Death By Denim Moonbow Interview

The day has finally come, Death by Denim fans can rejoice as they finally share their much-anticipated sophomore album Moonbow, out now via ADA/Warner, which includes hits 'Small World', 'Cause A Scene', 'Feels Like Fiction' & most recent release 'Make It Up As We Go'

To celebrate they have offered up the clip to title track, which kicks off the album & sets the tone for the record as an elusive answer and resolution to all the questions posed by the other songs, starting at the end and working backwards like a Christopher Nolan movie.

The album addresses pivotal thoughts and experiences of the past few years. Growing feelings of social anxiety and inadequacy, existential crises over a cup of coffee, getting off the sidelines and standing up for social and environmental activism and quite literally making it all up as you go.

The band explain, "The past two years had been about keeping perspective and a healthy outlook despite the uncertainty of the future. The good times have always outweighed the bad and while there have been setbacks there is still this beaming excitement amongst us all to continue on the musical path. I think this is reflected in the overall tone of the album. Though it explores some darker personal moments and emotions at times there is this greater sense of triumph and recognition. You could say 'Moonbow' is all about learning to overcome and be comfortable with the chaos and confusion in your life - past, present and future."

Moonbow is a dynamic leap from their hugely successful debut album Sleepless and Sunkissed, packed full of rich melody and lyrics that pull you in all directions. The band delivered the first glimpses of what to expect from the album with 2021 hits 'Small World', 'Cause A Scene' and 'Feels Like Fiction' and they did not disappoint, garnering praise from triple j, Unearthed, NME AUS, The Music & Life Without Andy.

Back at Debaser Studios only a few weeks after the release of their debut album, they were ready to get going on their second album and eager to take the band into a new chapter of the DBD-Verse. Spending their year grounded, with no other alternative but to self-reflect, the band were able to find a lot of highs via their soul-searching. Personal relationships and struggles narrated by introspective commentary have been a key feature of the album along with their collective experience over the last year as a band.

Moonbow showcases depth and integrity, both musically and intellectually, and shines a light on the limitless directions Death by Denim can sonically pull you throughout the course of an album. Strap yourselves in for one mind-altering journey.

Interview with Death By Denim

Question: How would you describe your music?

Death By Denim: It's psychedelic festival rock that really alternates in intensity, blended with breezy guitar and wavy coastal synths -infused with RnB grooves and a touch of dance electronica. It's quite a mix of flavours, often hard to define but all held together by a clear stylistic point of view. Our music has constantly evolved over the years and we love pushing the boundaries of our sound with every release.


Question: Can you tell us about your new album Moonbow?

Death By Denim: Moonbow is our latest chapter of musical madness. It's our biggest effort to date, with 14 tracks inspired by the last year of our lives. It's a dynamic leap from our first album Sleepless and Sunkissed, packed full of rich melody and lyrics that push and pull. I think we've managed to take the music in a refreshing new direction whilst staying true to the sound that has resonated with people in the past.

The name was actually sourced from a plane trip on our last tour. I had been keeping myself busy with a fun fact app and stumbled across the definition of a "Moonbow" being a rare rainbow occurring at night in the light of the moon. I'd never heard or seen this occur before but it sent my imagination into a spin for sure. I had been writing about a recent prophetic and mystical experience and the idea of the "Moonbow" took hold as the centrepiece of this moment. Who knew it would later become the title for the whole album.

Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Death By Denim: Our songs are often based on personal experiences and relationships, we just hope people can find something they resonate with and just tune in and forgot about their troubles for a moment.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Death By Denim: It's definitely hard to pick between these, I think touring has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for us all as a band. Being able to travel and connect with more and more people around the nation whilst performing the music we love is tough to beat.


Question: What should we expect from your upcoming tour?

Death By Denim: Safe to say we are extremely keen to get back on the national touring circuit and this buzz will be unleashed on the stage. Our live shows are usually like one big party, we tend to bring a bit more raw energy to our music in performance than is heard on track. We've been working hard to take the show to the next level and we are excited to see how fans react to this new chapter.


Question: What is the story behind the band name?

Death By Denim: When I left high school I continued my academic pursuits by enrolling in a Law degree at university whilst simultaneously joining a band and growing my hair long to emulate the look of my favourite guitar influences from the 80s (think Van Halen/Bon Jovi). I definitely stood out from the pack in class with my triple denim kit and mullet - eventually someone told me I was wearing enough denim to kill someone and the name sprung to mind.


Question: How did the band come together?
Death By Denim: Funnily enough I wasn't meeting too many likeminded musicians in my law degree, however my sister in-law Tara had met singer Nik through a mutual family friend. She knew we would get along and practically forced us to meet for a jam. We clicked very quickly and wasn't long before we agreed to start a rock band. I had known George since high school. He'd been in the scene for a few years and was keen to play bass. He brought Hamish to our first jam and away we went!


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Death By Denim: Lyrically most songs are motivated by the recent personal experiences and happenings of the time. It's always interesting trying to explore your own unique experiences and attempt to translate them into a tune others can relate to. Generally I find there is something so captivating about writing a new song and seeing it through to completion. It doesn't happen every day but when you stumble onto a new idea that really grips you it's almost like this puzzle that you need to finish.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Death By Denim: The latest album by the Weeknd - Dawn FM - has been on repeat for sure. Theres been a bunch of additional artists old and new that have been on the playlist during the album recorded. Tears for Fears, Amyl and the Sniffers, Matt Corby, The Beatles, Talk Talk, Bakar, Silk Sonic, Babe Rainbow, Idles, Sam Fender, Parcels, Genesis Owusu.. the eclectic list goes on.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Death By Denim: I think all of us in the band have developed a strong passion for playing and performing over the course of our lives. We were lucky enough to meet and connect at a time when we were all eager to dive into the local music scene and since then we've never looked back.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Death By Denim: The onset of the Covid pandemic was no doubt a massive blow that continues to have its challenges today. I think for us we were really hitting our stride on the national touring circuit just as all interstate travel and performance suddenly ceased and that's been a massive obstacle to overcome. Fortunately, we are lucky to have an amazing network and team supporting us and a very strong internal bond between all of us in the band to carry us through. We are still as excited as ever to take our music as far as we can.

Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Death By Denim: There's been a lot of special moments but it's always amazing to record music and see it grow into something people connect with and sing along to at live performances.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Death By Denim: We all have our different schedules day to day. I myself teach guitar most weekdays, but the typical schedule is always changing. I make sure in any case to ritualistically kick off with a coffee and writing session with the nylon string guitar our in the sun. Nik and I have also been living together the last few months so it's been a bit of a madhouse at times.


Question: What's next, for you?

Death By Denim: There's no intention of slowing down after this album release and tour. We will be back recording again mid-year to begin the next project and plan to perform around Australia and beyond as much as we possibly can now that travel is fast becoming less restricted.


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Death By Denim: Instagram 
Facebook 
Spotify
Apple Music
YouTube


Interview by Gwen van Montfort


MOONBOW ALBUM TOUR

Saturday March 19, 2022 | Freo Social, Fremantle WA
Friday March 25, 2022 | The Espy, Melbourne VIC
Saturday March 26, 2022 | Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide SA
Friday April 1, 2022 | Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW
Saturday April 2-Sunday April 3, 2022 | Yours & Owls Festival, Wollongong NSW
Thursday April 7, 2022 | The Zoo, Brisbane QLD
Friday April 8, 2022 | The Beach Hotel, Byron NSW
Saturday April 9, 2022 | Solbar, Sunshine Coast QLD