Behind the music - DAGDA

Emerging at the crossroads of Irish traditional music and multiple contemporary genres, the band DAGDA presents a compelling synthesis of sound and spoken word. Composed of artists from varied musical backgrounds, this Irish-English ensemble is gearing up to release their debut album, MONGRAL, with the single "Good Man" marking their latest offering.

DAGDA's roots trace back to poet Leon Dunne and Simon Jones, former bassist of the acclaimed band The Verve and collaborator with Gorillaz. This foundational partnership reflects a convergence of literary and musical disciplines, as the group integrates elements of rock, folk, blues, jazz, and traditional Irish music alongside poetry and spoken word performance.

The album MONGRAL, a title symbolizing their eclectic soundscape, showcases this hybrid approach. It serves as a deliberate assemblage of diverse influences, effectively "supergluing" genres through poetic expression. The project has attracted contributions from notable musicians, including Peter Salisbury, known for his work with The Verve and The Charlatans, as well as Italian cellist Matilde Lotti, singer-songwriter Luke Clerkin, and guitarist Jamie Maguire.

Recording sessions for "Good Man" were split between Dublin and Cheshire in the UK, underscoring the group's transnational creative process. The single exemplifies the collaborative spirit and genre-defying identity that DAGDA seeks to cultivate throughout their upcoming album.

Beyond the studio, DAGDA is preparing for their live debut at the renowned Electric Picnic festival, where they are slated to perform on The Word Stage within the Mindfield area. This appearance will mark an important milestone for the band, introducing their innovative sound to a wider audience in a live setting.

The band’s members bring varied personal and musical histories that inform their work. Simon Jones, born in Liverpool with family ties to Wigan, contributes a deep understanding of rock heritage. Leon Dunne brings a literary foundation rooted in poetry, which shapes the rhythmic and thematic fabric of the music. Their influences span a spectrum from The Beatles and The Last Poets to George Clinton and RZA, demonstrating a broad palette that enriches their creative output.

DAGDA’s approach challenges conventional genre boundaries, aiming to create a space where poetry and music coexist symbiotically. The group’s vision is to allow different traditions and voices to interact fluidly, resulting in a sound that is both rooted and experimental.

As they release new tracks on a monthly basis throughout the year, DAGDA invites listeners to engage with their evolving soundscape. The combination of traditional instrumentation, contemporary songwriting, and spoken word positions the band as a noteworthy addition to the modern music landscape.

For those interested in exploring DAGDA’s music or following their progress, the band maintains an active presence on social media under @dagdaofficial and is accessible on major streaming platforms. Their upcoming live performance and the full release of MONGRAL remain highly anticipated events within the Irish and English music scenes.

While details about the complete tracklist and further collaborations are still emerging, DAGDA’s initial releases and public engagements suggest a promising trajectory. Their fusion of diverse cultural elements and artistic forms reflects a broader trend of innovation in contemporary music, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity.