Dignan Porch create their own skewed variant of power pop, psychedelic indie rock, jangle and punk. Whilst heavy on noise and thrills, there’s sadness beneath the skin of the band's warped visions, seeping into the fabric of the sound. With a palpable DIY spirit running through all their activity, the band continue to build a loyal fanbase. Dignan Porch's new album 'Electric Threads' is available now on vinyl from Repeating Cloud (US), Safe Suburban Home (UK) and Hidden Bay Records (EU). This came across our desk and we loved it so much that we immediately bought a vinyl copy, hope you dig it and learning more about this awesome indie project:
How did the band form and what does the band name mean?
The band has been going for about 12 years and has had a few different line ups. It began when I (Joe) recorded an album called Tendrils on my own, in my bedroom. The album ended up getting released by a New York label called Captured Tracks (Mac Demarco, Diiv etc). We put the band together to play live shows and we've continued recording, releasing music and performing together ever since. Current members rejoining me to play live include my brother Sam (lead guitar), Hayley (keys and vocals), Philippa (drums) and Louis (bass). The name has no other meaning aside from us, our band, 'Dignan Porch' is us.
Previous musical projects? How'd you first get into music?
Sam and I played in a band called Artefacts for Space Travel, we released music on a label called Stolen Recordings alongside bands like Screaming Tea Party, Let's Wrestle and Pete and the Pirates. It was heavier, a mix of Flying Nun style indie and sludgy, Electric Wizard style stoner rock. We had fun doing it. I was also in a punk(?) band called Human Hair alongside doing Dignan Porch for a few years, which was also a great time.
How did I first get into music..? My dad has always played in bands, he still plays in covers bands in pubs around South London most weekends - it's his fault that I'm obsessed with it.
First concert that you ever went to?
It would be watching my dad play in bands. We used to go to the local Irish club and watch him play in an Irish rock band he was in. We ate Tayto crisps and drank red lemonade while he played.
When I was 15 some friends and I went to Reading festival and saw bands like The Offspring, Foo Fighters, all that kind of stuff, we had an absolutely sweet time and I continued to go until I developed better taste in music. Joke!
What's your writing process like?
There isn't a process to be honest, I can start a song by messing about on guitar or keyboard, or I could write some words then put it to music. The only thing I don't like to do is to force it. If a song isn't coming together, I'd advise putting it aside for a while and coming back to it, you might end up turning it into something else or be able to finish it later. Some of the songs on the new record are ones I kept coming back to until they sounded good.
What other artists or songs inspire your music?
I've chosen 10 songs that I think have likely influenced the sound of our new album Electric Threads. From 90's lofi to 60's psyche plus noisier punk stuff that retains pop melodies and structure. I think in particular, Flying Nun Records (NZ) bands like the Tall Dwarfs on here, plus Galaxie 500, Stereolab and the early Magnetic Fields albums did hit hard with me when first started listening to them, they've been an influence on the band's aesthetic. But also feel like I could pick a different list of 10 songs / artists every day.
What's the live experience like and your philosophy on playing live? Do you think the music live should be identical to the recorded version or should it be it's own thing?
I absolutely don't think the live music needs to be identical to recorded and I wouldn't trust anyone who does! Our live show is about making sure we have fun and the audience enjoy it, that's all. We practice so we can perform well and write a setlist we're excited to play.
Has the band toured? What has the touring experience been, best shows?worst shows?
Yes we did a month long US tour quite a while ago and some European tours more recently, but due to the pandemic and everything we haven't played much at all for a while.
Worst show, easy, a gig in London where we played about 2 songs then had a fight with the sound man, I won't mention where (not our usual behaviour at all, he was such a dick).
Best show, lots of good memories thankfully, I was recently thinking back to playing at Espace B in Paris a few times. We always got a good crowd there who were really into it. I'd like to return. Also Vera in Groningen, Netherlands, played there a couple of times too, such an amazing place!
What's up next for the band?
We have a new album called 'Electric Threads' out now check it out.
Dignan Porch social links