3 By Design

For 3 By Design, hard rock encompasses more than just music. The quartet—Kevin Hicklin [guitar], Frank Mullis [bass], Kent Diimmel [drums], and Jon Goodhue [voice]—speaks to multiple senses.

The foursome came together in 2014. Longtime friends Frank and Kent had been writing together for years before after first meeting in the music room as employees at a local Best Buy. They found the perfect musical partners in Kent and Jon, linking up on Craigslist with each member bringing something distinct to the table. While Jon, Kent, and Kevin shared a love for hard rock ranging from Alter Bridge and Shinedown to In This Moment, Frank adds what Jon calls “an old school feel” drawing on Fleetwood Mac and Paul McCartney as well as prog like Dream Theater.

“Everybody’s got his own thing,” says Kent. “Jon has a great way with lyrics. It’s amazing how he can write about different situations in life that inspire him and form them into catchy melodies. Kevin has a very unique way of playing that’s difficult to find. His tone gives us a unique sound. Frank’s bass lines make the songs intriguing.”

Releasing their first independent EP, Under The Surface, their first music video “Shatter” premiered on BlankTV, and they began attracting a devoted fan base. Tirelessly gigging around the Los Angeles area, they’d play the iconic Sunset Strip House of Blues before it closed and share the stage with the likes of Puddle of Mudd, Sons of Texas and 36 Crazyfists to name a few.

“We feed off the audience,” continues Kevin. “You see who we are on stage. That seems to resonate with people.”

“We all just wanted to write strong hard rock,” says Frank. “It’s something we all shared in common.”

Ultimately, it’s 3 By Design’s devotion that really charges up this entire experience.

“This is literally all we want to do,” exclaims Jon. “We want to be on the road on a regular basis, pumping out new music as much as possible.”

“I hope people walk away feeling it,” Frank leaves off. “I don’t care what the reason is. We believe in this. It means something to us. Hopefully, it means something to you.”