We first featured Darwin Deez in this blog back in November 2009. His sugary, feel-good pop caught our attention and got us begging for more. Back then he was selling his music through his MySpace. Now signed to Lucky Number, with his self titled debut album due on April 12th, and about to embark on the 2010 NME Radar Tour with Hurts and Everything Everything, the last few months have been a whirlwind of success and well justified hype for the 25 year old New Yorker and his band.
You currently live in Manhattan, are you a NYC native?
No, I grew up in Chapel Hill, NC. Been in NYC for 6 years now, though, so I'm pretty tough.
Where did the Deez part of your name come from?
Comes from Michelle. Her nick name is Mash Deez - Mash is the first half of Michelle and Deez is from her last name, Dorrance, which starts with a D. She started calling me Deez because of the D in my name. She also calls her brother, Donovan, Deez.
What are your biggest influences, musically and for life in general?
On this album, two local NYC artists: bell and wakey!wakey!
You are very open about your spirituality and a follower of Meher Baba. Is it a challenge when your touring and playing in bars and living the archetypal rock'n'roll lifestyle?
Challenge? No. I think his vibe does permeate my personality, yeah. It's an accepting vibe. Enjoying the moment is part of it, but I think my aversion to drugs is as much from my parents' indoctrination (which was heavily baba-influenced--he was staunchly against recreational and "spiritual" drug use).
You played some shows in London recently, were these your first in the UK? Have you found the crowds to be different here?
Yes. We played four shows [all of which sold out -Ed.] and each crowd was different. Some of the crowds were similar to NYC, i.e., tough and a bit quiet, but I gotta give it up to the sexy monarch crowd who danced the night away with us after we played. Dream come true that was, to start a dance party by way of playing live. Our last show was actually at Westminster reference library, which was all ages. Younger crowd, full of love. Very special. I hope I get to see more of those kids.
You have had a great reception over here recently, but what has the response been on your side of the pond?
Not much as yet but we're working on it. We're not really on the radar yet. Ask me again in 2011 though.
Your live gigs have been described as 'extravaganzas of unbridled energy and unfettered joy', with dance interludes. You and the band have some pretty badass dance moves, where did you learn those?
Thanks! No learning involved. Michael Jackson is the biggest influence. Other than that I just try to look as nerdy as possible while still displaying talent.
Congrats on being added to the line-up of the NME Radar Tour 2010 recently. Previous acts on the tour include La Roux, Crystal Castles and Friendly Fires. 'Radar Detector' was also recently Zane Lowe's Record of the Week on BBC Radio 1. Did you anticipate this kind of success for your music?
Thanks! No i didn't anticipate this at all but I'm very pleased and I hope it continues.
Do you record your music with the band or by yourself?
By myself. [he's one of those... -Ed.] Actually, all the gear is pictured in the album art. Solid state practice amp, cheap condenser mic, a little bit of analog echo. Lots of effects plug-ins for compression and reverb.
Most of the tracks off the album feature an anecdote. Are any of them true stories?
All of them are true, yes!!
In a recent interview with Zane Lowe, MGMT disclosed that you went to school together. What do you think of their new record? Any plans for a future collaboration?
I dig what I've heard so far. I can already hear it pouring forth from computer speakers in dorms across America/the world. I haven't actually spoken to Andrew since I left Wesleyan in 2003 so no plans, no. Besides I prefer to work alone on creative stuff, although I must admit, it sounds like it would be fun.
So the self titled album will be released on April 12th, but we understand this is the second album, the first never being performed or released. Any plans to resurrect that first album?
Yeah I'll probably make some copies and sell them on tour. It's really noisy, lofi stuff. Lots of Nintendo samples, lots of distorted vocals.
If you could be another person for a day, who would you be and why?
Definitely a girl of some sort. Probably someone I know. I'd choose to be my ex-girlfriend I think. Just to know what it feels like to be her. It would be interesting to be Rivers Cuomo [Weezer] for a day as well.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Not much. Oh, Debussy! I ran into a Debussy song while surfing through Björk videos on YouTube. Reminded me how cool his music is.
What does the future hold for Darwin Deez?
The future holds Deez nuts, but who's to say beyond that? Grammys???? I'd like to be a member of Das Racist. If they let me in, I would definitely rap with them. I can't think of more ideal circumstances to rap under.
Thanks Darwin, good luck with the album and have a blast on tour.
Sweet. You're welcome! Was my pleasure.
(What a nice guy!!)
Mash
