Wicklow indie-pop outfit Deja Vu have been steadily building momentum through a run of emotionally charged releases, with all four of their previous singles reaching number one on the iTunes chart. Drawing inspiration from artists including Picture This, Coldplay, The Coronas and The 1975, the band have developed a melodic, anthemic sound that continues to attract attention across Ireland's music scene.
Their latest single ‘Dance Like No One's Watching’ introduces a more playful side to their songwriting. Following earlier releases exploring anxiety and family relationships, the track turns towards the excitement and uncertainty of meeting someone on a night out, capturing the familiar struggle between wanting to let go and allowing your own insecurities to get in the way.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Without a doubt it was the drums. From an early age I was introduced to the classic rock of Bon Jovi, Thin Lizzy, Guns n Roses and even to bands like Madness and Big Country. From an early age I was tapping on every surface I could find with cutlery from the drawer or even just my fingers until I developed a love for heavier music like Led Zeppelin and once I witnessed John Bonham playing in Moby Dick, I knew there was no other instrument I could imagine myself playing.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
As previously mentioned, 80's rock was all I wanted to listen to from the classics in Bon Jovi to the likes of Talking Heads, it had captivated me and created my love for music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
My first album was Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi, which funnily enough was also my first concert in the RDS in 2011 so as you can see there's a small pattern.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
While it doesn't quite align with the pattern I have already mentioned, Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls is a song I can't help but be mesmerised by whenever I hear it or watch it live.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Sadly, nothing too special but I weirdly find myself being able to write my best lyrics after midnight and I have to be sat on a floor, it doesn't feel right when I sit comfortably.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
An artist I can't get enough of is Sam Fender, I like to think he is a modern day answer to 80’s rock.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
If we are talking dead or alive, I would say either Sam Fender or The 1975 for alive, and as for dead I think it would have to be Thin Lizzy or Queen.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I would say it is seeing their reaction to a live gig, we of course love releasing music but seeing people singing our own songs back to us is a feeling you can't recreate.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I don't know if I would say frustrating but the biggest sacrifice would be the time away from friends and family. The countless hours spent gigging, practicing and recording is something from the outside most people might not see but it is definitely the biggest downfall to any musician's life.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
As a drummer, the best advice I was given was if I ever make a mistake, just do it again a second time and people think it was on purpose, and if that doesn't work just blame the bass player.
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Deja Vu's new single 'Dance Like No One's Watching' is out now. Check it out in the player below.