We recently got to virtually catch up with non other than Tommy O’Dell from DMA’s, (we’re still a little star struck over here!) on the lads latest album and some of their favourite highlights in our bonnie homeland!
We’re loving the new tracks you’ve revealed. What made you choose these as singles from your upcoming album ‘The Glow’?
We thought they were great tracks to introduce people to the new record and the new sounds and production we’ve been working on. ‘Learning Alive’ wasn’t scheduled to be released but because of the album delay and all the stuff going on at the moment we thought that track was particularly relevant.
What’s the reason behind the name ‘The Glow’?
It’s a lyric in the title track on the album – “I’m sick and tired of chasing the glow”. Not only is it a great lyric but it’s also holds cool imagery. We’re always chasing something.
Do you have a favourite song on the new album and, if so, why that one?
I love ‘Never Before’. It’s a groove track and was written quite a while ago originally … I guess it’s just turned out to be exactly what I had hoped for. Sonically I think it’s our best song to date!
Do you feel like your sound has changed or taken a different direction since your first two albums?
Yeah, it’s developed for sure. The songs are still all written on an acoustic guitar or piano but we just wanted to experiment with different sounds (drum machines, synths and sequencers). It’s a direction we’ve wanted to explore for a while but now just felt like the right time.
Are there any dates on your autumn tour that you’re particularly excited for, assuming they can go ahead?
We would be excited to play all of them at this stage. We’re waiting on factors we can’t control to see how much we can play this year, if at all.
How would it have felt to return to Glasgow this summer and support Gerry Cinnamon at Hampden Park? And do you know if it will be possible for you to play at the rescheduled date
in 2021?
I really hope we can play the new date with Gerry – playing around Hampden Park was something I was really looking forward to. The pictures of gigs there look sick.
Do you have a favourite memory of being on tour in Scotland?
Playing TRNSMT was a real highlight for me, the atmosphere and the energy in the crowd was unbelievable. And the weather was hot and dry, which felt unusual, but as a result everyone at the festival was going mad!
Who are your favourite up-and-coming artists right now?
I’m loving Stella Donnelly and Inhaler.
And finally, if you could collaborate with any Scottish artist, who would it be and why?
I really like Chvrches, they write great songs and have awesome production – Lauren Mayberryhas an unreal voice.
If you haven’t already had the opportunity to check out ‘The Glow’ then it’s one of the most recommended things you do this year!
Interview by Chloe Donaldson and Abbie Lyall
