Resonate Artist Of The Week: DM Arthur

Resonate Artist Of The Week is formidable songwriter DM Arthur. Latest single ‘Somewhere In The In-Between’ is stark, emotive and thought provoking.

Formally of the band Lemonteeth, Glasgow borned DM Arthur has taken strides into the solo world with this sensational debut release. ‘Somewhere In The In-Between’ bristles with a melancholic optimism that evokes expansive landscapes and alternate realities, complete with driving acoustics and lyrics that take you on a journey to a place “where we can escape the madness of the real world”, Somewhere in the In- between.

Teaming up with the legendary Eliot James of London’s Eastcoate Studios, there’s an unmistakable professional touch on this recording. Impeccable soothing vocals are perfectly accompanied with dynamic acoustic guitar and the addition of choral backing vocals really packs a sonic punch. You can hear micro-snippets of the likes of Radiohead and Two Door Cinema Club throughout.

Already harnessing the support of BBC Introducing in Scotland, we can’t wait to hear what’s next from this exceptionally talented writer and performer.

Follow DM Arthur on socials and keep up to date with all the latest developments.

Q&A: Leif Coffield

Hailing from the South side of Glasgow, Leif Coffield is an exciting new independent artist who's set to make waves with his unique, conventionally-palatable blend of electronic, indie pop. We spoke to him this week after the launch of his new single ‘Feel It’.

Tell us more about your project/projects ? 

So the project I’m working on releasing over the course of the next 6 months or so is an EP called ‘Apollo & His Unfortunate Love Affairs’. It’s a bunch of tracks I’ve created with the idea of being summertime slammers. Rooftop-down, hair-in-the-wind ecstasy… type of thing, you know? I wasn’t born in the 80’s but I’ve always loved 80’s tunes, and in recent years there’s been a resurgence in classic sounds of that time and I had to get involved somehow. I feel like these tunes and this style allows me to be as strange as I want to be and call it “art”. Being able to tie the music and visuals together in the way I see in my head couldn’t have been done without the help of my creative aides: Alex & Greta. Alex shot the music vid and Greta shot the cover art. Two of some of the most talented, funny and creative majesties I’m glad to have met. 

We’d describe your brand new video for ‘Feel It' as epic, oily and badass. How would you describe it?

Additionally to epic, oily and badass I’d like to add - sensual, golden, and suggestive. I feel like we’re so used to seeing women being sexualised in music videos and media in general, that we forget its possible for a half naked man to get lathered up in baby oil and dry hump inanimate objects.

It looks like you put a lot of time & effort into all aspects of this release. Tell us about your artwork and the inspiration behind that?

I think the concept for it all just kinda fell together without too much thought. It just felt like there were a few key creative realisations at certain points along the EP writing process and that evolved into the theme, visuals, artwork etc. The artwork specifically came from an idea I’d had after the wonderful photographer Ailsa Morrison snapped a picture of me in my room asserting my naked dominance upon my innocent desk. A week later she had the photos developed and we were couldn’t believe how well it came out for just a fly-away shot. Anyway, the following day or so, like most creative epiphanies, I was driving and had the idea of being a God-like figure surrounded and being fed grapes by 6 or so girls in an ancient Egyptian temple. After taking the idea to Greta Kalva, she worked her magic and gave it some thought and decided to go in the direction of ancient Greek and Roman with Apollo and his muses. 

You recently spoke with Phoebe-Inglis Holmes about living with ADHD, how has that affected your creativity and music?

That chat was really great and it was awesome to get to share thoughts and feelings on ADHD with one of the real ones in the music industry. 

ADHD is a strange one because it’s everything I’ve known really so to me it’s just my personality and can be quite difficult to distinctly identify which aspect affects music and creativity. But I’d say I have the ability to be totally hyper attentive to something for hours and hours which is a bonus for making music, but then some days struggle to even muster a morsel of motivation to open the laptop to make something. On a whole though, I wouldn’t change anything. Except maybe stop being late for things. Every time. 

Can we expect more new music in the coming months from Leif Coffield?

Absoluuuutely, all the tracks I’ve been working on the last while will be out periodically until the year is out, with the next release around late August!

Dream collaboration (dead or alive)?

That’s such a difficult one as there are so many variables, so allow me to be pretentious for just a sec. For the experience I’d love to work with Kanye. I think I’d make the best music with Finneas O’Connell. And just because it’s Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin. 

Have you got a 5 year plan ? 

I have definite goals and places I want to be in 5 years, however the roadmap of getting there shifts all the time as new opportunities arise. But definitely got my sights set on working with the most talented people I can get my hands on, and playing the biggest stages I can get my feet on. 

Listen to Leif’s new single below: