In this exclusive interview, Capital Chaos TV sits down with Ted Kelliher, drummer for the heavy, eclectic band Fused by Defiance, to talk about the band’s origins, creative process, the L.A. music scene, and what it takes to make it in the music industry today.
Who is Ted Kelliher?
Ted Kelliher spells it out for us—literally. That’s K-E-L-L-I-H-E-R, a name with proud Irish roots. At 39 years old, Ted brings not only experience but also a clear passion for music and collaboration. Currently based in Huntington Beach, California, he moved from Boston to L.A. in 2007 to chase his musical dreams.
Forming Fused by Defiance
Fused by Defiance originally came together in 2012, but Ted joined later. “I used to go to their shows and think how cool the band was,” he recalls. After some original members left, the band went on hiatus. Years later, guitarist Arnold—nicknamed “Hedge”—reached out to Ted through a musician networking site. One successful audition later, Ted officially became the band’s drummer.
“I’ve been in the band for maybe a year and a half, two years now,” Ted says. “I kind of lost track with the whole COVID thing going on.”
Sound, Style, and Songwriting
At the core, metal is the band’s foundation, but their sound is far from conventional.
“We incorporate a lot of rap elements and melodic sections. Our singer, Taj, does everything—rapping, screaming, and singing. We blend all those styles into every track.”
The songwriting process usually starts with the guitarists laying down foundational ideas, then the band collaborates to bring it all together. Taj handles most of the lyrical writing, though everyone contributes to the creative direction.
“We haven’t started a song with a drum beat yet,” Ted says with a laugh. “That’ll be our next challenge.”
East Coast vs. West Coast Music Scenes
Having played in bands on both coasts, Ted has a unique perspective on how the scenes differ.
“In L.A., there’s so much competition—it’s intense, but healthy. Bands support each other more here. On the East Coast, it was more cutthroat—like a sink-or-swim mentality. There wasn’t much cross-band support.”
He adds that the L.A. scene thrives on networking and collaboration, which helps bands grow despite the saturated market.
On Pay-to-Play and Pre-Sales
Ted has experienced both fair and unfair gig setups. In Boston, payment usually flowed from headliners down to openers. In L.A., however, pre-sale ticketing and pay-to-play scenarios are more common.
“You’re doing all the promotion, but rarely see the return. Clubs rely on their name rather than marketing the artists. Still, it’s cool to play legendary venues—but don’t expect to walk away with cash in your pocket.”
What It Takes to Make It
When asked about the top qualities needed for success in the music industry, Ted keeps it grounded:
- Patience
- Practice – hone your craft.
- Belief in yourself – especially when doing something creative or different.
“I think keeping your ego in check and communicating well with your band is key,” he adds, noting that these soft skills often get overlooked.
Past, Present, and Future
Ted started playing music at 12, performing in cover bands with his brother, then forming original projects that eventually brought him west. With decades of experience behind him, he’s still learning and growing.
Modern bands, he says, are doing things differently: “Today’s songs are shorter, more experimental—like a wild ride. It’s cool to see how bands break from traditional structures.”
What’s Next for Fused by Defiance?
The band just dropped their latest single, “Cancel Culture”, and is currently back in the studio working on a new EP, expected later this year.
“We’ve already started writing. We’re diving in again this Thursday,” Ted shares. “Hopefully by the end of the year, we’ll have something new out for everyone.”
Catch Fused By Defiance on tour and stream wherever you get your music.
Watch the full video interview below.
Categories: Fused by Defiance
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