We catch up with the ‘Aussie Oasis’ before their appearance at the Great Escape to talk losing your missus, bonding over footie and pure rock ‘n’ roll.

Comparisons are lazy but all it takes is one listen to Sydney’s DMA’S to understand why they’ve been branded as the “Aussie Oasis” so quickly. With Tommy Odell’s elongated drawls that sound less Australian sun-soaked and more Mancunian rain-drenched, we’re beginning to wonder if there’s another Gallagher boy we didn’t know about.

Joined by guitarists Johnny Took and Matt Mason, the band have just signed to Infectious Music, champions of the indie and the alternative (we discovered our 21st century Brit-Pop tinged faves, Superfood because of them). The three have a back-catalogue of tunes ready to unleash onto the world and we’re digging out our bucket hats in anticipation. For now, we’ll have to trawl the web for tracks but soon we’ll have their self-titled mini-LP on repeat.

https://soundcloud.com/dmasmusic/dmas-laced

So tell us, when did you all meet and how did you become a band?

Johnny and I were playing in a band.  I was drumming, he was on bass. We started working on stuff on the side. Then Johnny met Mason from just being out and about in the area. After Mason joined we became a proper band.

Where did your name come from?

It’s an abbreviation of a few names we had. We heard a mate refer to us as DMA’S (dee em ayys) we thought it sounded cool.

What’s your track “Feels Like 37” all about?

Losing your missus then realising things aren’t so bad after all. A lot of our tunes have that sentiment. Fall down, pick yourself up kinda vibe. 37 was the unit number where we wrote and recorded the song. Actually all our songs pretty much.

What’s your favourite track on your mini-LP?

“So We Know”, the lyrics tell a story which I think everyone can relate to.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing at The Great Escape?

I don’t know who’s playing – ohh! Actually, The Merry Lees – I think that’s how you spell it. I met their manager somehow cause we support the same football team. They sing nice harmonies too!

What can we expect from your performance at the fest?

A loud rock ‘n’ roll show. Straight to the point, not much banter. And few quieter moments to break the set up.

Sounds good to us. How would you describe your style?

Wall of sound guitars with pop melodies.

How do you feel about being described as the Aussie Oasis?

I don’t have a problem with it.

Are you an aspirational band? What’s your ultimate goal?

To be a band that the majority of people know and have respect for.

You’re getting there! What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

Playing Brixton Academy with The Courteneers. They are top blokes that treated us well and they have great fans who turn up early.

DMA’S mini-LP is due for release 18th May on Infectious Records. They play three UK tour dates in May.

Words: Lily Walker.