Dawn from Das Fluff
Das Fluff are a post-punk electro-filth band based out of London and Berlin. Combining heavy guitars with experimental electronic sounds, they are currently working on their fifth album due later this year. Singer and songwriter Dawn Lintern is answering the questions.
What are your favourite qualities in a song?
Great lyrics and melodies which take you by surprise and humble you as a songwriter.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I rarely look for inspiration – generally songs emerge unexpectedly from the darkest crevices of my subconscious. I do, however, feel motivated more and more towards expressing despair and outrage with human beings as a species in terms of the damage we continue to do to each other and the planet as individuals and indirectly by empowering self-seeking, manipulative and ruthless leaders. The political and social situation in the UK has inspired many songs in recent years.
Where are you happiest?
On stage playing to an appreciative audience. Nothing can beat that.
As a performer, what makes a show special or memorable?
The audience. It is all about interaction. Shared joy and excitement and love of music. The limited time on stage makes it all the more intense and precious.
The audience. It is all about interaction. Shared joy and excitement and love of music. The limited time on stage makes it all the more intense and precious.
As an audience member, what makes a show special or memorable?
Watching performers with great presence who have the power to entrance everyone in the room. It is also amazing to see favourite bands who have an extensive repertoire of extraordinary songs. Seeing The Cure, Sparks, IAMX and Suede in recent years, exemplifies this.
I never had any
ambition to become ‘successful’ in terms of fame and fortune – and hate
the idea of being famous and losing a sense of reality and personal
freedom. Success for me is making an impact on strangers who see us play
for the first time – and keeping hold of long-term fans who want to
come to every gig they can.
What is something you would like to learn more about?
I
would love to be able to play the piano and guitar better – I play like
a relative beginner despite having played – or should I say, pottered –
for many years. I read music but am intimidated and in awe of people
with a sophisticated knowledge of musical theory. I think because I know
I am not naturally gifted at playing these instruments, I prioritise
other aspects of making music (that’s my excuse anyway!) My life is
somewhat insular and is largely focussed on music – but my partner, who
is also in Das Fluff, Christian, has a curious mind and is always
reading and watching and learning. He keeps me informed of what is going
on outside of my head and I admire him for continuously learning – and
for his capacity to retain information – something my terrible memory
doesn’t permit. I am also using lockdown time to make further attempts
to improve my German.
What was your biggest musical failure?
A gig in Soho many years ago when I idiotically played an acoustic 12 string without a tuner onstage. Our drummer was yelling at me to tune up and every twist of every string made it worse until the sound man actually turned my guitar channel to silent, so all that could be heard was my voice, a bass and drums. I still cringe thinking about it!
What was your biggest musical success?
I always hope it will always be the next album.
Who do you look up to?
People who are brilliant but humble.
What was the first song you have ever written like?
Like most of my songs, dark, honest and depressing!
Who deserves a shoutout?
The Homosexuals – a unique, long-standing and iconic punk band who should be far more widely known. I was proud to have them play with us at our last album launch in London.
You can find out more about Das Fluff here. Check out their video to ‘Apocalypse’ from their upcoming fifth album below.