Photo Credit: Rio Carciero
Exciting newcomers MULTIBEAM have made a bold entrance with their debut single Dimitri, exploring temptation and hedonism through a blend of Brit, glam and desert rock. We caught up with guitarist/frontman Jonny Cosmonaut to find out more about Dimitri, including the writing process, themes and behind the scenes stories.
Can you give us your quick elevator pitch on this track? Why does this one standout for you as a band?
Dimitri is a hard, loud and brightly coloured banger. Our grand debut into the rock and roll playing field – imaginary cheerleaders, marionettes, and marching band in tow. It has a rocky edge to it that will hopefully scratch the itch in the biker gang’s beard, but also a softer, more melodic note inspired by British glam rock and pop heroes like Bowie, T Rex and The Beatles. We just set out to make earworm songs that kick, resonate and stick.
How did you tackle the writing process for the song? Was there anything unique about this track compared to your usual/previous approach?
Musically speaking, the tempo and driving rhythm was inspired by Martha Reeves’ Dancing in the Street, which is one of the best pop songs ever produced. I remember the middle 8, which is the more ‘musical’ bit of the song, came very spontaneously during production. The chorus hook came to me as I was walking to the pub, looking at my feet and thinking idly about the universe. I had recently had my first date with an Irish person. On this date, they misheard “Dimitri” and retorted with “keep it clean?” I’d only just met this person, but I decided there and then that they would be a source of inspiration, I romanticised the idea of having a beautiful Irish muse. I’m a real sucker for the accent, because it makes everything sound better. They are very lyrical people. Storytelling and songs are in their ancient makeup.
Dimitri was one of those rare beautiful occasions where the direct inspiration for the song resulted in a very quick and easy writing process. It was winter time, and I was living in a terraced house in East London. It was raining outside. The song was tracked in its entirety in one 7-hour session. As a producer, sometimes you find the best songs just flow out of you like you are a mere vessel channeling some higher form of creative intelligence. I heard that Macca wrote Blackbird after waking from a dream. I’m not there yet, but I’ll keep dreaming!
Tell us about the video, do the themes of the single transfer to the video?
The song is about fun, spontaneity, hedonism and sexual expression, so yes I think so. The video itself treads the rope between the beautiful and the grotesque. I’m always interested to hear people’s interpretation of it and how it speaks to them. It was super fun to create and I think that comes across in the behind the scenes video. Very playful, a lot of improvisation, experimentation and laughter, although hard work as it was just the two of us; myself and my creative partner, Rio Carciero. It was just before the UK lockdown hit, we are lucky we got it down when we did!
Do you have any behind the scenes stories from the video shoot?
One memory that I can’t shake is that I couldn’t get away from the aftertaste and smell of canned whipped cream for a good while after. Something about the nature of the way it’s sweetened. All dairy for a few days after just tasted like sweet whipped cream – pretty gross! Should have opted for the pricier vegan gear. We strategically saved all the messier shots till later in the day, for resets. By the end of the shoot, my eyes were all red and I was quite tired of being pelted with food. I remember feeling very relieved to finally be warm, clean and free of cream after being at it for eighteen hours or so.
Anything else you’d like to add for our readers?
My MULTIBEAM brothers (George and Jimmy Craig) and I are rehearsing regularly in Manchester, working hard at making ourselves the best rock band to come out of a country on the brink of societal collapse. Our next single Siren has a panicky, war-time and alarmist spin to it we are all really excited about, and an energy that we think will resonate with our audience, who we absolutely love. We can’t wait to play our first gigs, as soon as we can.
MULTIBEAM‘s latest single Dimitri is out now, available to stream or purchase HERE.
You can also check out a behind-the-scenes video below.
