Our newest jewel of musical brilliance we want to introduce to you is Dimbleby & Capper, a female solo act who is already receiving acclaim from Steve Lamacq and Hugh Stevens and has consequently performed on the BBC Introducing stage of Glanstonbury Festival last year. The multi-talented 22 year old not only sings but is also a hot producer and remixer, demonstrating her many creative talents. Her debut single, ‘Slick Maturity’ was released on April 12th on Up Slot Records. Although I’m a writer and I feel like a gigantic cop out – I felt that whoever wrote the press release I’m reading for D&C was hot on the lexicon, so I am quoting them: ” initially armed with only a lap-top and loop station, layering vocals and effects, D&C has managed to create something that’s both left field and hook laden – experimental yet accessible. Now backed by a group of black clad, white mask wearing musicians, the her live shows have grown into a more percussive, organic sounding experience, and has led to support slots with the likes of Local Natives, Chewlips and Hockey.” Obviously, Dimbleby & Capper is a hot new sound and bound to make it big in the coming summer months – so I caught up with the woman behind the mask, Laura Bettinson, to talk about sticky boobs, all her musical influences and much much MORE…
HTF – Please introduce yourself.
D&C – I’m Laura Bettinson, the face/voice/girl behind Dimbleby & Capper.
HTF – How would you describe the style of your music?
D&C – Beat driven, vocal pop with tribal and electronic leanings.
HTF – When and how did you first realise you wanted to make music?
D&C – When I finished school. I had to make the choice of whether to stay and do my art foundation year or whether to go to London and study music. I figured I’d come back to the art, and so I started my adventure at Goldsmiths College with an open mind and mouth full of songs.
HTF – Watching your performance on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury Festival 2009, you are wearing a very quirky outfit, with ‘fragile’ tape making an appearance. What is the most outrageous outfit you’ve worn to do a gig?
D&C – I recently wore a stuffed fox on my head. Class act, am I. The gaffer tape is still making appearences. My breast are forever getting stickier.
HTF – Which bands/artists influence you the most?
D&C – There are too many influences from fields so far apart it’s difficult to put down here. When I was growing up I was listening to a lot of Motown and soul right through to Smashing Pumpkins, Placebo and Pixies in my teens, and in amongst all that there was the 60s girl groups and Dusty Springfield, then back round to the Knife, Bjork, Camille, Laurie Anderson. It’s all in there somewhere.
HTF – Is there a reoccurring thing that you tend to write songs about?
D&C – Never. Although seem to find myself using the word “MORE” and awful lot. MORE boys, MORE money, MORE characters, MORE music. You see…
HTF – Have you got to work with some cool people on your music? If so, who?
D&C – I did a couple of early demos with producer Liam Howe (Marina & The Diamonds, The Cocknbullkid (very cool chap, makes a great cuppa)) but most recently I’ve been involved in a recorded project separate from Dimbleby & Capper, with Nigel Godrich. We’ve been writing/drinking/moaning about the world with a couple of his friends from LA, and that experience so far has undoubtedly influenced my own production and approach to D&C.
HTF – When and where is your next gig?
D&C – I’m playing a couple of solo shows coming up on the 4th May at the Slaughtered Lamb and the 9th May at Jamboree Club, but there will be lots more full band shows over the summer, so keep your eyes peeled on the Myspace for those…
Watch below to see Dimbleby & Capper in action, singing ‘Structure’ on the BBC Introducing Stage at the 2009 Glastonbury Festival:
Interviewer: Jen Jaconelli.
