After the release of the DMA’s massive album ‘The Glow’, it is safe to say that they are smashing through the music scene both in England and back home in Australia.
The trio are an indie lover’s dream, taking the best bits of music and boiling them down into their own addictively unique blend of sounds you won’t get out of your head!
Just before the release of their third album, I interviewed guitarist, Johnny Took, over Zoom on their latest album, lockdown and all things DMA’s.
Despite the album initially being postponed due to COVID, the DMA’s have stormed ahead, using the time to create a whole bunch of new tracks and ideas ready for album four!
Sadly, for those of us craving more after ‘The Glow’, you’re going to have to be patient as Took explained: “Unfortunately though, you won’t be hearing them anytime soon, it’s most likely to be in two years’ time or so. It’s really weird because I’m excited about these songs now but everyone’s only just hearing The Glow now when we are already so familiar with it.”
Some of the tracks we’re hearing now, like ‘Cobracaine’ have also been around for quite some time and hold a special place in the band’s hearts.
Took explained the meaning behind the track saying: “A lot of people drive up north and you go and party for a week. You’ve kind of either just turned 18, some of your mates might still be 17, but you’ve just finished school and its meant to be a really happy time.
“But, sadly enough, at this time, these trips, because they’re such long drives and people are partying and what not, there are a lot of car accidents and cars full of teenagers die and I guess it’s a pretty horrible thing, for someone so young just finishing with their whole life ahead of them.”
The single was written, by drummer Mason, around the same time as ‘Delete’ nearly 10 years ago when he was 19, a similar age to many of those teenagers.
It is clear, however, how the bands patience and faith in their own writing and musical abilities has paid off after scoring the chance to work with the massively talented Stewart Price who has produced music for the likes of Madonna, The Killers, New Order and Kylie Minogue.
Took explained how ‘The Glow’ really came to life with the help of ‘Stew’, catapulting their creativity to a whole new level. After bringing in engineers to move computers and monitors into the recording room, the formality of a split control and recording room was gone, making it much easier to experiment and adapt their sound.
Stewart brought this out of the box thinking to ‘Life is a Game of Changing’, letting the DMA’s step away from being a ‘guitar band’ as Took said, and explore the sounds of the 90’s dance and rave scene. Although the band already intended on experimenting with this genre, Stewart helped to ease them onto it, giving them the time and space to learn.
Took went on to say how many sessions played out like this, because most of their tracks were only around 90/95% finished. This gave leeway to play around with their music, which is how the huge synth riff in ‘Life is a Game of Changing’ was created, from a missing main riff and an old voice note on Mason’s phone.
Many different elements to the DMA’s singles have been in the making for a long time, even if no one knew what the end result would be like. One example is ‘Life is a game of changing’ which was written a while back when Took moved to Edinburgh with his partner, writing the lyrics to reflect on the changes he experienced.
‘The Glow’ has also featured two fan favourites – ‘Strangers’ and ‘Hello Girlfriend’ which fans from the live ‘Liam Gallagher’ tour went wild for. Reminiscing on their past tours – with special mention to the impressive crowds at Brixton Academy and Reading & Leeds fest, the band can’t wait to perform live again.
Took commented on their success and growing support at gigs and on the radio in England, “It’s Exciting, it took a little bit longer because were not from the UK, but I feel like we’re heading in the right direction”.
I think many fans and listeners can agree with Took, especially after listening to the solid as rock drums and sugar rush of sound the band create. There is no doubt that the DMA’s are heading in the right direction and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next!
So, for now, give ‘The Glow” a listen or read our review of the album here!