Forged in 2019 and sharpened during the pandemic quarantines, Daredevil Pilots are a multifaceted rock and roll machine from the heart of New Jersey. Bandleader Matt Edwards–wielding his ax on rhythm guitar–enlisted the vocal talents of long-time friend Tyler Huckleberry; added former music collaborator Dave Mooney on rhythm guitar, keyboard, and percussion; brought in Dan Schules on bass who in turn who invited childhood friend Travis Wilson to fill lead guitar duties; and completed the lineup up by recruiting Adam Wirjo on drums to create a diverse sound which draws upon their equally varied musical tastes. With influences as wide as Thrice, Gin Blossoms, Pink Floyd, System of a Down, The Misfits, Emery, Black Sabbath, Gaslight Anthem, The Police, and more, Daredevil Pilots are what happens when musicians get together and nerd out on their favorite riffs and styles.
Though formed in the last few years, the roots of this outfit clearly run deep. And while adulthood has brought significant life changes–indeed, five out of the six members are fathers to future rockers–the sextet harnesses those experiences and the wisdom gained from them to fuel and craft their unique and eclectic sound, which they, in true dad fashion, have christened, “Dad Rock.” This same mature but playful sound is encapsulated on their recently released 7-song EP, Failure is an Animal. Recorded over the summer and fall of 2021 at Gradwell Studios in Haddon Heights, NJ, Failure is an Animal is the result of intensive collaboration during the songwriting process which drew upon the strengths of each band member. They now hope to share the joy they felt while creating these songs with the people.
Since the release of their EP in June of 2022, Daredevil Pilots have enjoyed local success and played venues in Northern and Central NJ. Their music has appeared on internet radio internationally, scoring a spot on Australia’s 89.3 “Sweet Sounds Sunday” Top Ten New Music. They have also been featured on blowupradio.com as part of their new and notable new music series; host Lazlo said, “Failure is an Animal may be the title of Daredevil Pilots new album, but this beast of a rock album is a rousing success, not just in being 7 great rock tunes, but in being 7 great diverse sounding rock tunes!” The band‘s song “The Summer Sky” has recently been featured on 90.3 Montclair State University Radio’s “Sounds of Summer” show, where DJ Mary Capella spoke of the band’s devotion to fatherhood as well as music.
