Fresh out of high school, those of us who lived & breathed the local music scene spent our time in smoky basement clubs handing out band flyers, renting storage units to hold practice in, and taking road trips to see a good Nuclear Assault show when metal was still underground.

This was 1990, I was still a senior, and I was about to meet Dennis Hartley. He was that guy—the one everybody was fighting to get into their band. The one who was always getting pulled into ten different directions. I didn’t know he was so loved yet. My introduction to this rogue party crowd was unexpected; I walked into a room with a lot of leather jackets, loud music, and industrial amounts of alcohol. When I saw him, he was just a shy, long haired guy sitting at the table next to his friend who happened to be trying to stick a blade down his throat like a circus pro. 

Dennis grew up to be an incredibly talented musician, guitar always in hand. He started playing when he was 6, had the gift of near perfect pitch, and worked alongside big names as a studio musician. He’s humble, stays out of the limelight, and genuinely just loves making music. I asked him to help me out with an interview for my first edition of Elevar. 

CG: You’ve been fortunate to play with some pretty big names, yet you’ve always kept those names and experiences quiet. I have to admit, I always feel excited about one of my oldest friends having those connections. Can you give me a short story?

Dennis: Yes, I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve had the privilege to hang out with some of my idols. On occasion I have performed with some of my heroes. Sometimes the band I’m in gets to share the same stage with these musicians. I’ve even had the privilege to record with some of these amazing and talented artists.

As far as a short story, I could tell you about the time that I was at a show and the guys in the band were playing football out behind the venue in the parking lot. They asked me to join in and play. So I did. Right before they were supposed to go on stage, the lead singer got the football, and I accidentally tackled him on the pavement.

(CG interjecting here to explain that Dennis can get carried away and forget his own strength… “accidentally?”) 

He was pretty messed up. I didn’t mean to. I was just trying to tag him. Anyway during the show, I felt bad because I could see little cut places on his face and hands. He was singing the lyrics, and there was this line that said “you’re insane”. He’d look at me and point at me out in the crowd when he sang that lyric. I thought that was funny.

CG:  You’ve worked with Chris Caffery before… can you tell me how that happened and what was it like being in the studio with him?

Dennis: Yes. I was offered an opportunity to play guitar and help write an album with an old friend. He mentioned that Chris Caffrey would be producing the album, and also playing some guitar as well. So one day at the studio I’m getting my guitar ready and Chris Caffery walked in. I was always a huge fan of Chris. I used to go see him when he played with  Savatage. (Chris is also the main front guy for Trans Siberian Orchestra.) So anyway, I’m in the studio sitting face to face with him. All of the sudden I got really nervous. I could barely play my guitar. I was starstruck! It took about 30 minutes before I could calm down enough to play decent. After I relaxed, everything went really well and we worked back-and-forth on guitars for the rest of the day. This was intimidating, invigorating, and just an absolute joy all at the same time. I thought how lucky I was to playing with another hero of mine.

CG: You’re putting together your solo album. Tell me what kind of snags you run into when you’re trying to do something like that, and how you overcome them?

Dennis: Yeah, I’m finally doing that. I’ve always participated with other bands, but never fully worked on my own thing. I’ve always written my own music but never put it out. The only snag I run into is second-guessing myself. It’s mainly a lot of work, time, effort and tenacity. I’m still learning and that keeps me motivated.

I’ll start with an idea and compose the music. It evolves. I then start recording and producing. I play all of the instruments. The drums are done by programming a drum machine (or sometimes I’m able to have a drummer perform the drum parts). Then I mix and master the song. I file for copyrights. I then put it out on streaming sites.

CG: Do you think that DIY is an okay way to go for an indie artist trying to put out music without a label?

Dennis: Yes. I believe it’s okay for anyone to do it yourself. You won’t owe the record company/label to do the stuff for you. And you own all the rights and have control in making it the way you wish. I believe it’s the truest form and representation of the artist when it’s DIY.

CG: Where can we hear your solo album and all your other albums/music? 

Dennis: I have two singles of my solo work out at the moment. I’m working on others and will release those ASAP. You can hear all my music and music of other bands I play with on most streaming platforms. 

Dennis Hartley plays with several bands, including Burning Black and Shadow Wraith, out of Boone, NC. Check them out on Reverbnation and YouTube. He also works as a studio musician and 34 years experience working in the music industry.

Burning Black  on Reverbnation