If pushing the envelope is paramount in the arts, Hamilton, ON futurefunk ambassadors Lightning Dangerfield are smashing the mailbox. Blistering & cool, the group’s debut record ‘The Goods’ is a unique blend of Motown funk, soul and R&B groove with hints of rock, psych and punk flavour. Highly addictive. Lightning Dangerfield sounds like a cyberp[h]unk cop-movie from the future. Simmering and mature when it asks — brash and jangly when it wants.
Lightning Dangerfield was founded early Fall 2018 when guitarist & bandleader Andy Dmytryshyn (Voltang, Hellbent) invited drummer & longtime friend Costa Chatzis (Yoney, Nosey Neighbour) to his home studio for a writing session. Three songs later the pair knew they had something juicy. The duo then rallied bassist & songwriter Mitch Szitas (Hotfix, Gentlemen Spectres) and Lightning Dangerfield was born.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Lightning Dangerfield about the newest music, technology, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Lightning Dangerfield is a hyperfunk trio based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada with Andy Dmytryshyn on guitar, Mitch Szitas on bass, and myself on drums.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Andy & I toured together many years ago and knew we wanted to work together on something fresh. “The Goods” EP is long overdue frankly, and the response has been inspiring.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
Lightning Dangerfield has a very unique flavour and is supremely fun to play. We wanted to go from zero-to-100 with this latest release and blast into the stratosphere — mission accomplished. The lead video-single ‘Toni Hock’ is a testament to that.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Getting lost in the weeds amongst countless other groups & musicians can be tough but this project flies in the face of that system. Technology is our greatest asset in promotion & connectivity so let’s figure out some unique ways of putting our brand in your crosshairs.
What was the last song you listened to?
Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Streaming is great for on-the-go listening and music discovery but I will never get tired of holding a vinyl album art in my hands.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify is the most intuitive music streaming platform to date. They certainly don’t pay me enough for this endorsement.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Keep your eyes peeled on Lightning Dangerfield’s social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) and get ready for another three-track headed your way early November.
Anything else before we sign off?
Thanks for everything you do in your world. We need more like you. Cheers!
