Spotlight Sounds; Episode twelve with Digdeep

Welcome back to Spotlight Sounds, a series by Secrets Behind the Sound celebrating the vibrant world of Irish music. Dive into the blend of tradition and innovation that characterises Ireland's contemporary music scene, featuring both established and emerging artists. Explore the influences and experiences shaping Irish musicians and join us as we delve into their creative processes, stories, and journeys. Through in-depth discussions, Secrets Behind The Sound recognises the groundbreaking contributions of Irish artists to global creativity. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, Spotlight Sounds invites you to explore the captivating realm of Irish music—a journey into the stories, sounds, and enigmas that make up Ireland's music scene.

Introducing Digdeep, a five-piece band hailing from Dublin with a sound as unique and captivating as their name suggests. led by Mort on vocals, Leigh on guitar, Sam on bass, Zach on drums, and Pat on Sax, this ensemble emerges from the depths of the Irish music scene with a raw energy that demands attention. Drawing inspiration from unexpected sources, their music can be likened to a big body, oozing with infectious tunes that seep into your soul. With singles like Kibble Wizzard, a whimsical ode to a magic cat with funky bass lines and stomping drum beats, and Frog Rock, a heavier, groove metal anthem bound to resonate with metal enthusiasts, Digdeep showcases their versatility and prowness across genres. As they gear up for a promising 2024, marked by the release of their EP and headlining performances, Digdeep is poised to make waves and leave their mark on the Irish music landscape. With each note, they reaffirm their commitment to pushing boundaries and igniting a passion in audiences across the nation. Keep an ear to the ground, for 2024 is indeed the year of Digdeep, and their journey is just beginning.

Can you start by introducing the band and your musical background?

Hey, we're Digdeep. Mort on vocals, Leigh on guitar, Sam on bass, Zach on drums, and Pat on Sax. We started making music because we were invited to perform at our friend's house party. Our friends in Post-Party were hosting it. First, we had to make a band and write songs, and now here we are two years later.

How would you define the genre you as a band primarily identify with, and how do you incorporate other influences into your sound?

Our influences are constantly evolving, our group chat is always full of any great songs we find. Our friend Peter showed us Rosinha de Valenca, her music got Sam to bring the acoustic guitar into the studio.

How do you see the current state of the music scene in Ireland? Are there any emerging trends or unique characteristics that stand out to you?

Yeah Irish music is really exciting right now, there's too many great artists to keep track of. The new wave of folk artists was amazing to see this year- John Francis Flynn, Lankum, and OXN all brought out great alnums. It's inspiring to see so many great artists coming up now.

In what ways does your music reflect your Irish identity or connect with the local culture?

We can't say that there's much "Irishness" in our music, Mort's lyrics are all inspired by what's happening around us, he usually writes about a topic that has us all talking. I've noticed that Dublin, and Dublin's identity reflected through art, is a recurring idea in his lyrics. We don't get outta the country much, all we have to talk about is Irish stuff. Except for the frog and cat songs.

Can you walk us through the creative process when writing and composing music?

Usually, someone will start with an idea. A drum beat, a riff, a melody, a lyric. Then we'll build onto that, everyone throwing their ideas onto the pile. Sometimes it hits a dead end, and sometimes it feels like the song is writing itself. All of us splattering paint onto the canvas. Then we perform it live and see if people like it. Maybe the crowd is part of our writing process that way. If we get a paycheck, we owe them all pints.

Could you provide an overview of the current state of the the genre you as a band associate within the Irish music scene. In your opinion, has it evolved in any way over the years?

The scene has exploded with new bands, we found ourselves in the middle of a rock and roll boiling pot. We're after playing at Ones To Watch and the caliber of talent right now is mad, every band we saw blew us away. Shout out to Bucket, we love them guys. We've seen our band evolving in this scene, and are seeing some new friends finding their sound. The gigs have gotten noisier, it's great.

Diversity is an important aspect of any music scene. How do you think your band's music contributes to the diversity of the Irish music scene?

Yeah when the scene is this big, there's gonna be more artists expressing themselves, more people getting weird with it. There's probably more room for creativity in the scene, things can always get weirder. I don't think anybody is pushing any boundaries in the creativity department. Gilla Band are still reigning supreme in that department.

As an Irish band, what advice have you got for other artists trying to navigate the industry and find their unique voice?

Don't try. Play gigs in your kitchen to 10 of your friends. Use different instruments. But not a sax, you might flood the market. Digdeep stocks plummeting.

What can listeners expect from you in the near future? any upcoming releases, collabs or projects you're excited about? 2024 year of the Digdeep. Working towards the EP and headliner after summer is done. Until then we're going crazy writing.

I am going to finish off by asking you, what is the most bizzare fan/show experience you've had?

Probably being thrown around the back of a van speeding down the backroads in Enniscorthy, and staying in this massive house that was badly damaged by floods. Shout out to Peer Pleasure for having us down there. That was a fun time.

Digdeep is not just a band; they're a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving music scene in Ireland. With Mort's compelling vocals, Leigh's dynamic guitar riffs, Sam's solid bass lines, Zach's powerful drumming, and Pat's saxophone adding a unique touch, Digdeep defies easy categorisation. Their music is a melting pot of influences, from folk to rock, with a sprinkle of the unexpected thrown in. As they navigate the Irish music scene, they are not just following trends; they are setting their own pace, crafting songs that reflect their experiences and passions. In an era where creativity knows no bounds, Digdeep embraces the chaos, channelling it into their music and live performances. With 2024 on the horizon, marked by the release of their EP and headline shows, Digdeep's journey is only just beginning. So, keep an ear to the ground, and your eye on the stage because Digdeep is ready to take you on a musical adventure like no other. And who knows? You might just find yourself in the back of a van speeding down the backroads, experiencing first-hand the wild ride that is Digdeep.