A Chat with Dizmation (11.02.21)
Merging indie-rock with art-pop, post-punk and 80s-pop, Dizmation is a genre-defying artist from Ireland. Using a DIY approach, the Dublin-based artist sets reflective lyrics over moving melodies all recorded in his home studio. We had a chance to speak with the singer-songwriter about his debut album Sea Area Forecast, discovering new music, band recommendations and much more!
OSR: What is the backstory to your debut album Sea Area Forecast?
Dizmation: The album started to take shape mid to late last year when I found myself writing new songs and finishing a couple of songs that had been started a few years previous. I got my Telecaster back from giving it away on load for almost a year and after that, I got quite inspired by the guitar again, because in some ways it felt like getting a guitar for the first time. The title comes from a segment on Irish radio late at night that tells the weather forecast at sea. In some ways, the album reflects the interchangeable nature of the weather at sea going from calm to choppy to rough to smooth.
OSR: If you could change anything about the album what would it be?
Dizmation: I wouldn’t actually change anything because it is a preciously snapshot of itself.
OSR: What was the recording and writing process like?
Dizmation: It was all recorded and mixed at home for the most part. Although there were a few parts done elsewhere. I have a somewhat makeshift set up at home and it actually made the process quite challenging at times but challenging in a good way because one has to find interesting ways around certain hurdles you might encounter with a limited amount of equipment.
OSR: How would you describe Sea Area Forecast?
Dizmation: To me, the album is like art-punk. It has an organic type, artistic feel but with DIY ethics. It has a rustic quality to it in a way. It is refined just enough to still have a good amount of characteristic texture to it.
OSR: Describe your music in one sentence.
Dizmation: Honesty and hope via wit and cynicism.
OSR: What do you believe is unique about your music?
Dizmation: It sets a definite tone from the get-go and that tone is unique to each person listening. One has to be willing to let it in and find the beauty coloured and flavoured with a tinge of insanity. Find it for yourself. If you do you may love it forever. There are even subtle secrets that you may discover along the way. It’s not simply “flash in the pan” music and it’s not necessarily asking to be loved as such either – it’s only asking to be loved as much as a stray animal who is wary of humans is asking to be loved. If you take it in and take some time to get to know the animal you will both love each other.
I don’t write songs by number or by section to purposefully try and manipulate emotions, they genuinely do flow. There are also some quite comical lines in there too. The music certainly cannot be described as “one-note”, unless I did write a song with just one note then it could be described as “one-note” but only because there is only one actual note in the song. A song that went something like this: GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.
OSR: What is the best way to discover new music nowadays?
Dizmation: I find blogs do help curate good music, then radio or word of mouth or Spotify recommendations. I do have some issues with Spotify but the recommendations can be good.
OSR: If you were a colour what colour would you be?
Dizmation: At the moment, maybe a type of woodish, dark red or wine colour that changes and brightens when held up to the light. Colours can change depending on mood or situation though, obviously. One wouldn’t have a fixed colour.
OSR: Can you recommend any new bands or artists to our readers?
Dizmation: Yes, there is a band called Kidbug who are really great. Then check out Aniela who is a featured vocalist on this album. She also is a solo electro artist. Along with Jayne Pomplas and my brother Tim Doyle.
OSR: What do you hope people will take from your album?
Dizmation: A sense of wild serenity maybe?
Thanks to Dizmation for chatting with us! You can find more about Dizmation on their Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
