DZ Deathrays
Hotel Great Northern | Saturday | 9pm | $40.30
DZ Deathrays, aka the Lords of Shred, are on the move with an upcoming regional tour that brings them back to one of their favourite haunts, Byron Bay. Last time they were in the area they shared the stage with the Red Wiggle!
I’m intrigued by the story of Murray, the ‘Red Wiggle’, joining you on stage at Splendour in the Grass… can you tell me more?
Well, Murray was in our video for Like People so we thought it would be a fun idea to get him on stage with us to play that song plus a cover. We have always known how much of a shredder Muz is on guitar so it was always destined to be a fun time.
What were the highlights for you guys in 2018?
I think turning ten as a band. We did some of the biggest shows of our career on our ten-year tour and the shows were really special.
Tell me about playing the Enmore?
The Enmore is amazing. It’s one of my favourite (and local) venues. It really feels more like a festival stage when you’re up there!
How important has the festival circuit been for you guys finding your audience? Do you see a big upswing in followers after an event like Splendour?
Of course, festivals are the shows where I feel like we make some new fans. People who haven’t had the chance to see us or are just getting in to us. It’s nice to hear from people who first saw us at Splendour then return to catch a club show later down the track.
Tell me about recording Bloody Lovely? What feel were you going for? Are you working towards a full album this year, or do you prefer going with LPs? It feels like the way music works these days is that, as awesome as an album is, the format is almost part of our nostalgia for how things have always been done.
Bloody Lovely was all about trying to bring a bit more of our live sound to record. We have already recorded the next one, a shorter album, but it’s a part of a bigger project. You will have to wait and see! I think albums are still important in rock music but I think the audience has lost their attention for a 16 track album.
Whats the essence of a cracking live set for DZ?
An enthusiastic crowd and the three of us really locking in on stage. Doesn’t matter if it gets a bit rowdy and mistakes are made, as long as we can all follow each other’s lead then we usually feel like that’s a great show.
What should we expect from your gig at the Northern?
I have a feeling, especially after the shows already on this tour, that the Byron show will be pretty crazy. I’m hoping for that festival feel in that band room. Also, make sure you’re there early to catch Wharves and Moaning Lisa, they are excellent bands!!
DZ Deathrays play the Hotel Great Northern on Saturday from 9pm. Tix $40.30
