DIAL

Words/Interview: Keeley Thompson

Images: Supplied by DIAL

I’m driving over the Story Bridge in my almost vintage Hyundai i30 that definitely needs a timing belt change, along with other things that I choose to ignore. 

Smoking a cigarette and (mentally) speeding - I’m far too scared of law enforcement and also proud of my lack of traffic offences - I’ve got the music blaring and my sunglasses down. 

Let me be vulnerable and admit that I like to imagine I’m a lot tougher than I actually am (if that wasn’t already evident). 

It was at this moment that Meanjin’s DIAL entered my life. 

A combination of blues, rock and roll and shoegaze wrapped in nostalgia, the group have even the most cautious of adults (me) wanting to relive their childhood fearlessness of bombing downhill on a pair of secondhand roller skates. 

There’s a moreish balance of guitar-rock fervour, bluesy percolation and shoegaze intelligence to the band's music. A balance that neither alienates nor overwhelms. 

Unsurprising given their shoegaze influences, DIAL go heavy on guitar effects (insert knowledgeable musician talking about the (probably) multitude of pedals they use) and swirling melodies, the result being music that just begs me to go coast on some mode of transport across some stretch of land. 

So get in the car, turn the speakers up, and listen to DIAL. 

KEELEY: Introduce yourselves! How did you individually get into music and how did the band start? 

BOBBY: My mother started teaching me the violin at age 5, and at 11 I switched to the trumpet. From about age 10 I became interested in blues and rock, so I started learning what I could from friends who had guitars, blowing on random harmonicas and jumping on any drumkit I could find.

I found DIAL when Elijah (who I was already having regular jams with) asked me if I wanted to join his shoegaze band and that they needed a drummer. I was already massively into shoegaze and guitar drone, so I just said, “Fuck yeah!”

KEELEY: Three likes and three dislikes?

BOBBY: I like cooking, the outdoors and humility.

I dislike shopping centres, classism, and disingenuousness.

KEELEY: What were your highlights of 2024?

BOBBY: Playing Hindley St in Adelaide, getting our first rider, and getting to chat to John Brewster (The Angels) about the blues.

KEELEY: You played with The Angels and The Church! How was that? Did you learn anything from those shows/those musicians? 

BOBBY: I thoroughly enjoyed all of it.

I was pleasantly surprised by the openness and kindness from decorated musicians like Ian Haug (Powderfinger, The Church), Ashley Naylor (Even, The Stems, The Church), Steve Balbi (Noiseworks, Electric Hippies, Mi-Sex), John and Rich Brewster (The Angels), Steve Kilby (The Church) and others.

I learnt how important it is to keep the band unit strong while on tour – it just makes the energy so much bigger and better when playing onstage, and the whole tour experience so much more fun and enjoyable.

KEELEY: You got into the 4ZZZ Hot 100! Congrats! How’s that feeling for you? 

BOBBY: It feels awesome to be included in the ORIGINAL hottest 100, and to know there are people out there who like our music enough to vote for our songs. 

KEELEY: What’s your creative process like? 

BOBBY: Most songs start with an idea or skeleton, usually from Elijah or Matt, but not always. From there we’ll jam it and play around, and I’ll incorporate drumming to fit the mood and soundscape we’re trying to create. Often the end product winds up somewhat different to the original idea, but it’s always fun seeing how our own individual influences meld their way into each song.

KEELEY: What was your favourite gig you went to last year and what are you keen for this year? 

BOBBY: Hindley St Music Hall in Adelaide – crowd was bonkers and we managed to destroy equipment during our set without getting in trouble or upsetting the crowd!

This year I’m just keen to play any shows where we can play our new material, and potentially the chance to tour again.

KEELEY: Have you guys got new music on the horizon?

BOBBY: We’re about to record an album, aiming for release sometime in the second half of this year. Other than that, just gigging, making friends and trying to get noticed!

KEELEY: What kind of music do you like and do any bands/artists influence your sound? 

BOBBY: I like all sorts of stuff, but particularly blues, jazz, old country and ‘90s rock.

I can’t hide my worship of John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), but I’m also a big fan of Max Roach (prolific jazz drummer), Karen Carpenter (drummer and one half of The Carpenters), John Densmore (The Doors) and Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins).

I try to channel a bit of Chamberlin’s style when I play with DIAL, but that could be an insult to the great man!

KEELEY: Do you have any last words?

BOBBY: I’m keen to see where DIAL’s sound goes in the coming years. I’m sure our changing lives and evolving musical taste will influence that sound. I’m also excited to play with other great artists and continue growing as a musician myself.