lot of resilience and hope. We wanted to create an album that not only speaks to the struggles people face but also offers a sense of understanding and solidarity. Each track is crafted to challenge perspectives, spark conversation, and provide a soundtrack for change. We’re excited to share these stories and connect with our audience powerfully.
What are your plans for the rest of 2024?
For the remainder of 2024, our focus is on putting the finishing touches on our upcoming album, “America: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly,” which is set to release in 2025. This project is incredibly important to us, and we’re ensuring every detail—both musically and conceptually—is perfect.
In addition, we’re considering shooting another music video to complement the album and keep our momentum going. It’s all about creating a compelling experience for our audience and building excitement for what’s to come. We encourage everyone to stay tuned, as there’s a lot more in store!
Have any shoutouts?
Yes, shout out to Kid L and the entire Detroit music scene.
With their upcoming album, America: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, they aim to tackle societal issues head-on while providing a sense of hope and connection. As they prepare for an exciting 2024, one thing is certain: DEF MACHINE is a band to watch, blending revolutionary energy with deeply personal storytelling.
Tune in to DEF MACHINE’s music on Spotify or wherever you stream music online.