Chicago – Australia has been pumping out new bands left and right, giving us amazing acts like Tame Impala, Courtney Barnett, and The Preatures, just to name a few. This summer another group of Aussies, known as DMA’s, began to take the world by storm, touring throughout North America and Europe, playing pretty much every major festival known to man. The three friends - Johnny Took , Tommy O’Dell, and Matt Mason – formed the band around 2012, began recording in Johnny’s bedroom, released some tunes, signed with I OH YOU, and quickly blew up in their native Australia. After releasing a proper EP in 2014, featuring the songs “Delete,” “Feels Like 37,” and “Your Low,” the guys gained fans worldwide, including Blur’s Dave Rowntree, and praise from music mags likeNME. Critics compared the rockers to Oasis and cited influences in 90s Brit-pop. This summer the trio released a self-titled EP in the U.S. via Mom + Pop, which included the single “Laced.”
While in Europe, lead singer Tommy O’Dell took some time out of his schedule for a quick Q&A with Best New Bands. Aside from talking about his music, Tommy filled us in on his dream tourmates, favorite hip hop artists, and where to get Chinese food next time you find yourself in San Francisco.
The DMA’s are a trio, but live you become a six-piece. How did that come to be, and do you always tour with the same three musicians?
We started as a recording band where it was just the three of us. I recorded drums and sang, [Matt] Mason played guitar and keys, and Johnny played guitars and engineered in his bedroom. When we had to start playing live we needed help to recreate the sound. So we asked our mates to jump on board, and they were keen. We have been touring with the same line-up for ages now. Their names are Liam Hoskins, Tom Crandles, and Joel Flyger. When we’re not touring, they work on their own projects, so it works well.
The video for “Your Low” has gotten a lot of attention. Whose idea was it to animate it?
We had it in mind to have an animated video for awhile, but our North American label Mom + Pop sorted it for us. We loved what [Chad VanGaalen] did.
Had you been a fan of illustrator Chad VanGaalen before hand?
Couple of the guys were. I’d never heard of him. But yeah as I said, he did a great job, and I’d like to work with him again.
A favorite of mine is “So We Know.” Sounds like one of you had a broken heart.
Yeah, it’s a love song. I think most people can relate to that tune because it’s a relationship song that talks about how things can be great then turn sour.
It must’ve been thrilling playing some major festivals in The States this summer, from Bonnaroo and Governor’s Ball, to Lollapalooza and Outside Lands. What has been your favorite festival experience so far?
We are always excited to play shows, especially ones like that. Bonnaroo was our best gig ever!
Speaking of Lolla, I caught you guys opening for TV On The Radio at a Lollapalooza after show. That’s pretty big, performing on a bill with such an accomplished band. What was that experience like? Do you have some musicians you’d just love to perform with, maybe tour with? Don’t be afraid to dream big here!
That was a good show and a great venue. TV On The Radio are a sick band and good blokes too. I would love to perform and tour with the Chemical Brothers.
You also opened for Twin Peaks, who happen to be from my home town. How was that show? Did you guys hang at all? Were any good laughs had?
Yeah, that was a good night. The crowd was great. Unfortunately we didn’t spend much time with Twin Peaks, but they seemed like cool guys. The highlight of the night though was the Chinese meal we had before [at] Mission Chinese.
I have to be honest: When I first heard of you, I hadn’t yet listened to your music. I made the assumption that you guys were a hip hop group based on your clothes, your demeanor, and whatnot. Then I took a listen and was blown away! You were not at all what I expected, but in a good way, of course. Clearly you’re fans of Brit-pop and Oasis, but do you guys listen to hip-hop? If so, what artists are your faves?
I love hip hop! My faves are Ghostface Killer, MF Doom, Jay Dilla, Tupac, and Guilty Simpson.
I must ask about Noel Gallagher. He said in an interview he was going to boo side stage during your Governor’s Ball Performance. Typical Noel! Did he actually do that? Did you guys meet him at Gov Ball?
Na, he didn’t. Our tour manager met him though and said he was a good bloke.
Finally, I know you’ve been working on an LP. Can you talk a bit about it? Is it completed? Do you have a release date, a title? What should fans expect?
Yeah, just mixing it at the moment. I would say it’s a natural progression from the EP. Few more electronic elements, and I like to think it has more dynamics, too. Still working on a title.
Tommy, Matt, and Johnny are currently touring Europe. The DMA’s will be playing Reading and Leeds festivals. Hit up the band’s Facebook page for tour dates. DMA’s is available for purchase on iTunes.
Sarah Hess
After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.
You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.
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