LOS ANGELES — With a hot new single called “Drive or Crash” and a determination to make an impact in Rock or die trying, DMK might be the most promising thing to come from Boston since the Celtics,

The group is led by singer Scotty Dunbar and is the new song is produced by the mighty Steve Brown (Trixter/Def Leppard fill-in), and we believe Joe Elliot would fully approve of this mid-tempo rock track that sounds like it could have been a hit in 1989.

DMK is rounded out by Ted Merrill (guitar), Brian Karr (drums) and Jason Draven (bass).

Metal Sludge tracked down Dunbar, who was shocked but psyched to do an official Metal Sludge 10 Questions.

1, If you had Tom Scholz in your car, and you blasted your new single,, what do you think he would say?

SCOTTY DUNBAR: Hopefully Mr. Scholz would like it and maybe he would ask me if Steve recorded Ted’s guitars with a Rockman lol. (For those not in the loop, the Rockman is an invention by Tom and offers several guitar effects.) In all seriousness, Tom is a genius and the debut Boston album is a masterpiece. One of my favorite albums of all time. 

2, Have you ever been banned in Boston?

DUNBAR: I have not been banned yet. Never say never though…

3, If they recreated the Boston tea party but threw marijuana in the sea, what would you do? 

DUNBAR: I haven’t smoked weed in years so I wouldn’t jump into Boston Harbor to save that shit. I would just let them throw it off the ship and let it sink.

4, Please list two Steve Brown facts including at least one that is embarrassing.

DUNBAR: Founding member, lead guitarist, primary songwriter and producer for the mighty Trixter.

Has been a fill in for both Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen in Def Leppard. He’s definitely the go-to guy.

I don’t have any embarrassing facts about Steve. He’s just a fun, straight up guy!

5, Tell us about each DMK member:

DUNBAR: Ted Merrill – Guitar/Vocals

My best friend and partner in crime. We’ve been through a lot together and have always had each other’s backs through it all. Ted and I have a bond that is unbreakable. He’s a killer guitarist and a great songwriter.

Brian Karl – Drums

Just like Ted, Brian is one of my best friends. We always have the best of times together. He’s a good listener and gives great advice. Brian is hands down the best drummer I’ve ever played with.

Jason Draven – Bass/Vocals

Jason has a huge heart and he’s a massive talent! I first met Jason five years ago when DMK were opening for Danger Danger in New Jersey. Our bass player at the time, Percy Trayanov, who is an awesome dude, was about to go on tour opening for Doro with his band, Madame Mayhem, so I asked Jason to step in. When we put the breaks on DMK for a bit, Jason played with me on several occasions when I was doing solo gigs. He is a multi-instrumentalist and plays in several bands in the NJ/NY area.

6, “Drive or Crash” is a great song. Who came up with it?

DUNBAR: Thank you very much! I’m glad you dig the tune!! Ted brought that one to the table. He was working on a bunch of demo ideas and one of those ideas that he sent me would eventually become “Drive Or Crash”.

 I thought it would be the perfect song to record with Steve, as it’s on the melodic side and that’s Mr. Brown’s specialty. I called him up, made arrangements and shortly after that Ted, Jason and I were recording the tune at his studio in New Jersey. Brian lives in Nashville now so he cut his drum tracks at his place and sent them over to Steve.

7, What are your memories from the Station fire with Great White?

DUNBAR: It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 18 years since that tragic night. I had gone down to Rhode Island to see Great White with my good friends, Derek Gray and Eugene “Gino” Avilez. In 2003, the three of us were in our early twenties and life was good or so we thought.

We were in the front row when the fire started and immediately got separated. I survived by jumping out of a window. Derek and Gino passed away along with 98 other innocent souls. For several years after the fire, I just self medicated. Eventually, I got my shit together and started to come to terms with all that went down.

Years ago, I wrote a song called  “Memories Never Fade Away” in dedication to my friends, Derek and Gino. I dedicate it out to them every time I play it live, either solo or with DMK. It’s always been on the set list and it always will be. I reissued the song last year on my solo EP, Volume 1. My heart will always be with the victims and those affected by the tragic events that unfolded on February 20th, 2003. I will NEVER forget.

8, You’ve opened for a lot of bands. Share a thought about some of the bigger ones like Bret Michaels.

DUNBAR: Opening for Bret was awesome. He’s a nice guy and one of my childhood heroes. Bret’s guitarist/musical director, Pete Evick, got behind the band and put us on the bill to open for Bret. Pete is the real deal and has been very supportive of DMK and I’m so grateful for that. One of the best shows for me personally, was opening for Bret at the Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, NH. It’s been my favorite venue to see shows at since I was a teenager. 

So to be able to play a gig at my favorite venue in front of a sold out audience of thousands was a great experience. Some of the other artists that were really cool to us were Y&T and Mike Tramp. Mike has become a good friend of mine and I’ve learned a lot from him. Most importantly, to stay humble and never give up.

9, Did the record deal with the Warrant guys make you dirty, rotten, filthy, stinking rich?

DUNBAR: More like “32 Pennies.” I even bought myself a ragu jar to put my first royalty check in – lol.  I’m just kidding. I freakin’ love those guys. Jerry Dixon and Erik Turner gave me a shot when nobody else gave a shit about my music. I released three titles on their label between 2012 – 2013 and it opened up some doors for me. I’m forever grateful to both Jerry and Erik.

10, Easy last question: When will the pandemic end?

DUNBAR: With the way things are going right now, It’s going to be a very LONG time! Stay safe…




Scotty Dunbar @ Facebook – Twitter – Instagram –

DMK @ Facebook – Digital – Spotify – Youtube –

Gerry Gittelson can be reached at gerryg123@hotmail.com.