Fast Tempo + Single Feature | DEMPSEY
On how empowering it is to use music as a tool to say what you really feel
Siblings Dempsey and Jesse who make up the duo DEMPSEY join Tempo to discuss their latest single PRESSURE, their love for 90’s alternative rock and how each of their songs has a different message taking on their own identity while keeping the same sound until they don’t.
Hello Dempsey and Jesse, you have recently dropped the track PRESSURE, your third single release to date and makes a bold statement in both sound and intensity. It’s got some heavy grooves, catchy vocal hooks and plenty of angst and energy. How does it feel to have it out?
Feels good, we love making new music and sharing it with our friends.
The song is about the clash of egos, pent-up rage and embodying anger, tension and strength in the confrontation of it. Can you tell us more about the track and what the personal meaning is for you both?
This track is personal to Dempsey (me).
I’ve always been quiet and never really spoke up for myself so being able to use music as a tool to come out and say what I really feel is empowering.
Big headed individuals always trying to take my power and this song is my ode to them.
I am interested to know who the main influences are for your sound and if they are more points of reference and the music you mostly listen to is something completely different?
Growing up as siblings in the same house, I’d say our parents are a massive influence. So, a lot of 90’s rock and grunge. But we love modern bands like ECCA, WAAX, Turnstile and obviously Hayley Williams (Paramore).
In terms of the recording of PRESSURE. Can you tell us a bit about the set-up you have in your home studio and also about working alongside producer Tim Maxwell. How much do you do on your own and where does Tim get involved to complement the sound?
We do pre-production and song-write as siblings, then we record and track the final song with our housemate and guitarist Sabastian. We have brought Tim Maxwell onboard to do the final Mix and Master.
After the three singles so far, I am wondering if you are currently building towards an album release and if so, are the rest of the tracks in a similar vein or can we expect other directions as well?
We are hoping to release a single every 2 months. All are in a similar realm to what we have already released.
Each song has a different message, and they all take on their own identity but as far as sound goes, we are very much keeping it same same until we don’t.
Do you have any plans to launch the single at this stage or are you building towards something with a bigger release?
Just singles for now, but it’s early days.
Finally, who are your favourite local Melbourne bands right now and who would you like to see interviewed for Tempo?
Illan Kapan, Rile, Dive and Grass Stains. And any of the above would be a great interview.
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