What were you doing at 17? Probably not releasing your debut EP on Zeds Dead’s label Deadbeats Records. But that’s exactly what DNMO has done in an incredibly short span of time. Since early 2019, he’s been teasing his four-track pressing with “Sick of You” and “No Way Out.” But the young gun producer certainly saved his most twisted tracks for last. The titular track “Definition Forbidden” begins innocently enough with Bijou Dream’s sinewy vocals, but things quickly take a turn to the sinister and sets the tone for the rest of the EP. And then there’s “Olifant,” a monster of a produciton that sounds like what the end of the world might if a hostile race of sentient machines came to enslave humanity.

We chatted with DNMO about his inspirations and his plans for the future.

Could you explain what the main inspiration behind the EP and each of its tracks was?

The EP was all about creating a body of work that has a dark, eerie and mysterious feel to it. I wanted the tracks to be cohesive with each other but also have them contrast, and each have their own vibe.

How far are we from a debut album by DNMO, then?

I’m just writing every day for right now. Although I could easily throw all my unreleased music together right now and call it an album but I feel like I’m still learning so much about music every week which makes me want to be the best I can be for when the time comes. I have a few collabs with some great producers coming over the next few months. Also a TON of solo stuff coming later this year, which happens to be my favorite work to date.

You are one of a very few foreign artists that made some significant buzz in the US market at that young age. What are the most significant differences between US and UK markets?

It’s difficult to compare the two when the UK is the size of like one state. England is huge on house and drum & bass which I love but I think they are less open to new styles of music they might not have heard before – it’s the classic rave culture which will never die out. The US is a lot more open to the majority of dance music I feel; there’s a place for everyone. I really wish drum and bass would pop off in the US because it truly is one of my favorite styles of dance music.

We’ve heard that you will be touring across America very soon. Please give us some details on the forthcoming tour.

I just made it back to America last week! I’m playing EDC Vegas, SMF, Foam Wonderland in Denver, and Escapade over the next couple months so nothing hectic as I’m prioritizing writing new music right now, but working on a ton of new shows coming up this summer/fall.

Categories: Music