Face-melting guitar solos have nothing on the existence-shattering power a real pop star wields. It's the kind of energy Diamond Rings - a.k.a. glamorous musical mastermind John O'Regan - will radiate when he brings gigantic songs like "I'm Just Me" to the Frequency Oct. 28. He's touring his sophomore album, Free Dimensional, with his latest band while his indie-rock project, Matters, lies low for a bit. I asked him about his eclectic influences and glittery look before his trip to Madison.
Listening to Free Dimensional, I hear pop, Euro dance and some kind of hip-hop. What musical inspirations drove the making of this record?
All of those plus a healthy dose of rock. It's supposed to be an album that doesn't conform to any genre specificity. I don't really look at anything in categories. I hear sounds, melodies and chord progressions that I like and put them together to make songs. There isn't, like, some conscious formula that I'm striving for other than trying what feels fun and exciting. It's about combining interesting noises.
What are the most important parts of Diamond Rings' look?
The most important parts are all the parts. I think that's what sets me apart from a lot of other artists. Everything I do, whether that's visually or sonically, is in some way considered, right down to my shoelaces. I'd be hesitant to privilege one aspect of what I do over any other thing. Everything comes together to make what you see and hear. It's attention to detail that's most important.
With everything that goes into a Diamonds Rings show, it must be harder touring than with your other band.
Not really, no, it's just what we do. I got lucky with an amazing team of people. I have the right people for the right jobs. If you can do that, it's just a matter of having fun every night.
What should people expect from the live show?
Dancing. Singing. [Laughs.] We strive to put on an engaging experience. We try to do the record justice and play it as loud as we can.
