Dutch Criminal Record – Apathy Mixtape

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

A) We call it indie surf rock, but I don’t know if it really is! It’s very hard to describe one’s own sound because you’re in the middle of it. But I think we have jangly riffs and melodic vocals and write about serious subjects with uplifting music underneath.

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

A) Hmmm…Sam [Thrussell] speaking on behalf of us all at this moment in time, maybe Alvvays, The Magic Gang and Coldplay.

Q) Tell us the story behind your recently released single “Come Closer.”

A) It was written around this time last year. It’s a simple love song about being a worrier and sharing your problems with someone you trust. It started as a simple demo recorded by Sam with just an acoustic guitar and voice. We sort of forgot about it for a while. [Joe] Frampton suggested we finish it and add a bridge from another song and Joe [Delaney-Stone] added the lovely lead parts!

Q) On YouTube you released a short to promote the upcoming music video for “Come Closer.” What can you tease about the concept for the music video?

A) So, for those that haven’t seen it it’s about a family BBQ and about being with people and the positive effect that can have on you.

Q) Prior to “Come Closer” you also released a single called “Oat Milk.” Since its release, what has been the overall reaction to “Oat Milk” from fans and listeners?

A) It’s gone really well especially when we’ve played it live a few times over the last few months. It’s a little bit different sonically with hints of shoegaze in it but I think people have welcomed it well.

Q) What messages do you hope people take away from listening to “Come Closer” and “Oat Milk?”

A) I hope people just really enjoy the musical direction and still feel like they’re classic DCR but with new elements to enjoy. “Oat Milk” is quite a wry political commentary lyrically from Joe so it’s worth a few listens. “Come Closer” is more of a conventional lyric but hopefully a heartwarming tune!

Q) “Come Closer” and “Oat Milk” are part of your upcoming EP Apathy Mixtape. What are some themes you’ll be exploring on it?

A) There’s obviously the couple I’ve mentioned, there’s two more songs on the way. One is about feeling apathetic and a bit out of sorts and the other is about missing people.

Q) What can you tease is a track that stands out as a personal favorite for you and what makes it so significant?

A) I like “Oat Milk “and “Come Closer” a lot, but “Apathy” is a nice one as it’s an older than we spent a while working on together so is quite traditional DCR and it has some nice guitar lines. It’s nice when a song is a team effort.

Q) With the release of Apathy Mixtape, are there any plans to tour to promote the new EP?

A) We’ve got a couple supports this week and in October and then some headline shows lined up for the beginning of next year.

Q) After your tour last year with Sea Girls and various shows through Europe this year, which city has been your favorite to play in so far and which one do you hope to play in the future?

A) Playing SXSW in Austin, Texas was a dream come true and we got to stay in the city for a week, so we got to explore, too. Then Amsterdam and Paris were both cool places to play!

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?

A) Thank you so much for listening if it wasn’t for you guys we probably wouldn’t still be making music so thanks for fueling our musical fire!

All Questions Answered By Vocalist/Guitarist Sam Thrussell