“If we are the fucking problem, let’s just do it ourselves” This was the moment Dikembe decided to branch out on their own. Besieged by trouble finding the right fit with a label for their new record ‘Hail Something’ and feeling like they were telling someone their life story and having them change the subject, Dikembe decided there was only one thing for it.
“At the end of the day we came to the conclusion: no one cares about our band as much as we do. So why would we entrust something we care so much about to someone who isn’t going to handle it the way we want?” Gray admits. There is a confidence to the vocalist/guitarist, a self-assurance that wasn’t there a year ago. Suffering from crippling depression and self-doubt, Gray positively declares that “writing Hail Something saved my life”, explaining that “the lyrical content is just the story I will tell my daughter when she asks about my life or mental illness or whatever really”. So, was it written as such, intended as a means of self-help and catharsis? “No, I was most definitely just figuring everything out. I actually didn’t even see the narrative until later. David pointed out there were clear pre- and post- baby songs”.
Gray is wary of how this new found self-belief will come across, though. “Hopefully it’s not perceived as some sort of weird arrogance. I definitely don’t mean it to sound like we are above the opinion of the people or some shit, but we definitely aren’t pandering to anyone”. Gray needn’t worry, however. Throughout our conversation, there is no hint of arrogance, no feeling that Dikembe feel they deserve something over and above what they work hard for. He is realistic about the band’s own limitations, describing Dikembe as an “anomaly”, referencing the fact they don’t really tour and they struggle to find time to play shows what with their hectic ‘real lives’ (there are babies, jobs, wives, partners, friends), coupled with living hours away from each other. However, he knows this and feels at peace with the fact. “Dikembe is Dikembe. We do shit the way we can, and how we want. Because fuck it I guess”.
‘Hail Something’ is a dark, personal record. He credits his bandmates and his wife heavily for helping pull him through his darkest moments. “I’m really fortunate for my wife and the dudes. They were the best support group I could possibly have by my side and I can say with confidence that they are the reason this interview is happening”. Gray is emphatic: “Everyone should talk to someone. I can’t stress that enough.”
Whilst the past was certainly dark, the future looks bright for Dikembe. ‘Hail Something’ comes out on July 12th, followed by a tour with Slingshot Dakota in September and another appearance at Fest in October. After missing last year’s festival to welcome his daughter, Adeline, into the world, Gray is looking forward to this year. “Fest is always the most fun part of the year for us. It’s great being from the area because every year it’s this little ‘holy shit, look at all these people that like us’ confidence boost that drives us to keep doing our own shit.” It’s also a chance for Dikembe to spend time with many of the friends they’ve met over the years, particularly Signals Midwest. Gray jokes about how “the rest of the dudes are always swamped with fucking Signals Midwest people because they are creatures and invade like parasites, except for Steve – he is great” and insists that he “needs it to go on the Internet, on record, that Steve from Signals Midwest and I are BEST FRIENDS”. Anything else you’d like me to include? “Tell Max I said ‘eat my fucking butt’. Tell him he is the worse Stern.”
Last year almost broke Dikembe. 2016, however, looks pretty sweet. ‘Hail Something’ is a record about dealing with your demons, and finding a way through. Luckily for us, Dikembe are showing the way. We’d do well to follow.
Listen to their new flexi-single below
Dikembe’s new album ‘Hail Something’ is out on July 12th you can grab a pre-order here. The band are also hitting the road with Slingshot Dakota in July. Dates are as follows:
July 18th – Comet Ping Pong, Washington D.C.
July 19th – Aviv, Brooklyn, NY w/ Iron Chic
July 20th – Amityville Music Hall, Amityville, NY w/Iron Chic
July 21st – PhilaMOCA, Philadelphia, PA w/Jank
July 22nd – Mr. Roboto Project, Pittsburgh, PA
July 23rd – Mahall’s Basement, Cleveland, OH
July 24th – Downstairs at SUBT, Chicago, IL
July 26th – Nostromo, Nashville, TN w/Free Throw
July 27th – The Shark Tank, Tallahassee, FL
July 28th – Loosey’s, Gainesville, FL
July 29th – Will’s Pub, Orlando, FL
