Dumo Cargo

Since your last release, how has Dumo Cargo evolved both musically and as a project? Can you share any memorable moments or achievements from your recent work and collaborations?

The evolution of Dumo Cargo has been like a journey of personal growth for me. It's given me theconfidence to experiment more and even try my hand at self-producing. I’m also gearing up for some genre-shifting soon, which I'm super stoked about. It’s wild to think that back in 2016, one of my favorite tracks was Airling’s “Wasted Pilots,” produced by Graham Ritchie. Fast forward to today, and I ended up working with both Graham and Airling on my EP. Another meaningful connection is through "Sentimental and Monday" by Holy Holy, featuring Graham and Ryan Strathie. That song was a huge comfort when my dad was in the hospital. Collaborating with them on this project has been surreal and incredibly fulfilling.

What inspired 'Co-dependency'? Can you delve into the personal experiences and emotionsthat shaped the themes of dependence and independence in this EP?

"Co-dependency" was inspired by navigating a complex relationship, exploring the tension between needing someone and finding independence. It reflects personal struggles with love and anxiety, offering a raw look into my emotional journey.

‘Co-dependency’ reflects a blend of classic indie rock with modern electronic elements. How

does this EP represent the overall sound and ethos of Dumo Cargo? Does it mark any significant shifts in your musical direction or thematic focus compared to your previous work? Honestly, I didn’t set out with a specific sound for Dumo Cargo. It’s more about experimenting and going with whatever I connect to emotionally at the time. For "Co-dependency," I was really into Phoebe Bridgers, Lizzy McAlpine, and Del Water Gap, and their vibes definitely rubbed off on me. The EP mixes indie rock with some modern electronic stuff, but it’s really just a snapshot of what I was feeling. It’s definitely a bit more introspective and experimental compared to my earlier stuff, and I think it captures a different side of me.

What were some of the challenges and highlights during the production of 'Co-dependency'? Were there any particular moments in the studio with Graham Ritchie or other collaborators that stand out to you?

The production of 'Co-dependency' had its share of challenges and highlights. One of the biggest challenges was crafting "Sleep/Maybe I." It was my first attempt at a five-minute song, and it was quite a journey. The song shifts vibes halfway through, transitioning from atmospheric indie rock to a lo-fi hip-hop, jazz-inspired feel with a Billie Eilish-inspired approach to vocals. Getting that transition just right was trick but ultimately rewarding. One of the major highlights was working with Airling on backing vocals for this track. She brought such a next-level emotional quality to the melodies that elevated the entire song. Her involvement added a depth that I’m incredibly grateful for—it really brought the track to life in a way I hadn’t imagined. Additionally, hearing Ryan Strathie’s drums on "What I Need," Graham’s guitar work on "All My Love," and Blake Malone’s mixes across all the tracks for the first time was mind-blowing. Each collaborator brought their unique touch that enhanced the overall sound and experience of the EP. It was amazing to see how their contributions transformed the songs into something special.

Beyond the musical influences of artists like M83, MGMT, and Radiohead, are there any non-musical influences that have shaped your approach to creating this EP?

Definitely! Haruki Murakami’s books and David Lynch’s visuals had a big impact. Their themes of isolation and weird, surreal vibes really influenced the mood and visceral humanity I try to put into my music.

Your songs have garnered praise and been featured on notable playlists. In your circle of musical friends and collaborators, who are two artists you believe are on the cusp of achieving great things, and what makes them stand out to you?

Two artists that I’m really excited about are Graham Ritchie’s project, Scenes, and Phoebe Sinclair’s band, Pep Talk. Graham’s got this intricate and polished approach to indie rock with Scenes that I absolutely love. His attention to detail and the way he layers sounds is just incredible. On the other hand, Phoebe, who did backing vocals on my song “Nights,” is killing it with Pep Talk. They’re putting out such awesome pop music and were just announced to play at Bigsound. I can’t wait to see them live—it’s going to be amazing!

Looking ahead, what are some goals or milestones Dumo Cargo hopes to achieve by the end of 2024? Are there any collaborations, live shows, or new projects you're particularly excited about exploring?

By the end of 2024, I’d love to go on a regional tour and work with some new artists. I’m also pumped about the idea of releasing some new music and adding more visual elements to my releases so definitely will have some music videos in the works.