Underground Canadian artist Diamond Rings is one of those artists who is both musically interesting and visually captivating, a delicate balance of style and substance. His first tune All Yr Songs came out last year and since then he’s released an independent album that has just been picked up by a major record label for worldwide distribution.
You’re currently on tour around the USA, what’s the live Diamond Ring experience like?
My live show is an attempt to create and take risks for myself. I try to push my own physical and mental limits wherever possible, as well as those of the audience by extension. The more I put myself out in the open the more of a connection I feel with the crowd.
Your music seems to defy genres, your tunes so far have been indie, folk, house, is this a reflection on your own musical influences?
Yes. I get bored easily and also own a great many records.
What’s your creative process, where so your songs come from?
I spend lots of time alone in the studio banging my head against the wall until I either break through to the other side or end up with a big bruise and have to take a break.
You’ve recently covered the Milla Jovovich tune Gentleman Who Fell, this is quite an obscure tune (but one of my favorites, co-written by famous Australian Mark Holden is a judge on Australian Idol) how did you come to know of this song?
A friend of mine in Toronto showed me the video at a party. It’s all in black and white and is based quite literally on a surrealist American art film called Meshes Of The Afternoon by feminist director Maya Deren. I did some research and discovered that Milla made the video because the original one that her label forced her to make was really cheesy. I’m really into learning about the histories of artists and trying unconventional covers so it was a good fit. I was really lucky that Owen Pallett was willing to help me with string and piano arrangements.
What’s the creative scene in Toronto like?
Probably like any large city. There’s lots going on and unfortunately I only have time for so much of it. My own crew is pretty insular and I usually forgo going out for staying in and getting things done.
You have a very recognizable look, do you ever get an adverse reaction to being a boy in makeup?
Sure, but that’s the point, right?
Any plans to come to Australia?
I’m always planning.
Graeme Watson
