- Fri, 2011-03-18 09:16
Following many an underground rumbling, the one woman project Dimbleby and Capper follow up the Slick Maturity EP with a smaller, more refined dose of leftfield pop in the form of new single Let You Go.
Concieved in 2009 by Goldsmiths alumni Laura Bettinson, I Like Music sent some questions across to Miss. D&C to find out more about the project, working as an unsigned artist in London, dreams of a living set, DIY costume shows and more...
"I Like Music because… there’s a song for everyone.” Dimbleby & Capper
ILM: What music have you been listening to recently?
D&C: A lot of Warpaint, new Lykke Li album and a bit of PJ Harvey- all the girls!
ILM: We recently ran Let You Go as our Track of The Week How would you describe the track? Why was it chosen for release?
D&C: The track is about fighting with the shadow of a former lover in the pouring rain. It was inspired by my schizophrenic (now hospitalised) neighbour who would howl and get up to all manner of erratic behaviour in the night. The track oscillates between a gritty verse and a major chorus. I wanted to capture that awful feeling of being pulled apart inside, heart in one direction, head in another. It was chosen as a single because it is quite a good representation of what the D&C album will sound like. I’m rooted in pop but wearing wonky stilettos.
ILM: How does a Dimbleby & Capper song typically develop from initial idea to completed piece?
D&C: A D&C song usually starts with a beat or a bass line. I will then mumble a topline, keep singing until words form, bring in the guitars and then bring in the texture. At the heart of all my songs is a pop sensibility, I try to write a great catchy song first and then go from there. I record, play and produce all the music myself from home so when it comes to transferring this to a live scenario with the band, we usually take the essential parts of the songs and transfer them onto live bass, drums and guitar/synth and I take care of the electronics.
ILM: In terms of the textural components of your live show (choir, costumes etc) what affect do you hope to have upon your audience?
D&C: I hope that we have a lasting impact and leave them with just short of enough to make them want to see more. We like to make a high impact with the costumes/dancers and live sound is usually very powerful- beat and bass heavy, making the bones shake. We invite the audience into a bizarre world for 30 minutes. An act. It’s almost like going to watch theatre rather than a typical music gig.
ILM: Out of all the live shows you've played so far, which have been the most memorable?
D&C: One of the most memorable for me so far has been our D.I.Y w/ D&C costume party we hosted in a big underground railway arch at the end of last year. We had 15 people on stage all dressed up and dancing. I’ve been told it was a brilliant spectacle. Pictures from the night are on our website
ILM: If money were no option, how would you expand and develop the D&C live show?
D&C: Wow, the possibilities. I’d like to realise my dream of having a living set. People strewn across a stage in various positions like statues creating a scene. There’s a comfort in numbers and certainly I feel when there are more people on stage your confidence bounces off each other creating an electric energy.
ILM: Would you mind letting us in to the meaning behind the name Dimbleby & Capper?
D&C: They’re my two ex-boyfriends. David and Warwick- such a riot.
ILM: Going right back to the beginning, when did you first realise that music could have such an impact on you?
D&C: I think it stems from childhood films. There are some childhood films I can still hear the music from today and be moved by and instantly transported in to the film. The Labyrinth, Uncle Buck, ET. I think music and visuals have always come quite hand-in hand for me. As soon as I hear any song I’ve already conjured characters playing out my own personal music video for it in my head.
ILM: Goldsmiths has a rather impressive musical / creative alumni. Looking back on your time there, what were some of the most important things you learnt about yourself as a musician?
D&C: To enjoy music and performing for their own sake and nothing else. To nurture creative relationships with those around you and not try and do everything alone. Let other people in, either with criticism or praise, both are essential for moving forward!
ILM: How do you push yourself to evolve? To explore new territories with your music?
D&C: I always try to keep busy. Keep forming new relationships and nurturing old ones. Collaborating with other talents from all spheres in the arts. Find people who are doing things I find genuinely interesting, no matter on what level, super-producer or straight out of college, and work together in some way.
ILM: Though you're releasing through Tape, you also list yourself as unsigned. How do you find life as an unsigned musician living in London?
D&C: Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming as there are so many bands trying to make their own way but actually I find if you’re nice to people then that scene suddenly gets a heck of a lot smaller and you can all start helping each other out.
ILM: What's your perception of the mainstream music industry at the moment? Does it appeal to you?
D&C: I think chart music has lost such a grip on reality (not another rap/dance collabo pleeeeeease) that it is very rarely relevant to me anymore- apart from the odd Rhianna track because she’s sexxxxxxxxy. In all honesty, I think most of those around me would struggle to tell you what’s currently in the top ten. That stream of knowledge for me died around the death of TOTP and an obsession with NOW! CDs.
What I think is interesting is that we seem to be developing more of an indie mainstream and underneath that lots of fragmented underground scenes which I find very exciting. There’s something for everyone.
ILM: What is your vision for the future of D&C, what can we expect?
D&C: Another single, probably an EP or bunch of songs before the year is out and full length album in 2012.
Guest Edit #45: Dimbleby & Capper Take a look here
