DIDIRRI INTERVIEW
Didirri’s mellow folk act, intertwined with his honest storytelling mixed with his gentle guitar makes him one to remember. Coming from Warrnambool, Victoria and relocating to Melbourne, he has continually impressed and used his smarts in storytelling to connect with a wide audience. His latest release, ‘Jude’ takes influence from Paul McCartney, yet transcends beyond this to share the stories of those closest to him and the way they have each formed a part of his life. Make sure to check out my chat with Didirri below.
LB: Firstly can you talk about your music journey up to this point? When and what made you make the decision to pick up a guitar and start singing?
D: I am 100% unequivocally, undeniably, unmistakably, categorically, absolutely, explicitly, indisputably and obviously an attention seeker. But somewhere along the line someone told me I had something worth saying.
At gigs, storytelling makes up a big part of your set and also your stage presence, why is it important for you to share stories to your audience?
In its most raw origin music is about storytelling. With the world of global music available to us now at our fingertips, our ability to share songs with each other and tell stories through music has been diminished. I tell people stories as a reminder that song should be about something. Music is the moving people or making people move and if you aren’t doing either of those two things; I urge you to do so.
Can you describe what its been like to tour with people like Jack River? Has being with other artists helped yourself?
It is always good to understand how other people work in any given profession. It is funny how the rockstar mentality seems to diminish the higher up you go. People crave a simple routine and a professional attitude so that I can send themselves for a shared experience.
Your new song ‘Jude’ has layered stories, all with personal meaning, and also shares on a realistic situation of feeling helpless or trapped.
Can you talk about how the idea came to be, and why this is what you wanted to express?
Will I be here in the morning? Will I get past all of my thoughts? With my own thoughts defeat me? Am I stronger than my own brain? Is life simple? Is this real? Am I happy? Am I just chasing shadows on the wall?
How and why did these stories occur to you as the best ones to support your message?
They actually fell upon me without conscious decision. It was very situational. I was very distraught at the idea that I might have similar feelings in my life to that of someone with potentially suicidal thoughts. I sought comfort in the simple life of a relative of mine. Someone who doesn’t take life too seriously. I also saw the naïveté in chasing something that might be surreal. I constantly ask myself whether life is simple or surreal. If it didn’t need to be said then no one would listen in my opinion.
How has the progress of the upcoming EP been, and can you give us some details of what to expect? Will there be similar themes and ideas as seen in the last two singles?
The ideas in this EP are only really cohesive because they are all thought by me. I guess my writing style is one of measuring situations. But yes definitely similar themes. Ideas of loss, confusion, finding beauty and ugliness and vice versa.
Are you still working with Hayden in the studio? How has he helped you with the development of the EP? What have you learnt from him throughout the process of putting together the EP?
Hayden brought me into a very raw element. Something that I hadn’t experienced before. Entering into a place of solitude and not necessarily expecting anything to come out. A lot of our process is actually removing unnecessary baggage in a mix. Taking away parts that are not necessary to the feeling and space. My personal belief is that he is a genius. But in what field? I am not sure.
Lastly, can you share your goals for the future or any things you would like to tick off your bucket list as a musician?
Be “successful” enough to support real art and use whatever platform I have to make positive change. Sorry for the diplomatic answer.