des hume is a pop experimentalist, DIY queen and sadly, a Gemini. Since 2019 they have released a series of singles, EPs and records exploring gender, grief, sex, AI and Elon Musk, with their sophomore album ‘FM.Era’ named as one of the best records of 2023 by Exclaim! Magazine. Their music has been featured on BBC Radio 1, KEXP, the Netflix series Tiny Pretty Things and has accumulated several million streams on Spotify.
Name:
des hume
Genre:
The music is a little all over the place. I’ve called it mutant-pop since it combines a pretty wide range of influences and compresses them into a digestible pellet. It’s the musical equivalent of a hot dog made of peanuts or something, the form is there but something isn’t right.
Founded:
I’m not entirely sure. The first tunes were released in 2019 but had been bubbling away for some time before that. I did register myself as a business in 2018, and have continued to post losses ever since.
# of Albums:
2 full-length records, a handful of EPs, yonks of singles and some one-off Bandcamp-only experiments and live recordings. More to come.
Latest Album:
FM.era came out in June 2023 to limited fanfare and even more limited sales. It continues to exist on the internet and in a series of unsold physical copies in my apartment (please buy a copy).
Latest Single:
In gestation, but I hear it will be good.
Latest Video:
‘OneTwoStep’ made entirely by my dear friend Jordan Clarke, who’s a brilliant director and artist that everyone should know about. The video was nominated for a Juno award this year, but we lost to the guy who directed the Era’s tour. Fair enough!
Favourite musician growing up:
Peter Gabriel. I got ‘So’ on cassette when I was 8 and I think I’m still trying to make something that good.
Favourite musician now:
Jai Paul taught me that a little thing made at home can change everything.
Guilty pleasure song:
There is no such thing! Pleasure is pleasure. That being said, everyone should revisit Rich Boy’s ‘Throw Some D’s On It’ from 2006. Absolute magic.
Live show ritual:
Before I perform I need to have A) eaten B) used the toilet and C) had a small panic attack, followed by breathwork. I like to come onstage with the band, make sure everything is plugged-in, and then check-in that everyone is ready and feeling good. Once it starts, you’re committed.
Favourite local musician:
The Vancouver music scene is overlooked, and it’s full of some truly original folks that do not get the attention they deserve. My friend Tegan Wahlgren (aka Wallgrin) is, to my eyes, the PNW’s answer to Björk. They are making brave, wild music that reaches for the sublime, and are dedicated to refining their craft. But they’re one of many I love, and I could fill this whole column with IYKYK Vancouver musicians.
EP or LP?
I don’t have a preference. I like when an artist presents a work as a whole, and sometimes they say all they need to say in 3 or 4 tracks versus 10.
Early bird or night owl?
With rare exceptions, I sleep from midnight to 7 AM. It’s the best of both worlds.
Road or studio?
I’m a studio rat, but the ultimate goal is to stand on a stage in front of an audience. It is a holy thing.
Any shows or albums coming up?
I’m wading into a new collection of music and have been working out ideas at small solo shows sporadically. If you’re interested in going beyond this column, I’d love for you to listen to FM.era – there’s still meat on the bones of that record.
Where can we follow you?
If you follow me on Instagram you can expect long periods of radio silence punctuated by bursts of noise. I like using the stories function most of all, it’s like a little secret between me and the 50 people that Meta will allow to see it without ad spending.
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
The Crystal Mall food court. Bring cash.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Kingsway. It’s the trunk that branches off into the best food in Metro Vancouver.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Queen Elizabeth Park. I like to catch up with the cockatiels in the Bloedel Conservatory.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Green Auto
What is your favourite music store in your city?
DANDELION RECORDS!!!!!!!!!
