DMA's

It may seem strange that a trio of fellas from Sydney, Australia are making 90’s Madchester style tunes, but it’s true and hell, why not. Johnny, Tommy and Mason have been busy touring the world and delighting fans at gigs and festivals – you may have caught them at Latitude last year. Their debut album Hills End took the music industry by storm and this month they play Norwich for the vesy first time. Emotive lyrics and a laidback groove set DMA’s apart from other current music - I had a word with Johnny Took, the guitarist in the band, and found out why they chose to cover Cher’s Believe, how bad feels help write songs and what their name stands for.

You’re from Sydney – what’s the scene like there at the moment? We heard there’s not many available gig venues due to gambling machines?

The situation has forced people to have to be more creative with the shows they put on, and in turn that has brought the music community closer together.

There’s a history of great music from the city – INXS, AC/DC, Sick Puppies, Mental as Anything. Who are your favourite local acts?

Royal Headache, who we played with at Bad Friday, an Inner West local festival, young upstarts PLANET, and label mates and old friends Green Buzzard, who toured with us on our album tour in Australia.

Where did your name come from, and what does it stand for?

Doesn’t Mean Anything.

Johnny and Tommy, you were in a rock band, Underlights originally, and then started writing with guitarist Matt. What made you want to change your musical style with DMA’s?

At that time, we were young and still learning so much. Tommy and I had just started living together, and I had recently set up a home recording studio, so we were writing more than ever, and experimenting with sounds. It just kind of came together organically rather than a conscious decision.

Some have said your music is a throwback to early 90s Mancunion indie rock, like Oasis. Were you into this music and, if so, why do you love it so?

Tommy and I in particular love lots of bands from that era, while Mason is more into American guitar music like Sonic Youth, Pavement and Dinosaur Jr. So I guess collectively, the three of us just wanted to write pop tunes with noisy guitars.

Have you met Noel or Liam or heard what they think of your music?

We met Liam at our London show a couple of months ago. He was cool.

Your first ever gig was in an old motorbike shop. What are your memories of it?

There was a line down the street to get in and people were getting turned away. We were pretty fucking nervous, but in hindsight it ended up being quite a special night. We were also quite proud because, just like our EP that we had just released, it was all very DIY. We brought in our own PA and staging, everything.

You had a self titled EP out in the summer of 2014. How long did it take you to make this record and what did you learn from the process?

We recorded everything in my bedroom. It took about a week. We ended up using quite a few takes from the original demos, and learned that sometimes your initial creativity is often your best.

Your debut album Hills End came out last year to critical acclaim. Is there anything you’d change on it now?

I’d re-record Blown Away with a full orchestra. Still might, if I’m honest.

Have you started writing new songs for the next release?

You never stop writing. We’re currently starting recording new material.

You’ve had support from the likes of BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and Zane Lowe. Are you huge in Australia or do you think your British-sounding music makes you more popular over here?

Things have been great for us back home in Australia, people have been supportive since day one. The UK has been great too, and it feels like it’s getting better every time we come over.

Your single Delete went gold in Australia. Can you put your finger on why that track is so special?

Sometimes something just connects, I guess.

You’ve famously covered Cher’s classic Believe. Why did you choose that track in particular, and have you done any other covers?

We chose Believe after playing it as a joke in soundcheck. Mason started playing it, and then when Tommy started singing it, we thought it sounded pretty cool, so we chose to play it for the Like A Version segment for Australian radio station Triple J.

You’re pretty well travelled these days – what’s been the biggest culture shock or surprise for you whilst being abroad?

The crazy people in Scotland, who we love.

Your song lyrics are quite romantic and emotional and mostly about relationships. How do you go about putting a song together?

Find someone who will cheat on you. The rest just comes naturally. Ha ha!

Who have you got as support on the upcoming dates?

We’re not sure yet, we’re working it out.

I don’t think you’ve played here in Norwich before – what can we expect from your show?

You can expect bangers from our show.

Finally, tell us a secret about DMA’s.

I sleep with my eyes open.

DMA’s play the Waterfront on 31st July. Tickets available from ueatickets.ticketabc.com.