The Dying Elk Herd are a rock band from Lancaster, PA.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Dave Benner Vocals, guitars, backing vocals
Curt Laudenberger Drums, backing vocals, keys
Greg Cathey Bass, backing vocals, Keys
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to The Dying Elk Herd? How long has the band been around?
Mystery City & Kirk & the Jerks / this band since 2010
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The Dying Elk Herd name symbolizes the passing of time and the ideas and attitudes that fade from generation to generation.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
We all write the songs. The themes come from our reaction to life on earth as humans. Assuming that life will change over time so too will the subject matter.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
We don't find any other rock bands particularly inspiring anymore but two gifted songwriters that people should check out are Tim Barry from Richmond, VA and Barry Bliss from Brooklyn, NY. Must be something about Barry's, go figure.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Bands that inspired us to start playing music in our teens were The Ramones, The Clash, Generation X, SLF and Hanoi Rocks.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
We're not playing any shows and we're not on a label.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Highlights of this band have been finally finishing the record and creating a song for the indie movie "Don't Let The Riverbeast Get You!" from 2012.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
I don't think we would enjoy touring, we're homebodies. We'll leave the touring for others to enjoy.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Anything to add....yes: check out our debut record "For Real This Time" at www.thedyingelkherd.com and check out the "Don't Let the Riverbeast Get You!" movie if you have a chance. Guaranteed you will feel genuinely good after watching it, unlike the majority of films that Hollywood forces down our throats that are typically unwatchable.