Hi, I’m Doyle (D at Sea) and I like to party.
Your acoustic cover of Yellowcard’s ‘Carrion’ went viral some time ago. Did you make a concerted effort to make it seen or was it purely lucky and accident?
Parkway Drive* Yellowcard are good too. I just got lucky! Thank you to Parkway for kick starting my music career.
You’ve admitted that music wasn’t always your focus in life. What changed to make it so?
I injured my back when I was 19. I still have pain. It was T4 syndrome mixed with psychological stuff that turned into chronic pain. 5 years of perpetual pain takes a serious toll on you mentally. Regardless, I’m grateful to live the life I do. I just take it day by day, music became the best way to cope.
You’re known for your cover versions of well-known songs. Is there any tune you’ve get to cover that you’re dying to?
Nothing really. I enjoy doing the covers but I’d like to tell my story and sing my own songs more.
‘December’ your first original single, was released last month. What was the writing process for that like?
I started getting intense & frequent anxiety attacks, brought on from the desperation to be free from injury. I just couldn’t cope anymore. Anything would bring it on. My friend, Edward got me into a bunch of meditation practices. They’ve helped me not live in the past, to focus on the things I have and not the things I don’t. I appreciate life a lot more and I’m grateful for what I have. I still have a burning desire to be healed but I can deal with it a little easier thanks to my friends, family, fans, music & the meditation. The whole experience was the main inspiration behind December.
Did you have any nervousness about releasing an original piece of music?
Of course! It’s a solo release, I don’t have a band to back the music. It’s just me. I feel vulnerable opening up to people the way I have. The beauty of music is that you can do that. I hope people can relate and enjoy it.
What can we expect from future your soon to be released EP “Unconscious”?
I don’t think it’s as depressing as people may expect. Which is sweet for me. I’m sick of singing sad songs, haha. It’s honest, chill & all acoustic. It’s out March 8! I’m psyched.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
I stretch & warm up my vocals. I take a moment to appreciate what I get to do. I think of my family, especially my nieces. They make me so happy and remind me to enjoy myself. I’ll probably text my best mate paying him out or something too, cause it makes me laugh.
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What and where was the first gig you went to?
Touch and die! Haha. I think it was Blink 182 at the Entertainment Centre, Brisbane in 2006. Either that or Taste of Chaos. Same place & same year. Both were mental!
What’s on high rotation on your iPod at the moment?
My own EP, haha! Just judging myself. Other than that, it’s Confession, judging myself some more. Other than that it’s probably Amity or Architects.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with?
Ooh. Good question. It wouldn’t be Crafter because he is a full blown Desmond. I’m already stuck having to do that anyway. I’d really like to sing a hook for 360! Parkway, Amity or Northlane would be cool too.
What does the rest of 2013 hold for you?
I have an EP launch tour coming up.
Thursday 7 March, 5PM – Kill The Music In-Store, Brisbane
Thursday 7 March – Snitch, Brisbane
Saturday 9 March – Resist Records In-Store, Sydney
Sunday 10 March – Plastic, Melbourne
Monday 11 March – Push Over Festival, Melbourne
My debut release ‘Unconscious EP’ available March 8 through UNFD.
Pre-orders available through UNFD online, JB Hi Fi & iTunes – http://store.weareunified.com/category/bands/d-at-sea/
More tours & hopefully head into the studio to record an album.
Thank you!
