In Conversation: Dundundun
Ahead of their show as part of Trinity Presents on 19 March, we sat down with Brian and Jackson from Dundundun to talk about how the group came together, the Bristol music scene, and more.
First off, could you tell us a little bit about how Dundundun formed?
It started out as a group of percussionists, slowly adding more instrumental players - the original focus, and something which we’ve continued with, I might add, was to play seamless ‘DJ sets’ with live musicians. That was the idea anyway, as the band has evolved, we’ve become more creative as to how this has happened and written in some real bangers to lift the set at the right points.
There are other groups in the city like Dundundun that feature musicians who work across several different projects – what do you think it is about the Bristol music scene that encourages this kind of collaboration?
Bristol is a small city, with a huge array of scenes. It’s inevitable that there’ll be a crossover with musicians/filmmakers, artists etc. "someone knows someone who knows someone who wants to work with a sax player - you up for it?” that’s basically how it goes. You say yes and suddenly you’re embroiled in another scene that you know existed but were on the fringes of. It’s always happened this way.
What other artists in Bristol should people be keeping an eye out for?
Well, there’s some great bands - particularly on the ‘Bristol Jazz’ scene. Run Logan Run are killing it right now, experimental, interesting and diverse music; Snazzback have got another album coming out with a heap of vocalists. Oh and Waldo’s gift - they were awesome at We Out Here festival in the wee hours!
Has being on the label Worm Discs influenced your sound?
No. We shape our sound. Although, literally speaking, Jackson who co-runs the label plays percussion in the band so in a sense - there is some truth to Worm shaping the sound!
And finally, what can audiences expect from your show at Trinity?
Expect a high energy, charismatic show with floor fillers and some great new material featuring guest vocalists. We’re really looking forward to this one on home turf.
Dundundun are performing at Trinity on 19 Mar as part of Trinity Presents, our in-house programme of music and arts. Click here to get your tickets.