DMA’S second album FOR NOW found the Sydney trio’s fan base swell with a rush of new devotees. It earned three ARIA Music Award nominations for Best Group, Best Rock Album and Best Independent Release, while their growing status in the UK saw it reach #13 on the official album chart.
Now the band are set to release the MTV UNPLUGGED LIVE album on 12th July. It was recorded at Melbourne’s intimate Memo Music Hall last October, with DMA’S becoming one of the first Australian bands to play the iconic MTV Unplugged session. It’s a format steeped in history following classic sets from the likes of Nirvana, Oasis and R.E.M.
Renowned for their ragged, anthemic energy inspired by the Britpop and Manchester scenes, MTV UNPLUGGED LIVE finds DMA’S stripping their songbook back to basics. Focusing on acoustic guitar, piano, violin and cello, these new arrangements unveil fresh new perspectives to the songs. Some now carry a folk vibe while others hone in on the poignancy of the band’s lyrics.
The set makes an immediate statement with FEELS LIKE 37, which substitutes its rush of spiky melody with a more reflective atmosphere. Numerous fan favourites such as STEP UP THE MORPHINE, IN THE AIR and LAY DOWN resonate in their new form, while the album also features their previously unreleased, violin-driven take on the Madonna classic BEAUTIFUL STRANGER.
The album is now available to pre-order from https://dmas.lnk.to/MTVPR with BEAUTIFUL STRANGER and THE END provided as instant downloads. It will be released on double 180-gram vinyl, CD and digital formats.
Completed by TOMMY O’DELL and MATT MASON, DMA’S formed in Sydney and released their self-titled EP in 2015. Their full-length debut, HILLS END, became their domestic breakthrough and saw it reach the Top 10 while the follow up, FOR NOW, expanded their profile across the globe. Check out a track from the upcoming album below!
We managed to catch up with Tommy O’Dell as he talked about the upcoming album and more!
So how excited are you for the MTV Unplugged Live album coming out in June?
Yeah, it should be great. We love the way it’s sounds and we love the artwork. It’s nice for us and our fans to hear our songs in a different light.
How did this opportunity come about?
MTV Australia started a new series and they approached us.
What were your favourite moments recording the album?
Being able to experiment with strings was very cool.
And what’s your favourite track on the album?
The End.
If you could work with any band, who would it be and why?
At the moment, I’d really like to work with Aphex Twin. He’s been smashing his stuff lately, I love the production.
So, you have a number of UK festivals lined up this year, including Isle of Wight Festival; which one are you most looking forward to?
Heaton Park in Manchester with The Courteeners.
What’s the alternative live scene like in Australia at the moment?
It’s great, there’s lots of sick music coming out of Sydney, and Australia as a whole right now.
What’s next for you, is there likely to be any new material this year?
There will be new music towards the end of the year.
And finally, what do you all get up to in your spare time when not working on music?
Chill at home, watch football, cook, hangout with family and friends…
Following their recent sold out UK tour and previous shows in the UK with LIAM GALLAGHER and THE KOOKS, DMA’S return in the summer to play a number of key festivals, as follows, with an additional headline show for good measure:
JUNE
Fri 14 ISLE OF WIGHT Festival | Main Stage
Sat 15 MANCHESTER Heaton Park | with The Courteeners
Sun 16 DUBLIN Malahide Castle | with Noel Gallagher
Mon 17 BELFAST Limelight 1 | Headline
JULY
Sat 13 GLASGOW TRNSMT Festival
Sun 14 LONDON Citadel Festival | Main Stage