PRESS CLIPPINGS
Meet Derek Julian, Chase Crawford and Andrew Orozco of The Deaf Pilots in N Hollywood
November 9, 2020
Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Julian, Chase Crawford and Andrew Orozco.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Derek, Chase and Andrew. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
We started off as a college band in Chico, CA in 2009. We worked our way up from backyard parties, shows and eventually started touring. After college, in 2014, we moved to Los Angeles. We had to rebuild our fanbase from the ground up, but we knew where to start. Over the next few years, we went from next-to-nothing to selling out shows at The Viper Room and The Troubadour. Then we met Andrew, who grew up in the city of San Fernando. He joined our ranks for the live debut of our second album, Veins of the City (2019), and from there nothing could stop us…
Enter scene: Covid
March 13, 2020 in Las Vegas. It was the first date of our tour out East to Texas. The billboards read, “Corona-Free Lap Dances!” We played one show until the e-mails started pouring in. New Mexico is closed, San Antonio has an outbreak.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We were stuck in Flagstaff with the proverbial grains of sand slipping through our fingers. But look at the bright side, we still got to see the Grand Canyon. We returned to a grim, rainy Los Angeles.
Because of the shutdown, we decided to put our energy towards writing new music. And in the process, alongside the shutdown, we had to figure out how we were gonna play again. Could be until Fall 2021? We placed our efforts in live streaming.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
The Deaf Pilots are a power trio. We play original, hard, spontaneous rock n roll music specializing in making your ears bleed and wap drip. A high energy live performance is what we have been known for years, pre-covid. What makes us proud? Our perseverance. What sets us apart from others? Our ability to overcome obstacles. For example, setting up hi-quality live stream performances in a time where the live show is impossible.
The Deaf Pilots are live-streaming monthly from our studio, it’s as easy as checking out our YouTube page, or IG, SnapChat, OnlyFans, etc. Stay tuned for new music!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
All of our fans deserve all the credit in the world. But also we’d like to give thanks to Marty McClean, Nicole Walker, Scott Barwick, Calvin Van Burg, Ryan Fairley, Andrew Watt, Knoup, Ani Shekoian, Angela Frost, and many others that played an integral role in our musical lives.
Link: http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-derek-julian-chase-crawford-andrew-orozco-deaf-pilots-n-hollywood/
Thanks for sharing your story with us Derek, Chase and Andrew. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
We started off as a college band in Chico, CA in 2009. We worked our way up from backyard parties, shows and eventually started touring. After college, in 2014, we moved to Los Angeles. We had to rebuild our fanbase from the ground up, but we knew where to start. Over the next few years, we went from next-to-nothing to selling out shows at The Viper Room and The Troubadour. Then we met Andrew, who grew up in the city of San Fernando. He joined our ranks for the live debut of our second album, Veins of the City (2019), and from there nothing could stop us…
Enter scene: Covid
March 13, 2020 in Las Vegas. It was the first date of our tour out East to Texas. The billboards read, “Corona-Free Lap Dances!” We played one show until the e-mails started pouring in. New Mexico is closed, San Antonio has an outbreak.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We were stuck in Flagstaff with the proverbial grains of sand slipping through our fingers. But look at the bright side, we still got to see the Grand Canyon. We returned to a grim, rainy Los Angeles.
Because of the shutdown, we decided to put our energy towards writing new music. And in the process, alongside the shutdown, we had to figure out how we were gonna play again. Could be until Fall 2021? We placed our efforts in live streaming.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
The Deaf Pilots are a power trio. We play original, hard, spontaneous rock n roll music specializing in making your ears bleed and wap drip. A high energy live performance is what we have been known for years, pre-covid. What makes us proud? Our perseverance. What sets us apart from others? Our ability to overcome obstacles. For example, setting up hi-quality live stream performances in a time where the live show is impossible.
The Deaf Pilots are live-streaming monthly from our studio, it’s as easy as checking out our YouTube page, or IG, SnapChat, OnlyFans, etc. Stay tuned for new music!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
All of our fans deserve all the credit in the world. But also we’d like to give thanks to Marty McClean, Nicole Walker, Scott Barwick, Calvin Van Burg, Ryan Fairley, Andrew Watt, Knoup, Ani Shekoian, Angela Frost, and many others that played an integral role in our musical lives.
Link: http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-derek-julian-chase-crawford-andrew-orozco-deaf-pilots-n-hollywood/
The Deaf Pilots leave Chico for City of Angels
By Angel Huracha
6/25/2014
CHICO >> For the last five years, local band The Deaf Pilots have been strumming around town, churning out records that have steadily developed on "their signature sound of gritty hooks and tuned-up sludgy guitars." But all good things come to an end, locally that is.
The band will be pursuing other endeavors as they cruise down the west coast toward the City of Angels. Hosting their last waltz in town will be Chico's 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway St., on Saturday night.
"I'm beginning to feel nostalgic about the last five years, we have met so many of our friends through playing in Chico," said vocalist Derek Julian. "Many of those friends are now our best friends and have supported us through the good times and bad."
Formed in the summer of 2009 by Julian and a close friend, the act has seen its fair share of roster changes. As of now the trio consist of Julian on vocal and guitar with Chase Crawford handling bass and Ryan Fairley on the drums.
"Their sound is a flirtatious mix of modern rock with some take-back elements of the classic genre sound." Think back to an early Stone Temple Pilots blended with the riffs of Queens of the Stone Age. Conversation for a change in scenery came to effect last fall with the band wanting to explore other options. Now after countless shows and two EPs, they are at the forefront of a major change.
All three band members, who are Chico State alumni, are soaking in a few more days of domestic bliss before they whisk away for the unforeseeable. "We feel excited for the future" and are looking forward to working towards our dream and feel very lucky to have the opportunity to take it another step further," Julian said.
Nonetheless, the town has been home over their course as a band and will remain a place engraved in their hearts. "I will miss how enthusiastic people are here when they come to shows," Julian explained. "Anyone that has ever been on a stage understands that when the crowd is enthusiastic, it brings out the best in the performance."
Being that this will be their last show in town before they leave for their Los Angeles residency, the band is determined to give their followers a jam-packed farewell package. With the rise of female rappers finally taking due Rosebud will bring an eclectic taste to the lineup, followed by local favorite The Lolos. Listeners can also look forward to Crawford taking the piano this time around while a friend of the band takes bass. "The people here love to have fun and support live music, they have supported us in a way that was crucial in getting us this far,"Julian said. "We can't thank them enough."
When/where: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway St.
Tickets: $5. All ages.
A friend of the band, DJ Ras Sigma, has a
show on iTunes/ Radio/ College Networks/ kcscradio.com Wednesdays from 2-4PM.
He has been giving a lot of air time and
"Shout Outs" to The Deaf Pilots most Wednesdays. The station has adopted
our first EP into their archives for play.
Here is a sample of one of those "Shout
Outs" by DJ Ras Sigma.
show on iTunes/ Radio/ College Networks/ kcscradio.com Wednesdays from 2-4PM.
He has been giving a lot of air time and
"Shout Outs" to The Deaf Pilots most Wednesdays. The station has adopted
our first EP into their archives for play.
Here is a sample of one of those "Shout
Outs" by DJ Ras Sigma.
KCSC Radio Press | |
File Size: | 1669 kb |
File Type: | mp3 |
Students plug in to rock out
by Nicole Santos
Published October 15th, 2013
The Deaf Pilots are "a three-man rock ’n’ roll band" whose music is high energy hard rock with a classic rock influence. Formed in 2009, the band changed its lineup several times as its members left Chico. Derek Julian, a senior communication studies major, Ryan Fairley, a English education alumnus and Chase Crawford, a recording arts alumnus, are the band’s current members. “Our former member Andrew Watt graduated last year in spring 2013 and he was a bass and guitar player,” Julian said. “He was with us for two years and recorded our album with us." The Deaf Pilots’ first CD, “Out for a Drive,” was released in 2010. “We’ve had two EP’s that have come out so far, which are five songs on demo-type CDs,” Fairley said. “Our new CD is our first full-length CD that’s coming out.”
"The crowd’s energy keeps The Deaf Pilots motivated" to perform at their best. “It’s cool to see people’s reaction to our songs and see people get into it,” Fairley said. The band feeds off of the crowd, Julian said. “When they get into it, you get more into it,” he said.
On Oct. 11, at the 1078 Gallery, the band released its new self-titled album. Strange Habits, a Northern California band with several Chico musicians, performed as their opening act. The band’s dedication to its music can be experienced through a new song off their album titled “Edge of The Earth.” “Derek has had this song for three years and we’ve practiced with it, but we’ve never thought we were ready to put it all together,” Fairley said. “We called it ‘Project X’ because we never knew what to call it.” The song is about a ship that is lost at sea. The crew is trying to find its way home. In order to get home they must go through a big storm. “It’s more like a movement, more than an average song,” Julian said. “It’s one of those songs that we gave a lot of time.” The song is eight minutes long. “It’s our ‘epic’ on the CD,” Fairley said.
In the next couple of months, the band will sell their music and merchandise
online and at their shows in Chico. Their music will be available on iTunes and
websites. “Our goal for the future is to take it one step at a time,” Julian said.
“Creating the CD was a big goal and once we get to this point, it’s about
setting a tour date and possibly going on tour and then we’ve been talking about
going to L.A. to pursue it professionally.”
Varied Musical Talents Crank Up Volume
By: Lauren Beaven
Published: Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Updated: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 03:08
Deaf Pilots, The Atom Age, Avita Treason and Clouds on Strings.
The music of The Deaf Pilots shook Cafe Flo Saturday night as the band kicked off the venue’s
Back to School Music Festival.
The five-hour event was a combination of old and new bands, both local and visiting, that
presented the audience with a nicely sculpted variety of punk, rock and progressive styles.
“We are psyched to play the show,” said Derek Julian, lead singer and guitarist of The Deaf Pilots.
Julian, a Chico State junior, was accompanied by bassist Calvin Van Burg and drummer Ryan
Fairley. Their easygoing attitudes gave way to surprisingly clear tones and fast-paced beats.
The Deaf Pilots accomplished "catchy, original music" with only an electric guitar, bass and drums,
choosing to stick to the essentials without losing versatility.
After a year of playing together and one six-song EP called “Out For A Drive,” The Deaf Pilots
are testing the waters of Chico’s music venues. The Back to School Music Festival was their first
show at Cafe Flo.
“We play at parties a lot,” Julian said.
Venues deliver a different vibe, he said. After a crowd-pleasing set, however, they’ll be a valuable
addition to upcoming shows in Chico.
By: Lauren Beaven
Published: Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Updated: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 03:08
Deaf Pilots, The Atom Age, Avita Treason and Clouds on Strings.
The music of The Deaf Pilots shook Cafe Flo Saturday night as the band kicked off the venue’s
Back to School Music Festival.
The five-hour event was a combination of old and new bands, both local and visiting, that
presented the audience with a nicely sculpted variety of punk, rock and progressive styles.
“We are psyched to play the show,” said Derek Julian, lead singer and guitarist of The Deaf Pilots.
Julian, a Chico State junior, was accompanied by bassist Calvin Van Burg and drummer Ryan
Fairley. Their easygoing attitudes gave way to surprisingly clear tones and fast-paced beats.
The Deaf Pilots accomplished "catchy, original music" with only an electric guitar, bass and drums,
choosing to stick to the essentials without losing versatility.
After a year of playing together and one six-song EP called “Out For A Drive,” The Deaf Pilots
are testing the waters of Chico’s music venues. The Back to School Music Festival was their first
show at Cafe Flo.
“We play at parties a lot,” Julian said.
Venues deliver a different vibe, he said. After a crowd-pleasing set, however, they’ll be a valuable
addition to upcoming shows in Chico.
Wild Oak to kick off fall show series
By: Candyce Chilson
Published: Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Updated: Monday, September 20, 2010 23:09
Ryan Fairley, Calvin Van Burg and Derek Julian of The Deaf Pilots practice for the upcoming Wild Oak show. They will play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 1078 Gallery with Mute Witness, Ana Lucia and Threk. Local bands unite as Wild Oak Music Group presents its first show of the semester at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 1078 Gallery.
"I would say the show has a rock theme to it," Weiner said. "The show has good bands and will be a good night of music all around." Mute Witness, Ana Lucia, The Deaf Pilots and Threk will play.
The Deaf Pilots have been together for almost a year, playing shows at Cafe Flo, Cafe Culture and a few parties in town. This will be their first show at 1078 Gallery. "With influences like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Foo Fighters and Nirvana," The Deaf Pilots have created a style all their own.
Derek Julian, a junior music major who plays guitar, bass and sings for The Deaf Pilots, categorizes their music as "hard psychedelic rock," he said.
"We play from feeling," he said. "We make our songs up as we jam."
Fellow band-member Ryan Fairley, a junior social sciences major, laughed and shook his head in disapproval. "It definitely has a '70s kind of feel, but it's a modern type of classic rock," Fairley said. After taking the summer off from performing, the band has played five shows so far this semester and is prepared for the Wild Oak show coming up, he said.
Calvin Van Burg, a junior music major at Butte College who also plays bass, guitar and does vocals for The Deaf Pilots, has faith in the band's ability to deliver. "We are definitely back in shape," he said.
Wild Oak and 1078 Gallery have worked to put on the first show of the semester in previous years. The music group strives to create a list of local bands whose talent may have gone undiscovered.
Candyce Chilson can be reached at
[email protected]
By: Candyce Chilson
Published: Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Updated: Monday, September 20, 2010 23:09
Ryan Fairley, Calvin Van Burg and Derek Julian of The Deaf Pilots practice for the upcoming Wild Oak show. They will play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 1078 Gallery with Mute Witness, Ana Lucia and Threk. Local bands unite as Wild Oak Music Group presents its first show of the semester at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 1078 Gallery.
"I would say the show has a rock theme to it," Weiner said. "The show has good bands and will be a good night of music all around." Mute Witness, Ana Lucia, The Deaf Pilots and Threk will play.
The Deaf Pilots have been together for almost a year, playing shows at Cafe Flo, Cafe Culture and a few parties in town. This will be their first show at 1078 Gallery. "With influences like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Foo Fighters and Nirvana," The Deaf Pilots have created a style all their own.
Derek Julian, a junior music major who plays guitar, bass and sings for The Deaf Pilots, categorizes their music as "hard psychedelic rock," he said.
"We play from feeling," he said. "We make our songs up as we jam."
Fellow band-member Ryan Fairley, a junior social sciences major, laughed and shook his head in disapproval. "It definitely has a '70s kind of feel, but it's a modern type of classic rock," Fairley said. After taking the summer off from performing, the band has played five shows so far this semester and is prepared for the Wild Oak show coming up, he said.
Calvin Van Burg, a junior music major at Butte College who also plays bass, guitar and does vocals for The Deaf Pilots, has faith in the band's ability to deliver. "We are definitely back in shape," he said.
Wild Oak and 1078 Gallery have worked to put on the first show of the semester in previous years. The music group strives to create a list of local bands whose talent may have gone undiscovered.
Candyce Chilson can be reached at
[email protected]