| Although they’re based in Stirling and often grouped in with the Glasgow scene, Dead Or American consider themselves as connected to Dundee as anywhere.
For one, it’s home to Pet Piranha, the record label which is to release the band’s long-awaited debut album Ends later this year.
Dundee also has the (new) Westport Bar, which singer and guitarist Chris Cusack considers to be his favourite live music venue.
“We are outsiders to most places I suppose, and where we are in Stirling there’s no scene at all,” said Chris, ahead of their return to the city.
“But there is a really good scene in Dundee, and I would say that I prefer it to Glasgow in a lot of ways. The Westport is my favourite venue anywhere. I’m a big fan.”
The alternative rockers top a four-band bill at the North Lindsay Street pub tomorrow, which also features Bad Dancer, Juliet Kilo and Uncle Fritz.
“It’s looking very good,” continued Chris. “I would argue that Bad Dancer are the best band in the country and they are certain to be big.”
Dead Or American have earned a fair few fans themselves in recent years, both on self-financed tours and support gigs with the likes of Jetplane Landing and Reuben.
Things look set to move on another level with the release of Ends, an album two years (and one abortive attempt) in the making.
“It’s taken a while,” laughed Chris.
“We started recording a couple of years ago, but had to redo a lot of it because of technical problems with the recording.
“It was probably for the best that that happened. It’s been a real learning process and we have been doing every part of it ourselves — we’re real control freaks!
“One of the advantages of recording before you have toured is that you have a totally tight sound when you are out on stage.
“The reverse of that is that, if you tour first it can help to develop the songs over the course of time. It’s taken us so long that we’ve had the best of both!”
Although the official release of the album isn’t until later in the year, Dead Or American already have “eight or nine” songs written for the follow-up.
“Most of what we are playing at the moment is from the first album, because it would be daft to get too ahead of ourselves,” added Chris.
“But we have been playing a couple of new songs every night too. After playing the same songs for three years, it’s mostly to keep ourselves sane!”
Tomorrow’s gig at the Westport Bar kicks off at around 8.30pm, and entry is £3. |
