Interview by Carol Wright | Photos Courtesy of DBMK
We got to chat with alt-pop duo DBMK about their song “Chains” and the advice they have for aspiring musicians.
Take us back to the beginning. How did DBMK come to be?
Colton: Kyle and I met through some mutual friends and started seeing each other at shows back home in Tampa. The opportunity came up where a band Kyle was in needed a drummer to go out on tour with them. I mentioned that I’d be interested and a week later we were in a van touring the country. We realized how well we worked together and how similar our goals were in music, and somehow accidentally started this project.
You’re based in Nashville which has a rich music history. Is there a network of up-and-coming artists there?
Colton: There is some fantastic music coming out of Nashville right now that we’re both stoked on. Some up-and-coming artists in Nashville you NEED to be listening to right now are Annie DiRusso, Nickname Jos, Secondhand Sound, Huron John, and The WLDLFE. All of which are great friends of ours and deserve the world.
Tell our readers about your song “Chains.” What story are you telling through the single?
Kyle: Since I was a kid I’ve been afraid of the world ending. “Chains” was made as a response to those feelings overwhelming me. I decided to once and for all flip the narrative and stop feeding into that fear, despite how hard the world tries to keep me attached to it. Life is short. Wear the clothes that make you feel bulletproof. Bring all your jewelry out, even if it’s fake. Be with people that stretch you and make you feel empowered.
When working on songs do you often pull from what is going on in the world and your own life experiences for inspiration?
Kyle: Absolutely. Our songs kind of just exist as our way to process and make sense of our lives and the world around us. They’re collages of conversations with friends, reflections of the boys we used to be growing up and scraping our knees at the skatepark, and the weirdos we are now just trying to realize this insane dream.
Live music has been slowly making its return. Are you looking forward to doing live shows again?
Colton: Hell yes. How is that even a question? We played our first show back in October in Nashville and it sold out twice. It made us so excited to come back and bring these songs back to life in a live setting. We’re so ready to hit the road with some festival dates and support dates this year.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
Kyle: Learn how to keep your head down. You can say a lot more with your actions than with how you can talk. Also, like it or not, you are now a leader; so keep good people around you and don’t listen to everyone chirping in your ear. We love you. Hit us up.