Irish electro-pop artist Dashoda is releasing his debut EP Never Enough on 15 March and plays The Workman's Cellar, Dublin on the same day. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
We need your consent to load this YouTube contentWe use YouTube to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Originally from Dublin, Dashoda is the moniker for Irish producer, singer and songwriter Gavin MacDermott and he cites the works of directors David Lynch, Jean-Jacques Beineix, Michael Mann, and Takeshi Kitano as inspiration.
His musical inspirations include Blood Orange, Roxy Music, Japan, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Prefab Sprout.
Tell us three things about yourself?
I'm from Dublin but I grew up in Gorey, Co. Wexford. I sneeze almost every time I eat chocolate (it’s a thing apparently). I live in Dublin with my girlfriend and a chihuahua, who is called Rua.
How would you describe your music?
I’m usually chasing a feeling or the idea that something might be missing from myself, but then get distracted by 1980s and 1990s nostalgia along the way. But I think nostalgia is important for reasons beyond aesthetic, I think it’s to do with connecting to our childhood memories.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I love the Scottish band The Blue Nile. They are from Glasgow and have a strong connection with Dublin. I find them very grounding to listen to, but I also love how cinematic their music. Lately I’ve been listening to Steve Reich, Talk Talk, and various 90s hip hop and R&B artists. I get inspired by film too. I loved An Cáilín Ciúin and I hope to lean into being Irish a bit more in future.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
We need your consent to load this YouTube contentWe use YouTube to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
When I was 11, my dad brought me to Madness at The Point Depot in December 2003. It was an important moment because I had taken up the guitar that year and was yet to experience a real gig. I remember the buzz of the atmosphere and, of course, the smell of beer and smoke. There were two fellas behind us in their forties with long hair and beards and Santa hats, and they were drinking beer, jumping up and down and smoking cigarettes. I’ve always pictured them as two mates from years back who only meet up now and again at gigs like this. Something about that image stuck with me and the feeling that gigs were a place where people could be brought together wherever they might be at in life. I also remember a very tall man with a purple mohican "skanking" near the front of the stage, that was fun. And the band were great. It was an evening packed with all the good stuff an 11-year-old going to his first gig with his Da needed to experience.
What was the first record you ever bought?
It was a cassette single of The Real Slim Shady by Eminem. I went around my estate playing it on a tape recorder for all the neighbours to hear. I wish I still had it now, I’ve no idea where it went.
What’s your favourite song right now?
To The Test by Elaine Howley.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Tall buildings reach up in vain." from The Blue Nile’s Tinseltown in the Rain.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I could be cheating, and it is a long one but, if I’m allowed, it would be Music For 18 Musicians by Steve Reich. A friend sent me a YouTube link to it years ago and I put it on while I was doing some work. I stopped what I was doing after a few minutes and just sat there listening to it. I revisit it a few times a year and usually when there’s some change happening in my life.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My music is on Spotify, Apple Music, and all the other streaming platforms. You can also find me at @dashodamusic on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube, where I will be uploading a series of music videos shot by Ror Conaty. My debut EP Never Enough comes out on March 15th.
