INTERVIEW: dMh shares new cover

UK-based David Morley Hale is an artist with a unique story, crafting his distinct musical world under the dMh moniker. Raised in Preston and nurtured with classical music training in Liverpool, Hale’s journey is a celebration of the fusion of varied influences. His foray into the music scene was complemented by a parallel career as a voice actor and audiobook narrator, showcasing his multifaceted artistic persona.

His previous releases have struck a chord on notable platforms, earning airplay on 6 Music and Radio 2, championed by acclaimed figures such as Jarvis Cocker, Tom Robinson and the late Janice Long. The artist’s sonic exploration expanded beyond conventional boundaries, resulting in an album of contemporary classical solo piano music. Notably, his single “After We Are Gone” in 2022, featuring Stephen Fry’s narration of Andrew Copson, demonstrated his mission of crafting music with intellectual depth.

Towards the end of 2023, dMh unveiled his cover of Joy Division’s “Disorder,” offering a glimpse into his upcoming full-length covers album, Songs From The North. The project, adorned with album artwork by Nick Park of Wallace & Gromit fame, sets out to reimagine tracks from bands associated with the northern regions of the UK. This ambitious venture seeks to showcase the breadth of dMh’s artistic vision through vivid reinterpretations across various styles.

The latest addition to Songs From The North is dMh’s rendition of Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark’s 1980 classic, “Messages.” Switching the pulsing synth tones and lead lines with a gritty, post punk edge, dMh expertly navigates the delicate balance of homage and innovation. In this cover, the electric guitar takes the lead, transforming the new wave nostalgia into a rock-tinged exploration.

Maintaining the essence of the original composition, dMh’s “Messages” cover is a superb example of his skill in layering intricate elements while preserving the heart of the melody. The bouncy rhythm and smooth vocal delivery, reminiscent of the original, remain intact, creating a bridge between past and present. dMh’s interpretation pays tribute to the iconic song while infusing it with a renewed energy that reflects his unique musical perspective.

In reflecting on his cover, dMh shares, “I always loved the original and felt the song could lend itself quite nicely to a rock-ish guitar treatment.” As Songs From The North promises to offer a kaleidoscope of covers that redefine the sonic aesthetic of legendary songs, dMh’s “Messages” is another captivating window into the forthcoming record.

We caught up with dMh to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new cover of “Messages” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with dMh below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

Buying a guitar when aged 12 for 50p from fellow school pupil

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Bowie, Beatles, Peter Gabriel era Genesis, Steely Dan, The Stranglers

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

BBC 6 Music is great for hearing a broad mix of some of the best of new music plus older stuff I might have missed first time round. Periodical dips into Radio 3 can be fruitful also

What was your highlight of the year for 2023?

Releasing first single ‘Disorder’ form forthcoming album

What do you love about the UK music scene?

That jazz is having something of a renaissance. In a time when a large chunk of mainstream music has become predictable, formulaic and unadventurous it’s great to know there’s an appetite for exploring the more interesting harmonic and rhythmic territory where jazz sits

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Through the expensive sound system of your local cinema when it is featured in a forthcoming blockbuster film release. In my dreams! 🤞🙂

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Brian Eno

How did you find making your new cover of Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark’s “‘Messages'”?

Good fun, a labour of love

What message did you want to get across with this release?

The message about ‘Messages’?! Hmm, just that it’s a great song regardless of arrangement

Was there something that made you want to cover this song in particular?

I’ve always loved the ‘feel’ and mood of it and thought it would sound good on guitars

What was the biggest challenge in making this version your own?

Making sure the guitars adequately complemented the keyboard parts of the original. Andy McCluskey’s vocal does some interesting things with the tempo so capturing that was an interesting challenge, and whether or not adding vocal harmonies was over-embellishment caused minor internal conflict!

What can we expect from your upcoming album?

A bunch of covers from an eclectic selection of bands, from Prog to Pop to Post Punk, some well known and some less so, re-imagined in an equally eclectic range of treatments; d&b to gtr/bass/drums to techno

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

As it’s a covers project I just hope that people find my treatments interesting, possibly even enjoying a song that previously they’d been indifferent to.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

n/a, no live performances thus far!

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Prince, Bowie and The Beatles at Glastonbury would have been rather good!

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Don’t let it take over your life! 🙂

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

Songs From The North covers album will be released in the spring, then possibly an EP of original material later in the year

Listen to Messages below