We caught up with James from DAZY before they play the Constellation Room with PDX’s Alien Boy. Read about his inspirations, the new remix of “Pressure Cooker”, and more in the full interview:
Who are some of your inspirations, musically + lyrically?
My first musical love was definitely punk and that really shaped a ton of my tastes and influences. I also lean towards a lot of ‘80s and ‘90s alternative rock. Bands like Nirvana, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Breeders, Guided By Voices… They were able to make really creative and interesting music while also being super loud and catchy. That’s usually the sweet spot I’m aiming for.
Lyrically, I’ve always loved when musicians really lean into the way the words and music can work together to make something impactful. I don’t think every lyric needs to be able to stand on it’s own like a poem, I think the music should be shaping the way you receive the words. Always felt like Michael Stipe was very good at that kind of thing.
Describe the vibe of Dazy in one word.
MAXIMUMBLASTSUPERLOUD
How was it making the remix of “Pressure Cooker” and working with Militarie Gun and Mannequin Pussy?
Really fun! Back when me and Ian from Militarie Gun had first started working on “Pressure Cooker” we’d always talked about how cool it would be to make a remix and make it even dancier. I love really beat-driven, groovy music and when I started working on the remix it was fun to just lean into trying to make my take on an unabashed dance song. Last summer, I filled in on guitar with Militarie Gun on a tour in the UK and we briefly met Missy from Mannequin Pussy while we were over there. It was amazing to have her sing on the remix. I wanted it to feel like those Andrew Weatherall remixes from the ‘90s that seemed just as essential as the original song, and I think having Missy on the track is what really pushed it there for us.
Do you have a favorite tour memory?
I’ve been on tour a lot throughout my life with other bands, but Dazy is still relatively new to hitting the road so I have relatively limited Dazy tour memories. But one of my favorite shows we’ve had was in October with Militarie Gun and MSPAINT in Brooklyn. The LP was coming out the next day, the show was packed, and we were surrounded by our friends who also happen to be two of my favorite current bands, so it was just a really fun and special night.
What has been your favorite city to play in?
This current tour we’re on right now with Alien Boy has been our first time playing in all of these cities and it’s been a blast, so spots like Chicago, Seattle, and Portland are really climbing the ranks for me.
If you could open for any band in the world, dead or alive, who would you open for?
Jeez, hard question. Let’s go with Nirvana because that would be a really cool show and also mean some sort of supernatural things were happening.
What’s your favorite song to play live?
Probably “On My Way.” It’s just really bouncy and fun to see people react to it.
If you were a cover band, what band would you cover and what would you name the band?
Hmm I dunno, maybe like Green Dazy or something. I’m sure I’ll think of a punnier name the second I send this email haha.
What’s a fun fact or something that most people don’t know about you?
Sonia from Alien Boy recently informed me I’m a fire sign, so that’s been pretty exciting news.
Catch DAZY on tour with Alien Boy at the Constellation Room on 1/27! Tickets are available here.
