New Irish indie-dream pop artist David ofmg has released his second single, City. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
The Arklow native has been performing around the local music scene since he was a teenager, playing in venues such as Workmans Club, the Grand Social and the TLT supporting The Academic.
Although he mainly performed as a session guitarist with bands such as modernlove. and Dog Day Afternoon, he has now begun writing and recording his own solo material.
David released his debut single Note to Myself last January.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm originally from Arklow, that’s why everyone has coined my music as "Arklow Emo." I was originally a classical piano player before learning guitar and now I forget everything I learned from piano. I studied film and tv production and graduated top of my class. I was awarded a gold medal for it from the president of the college. But I give terrible movie recommendations.
How would you describe your music?
I feel like my songs are approximations of different moments and feelings throughout my life. Whether done subconsciously or intentionally. I always aim to make the music feel a certain way and then have the lyrics dive into more detail. In terms of genre, I’d say dream pop meets emo. Or just say alternative and hope for the best.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My biggest inspiration would definitely have to be the prog metal musician Devin Townsend, especially his first album Ocean Machine. I know it sounds like a weird choice, but his music has resonated with me like no one else has. Other artists like Bon Iver, James Blake, Frank Ocean, Blink 182, Oso Oso, and Jon Brion have played a huge role in how I have crafted my sound. And I especially appreciate local artists such Henry Earnest, Passersby, and my friends modernlove..
I find the musicians you get introduced to by your parents are always some of your biggest inspirations. For me it would be the likes of Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, Joe Jackson, Squeeze, Prince, and Rory Gallagher. You always have to be evolving your taste as a musician, always listening to something new and being open to new ideas from wherever you may find them.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first gig I ever went to was Tommy Emmanuelle in the Helix in 2011, followed shortly by Tenacious D in the O2 so that's quite a combo.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I bought Led Zeppelin IV on CD back when I was 10 or 11 in HMV. The first song Black Dog was what inspired me to learn guitar.
What’s your favourite song right now?
From Nothing to Nowhere by Pinback.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Here we are, stuck by this river, you and I, underneath a sky that’s ever falling down." - Brian Eno.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Deadhead by Devin Townsend.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find all my music on all the streaming platforms. I am quite active on Instagram and Twitter. And if you say my name five times in the mirror I'll appear.
