Fontaines D.C. are set to release their new album, Dopamine Chamber, and recently gave Rolling Stone insight into their music libraries while reflecting on their latest work and an exciting collaboration with Rosalía. Band members Grian Chatten and Carlos O’Connell participated in the Song Shuffle series, sharing highlights from their playlists that illustrate their musical influences and personal tastes.
Exploring Musical Influences
Chatten kicked off the conversation by analyzing a track from the British indie band The Tubs, specifically their song “Illusion Pt. 2.” He described the sounds as “confidently what they were,” likening the track to the iconic style of Johnny Marr while praising the lead singer’s voice, which he felt echoed Gun Club’s Jeffrey Lee Pierce. “There’s an alchemy that they have that’s doing something really new, I think,” Chatten remarked.
O’Connell, on the other hand, often finds himself drawn to the music of the past, mentioning the influence of Nineties acts like Primal Scream and Spiritualized, alongside fellow Irish artist Elvis Costello. He recalled how Chatten introduced him to Costello’s debut album, My Aim Is True, which left a significant mark on him. “I think melodically, it’s so tight,” O’Connell stated. “There’s an edge to it as well, but it’s so slick. Costello brought all the main aspects of that early rock n’ roll and made it sound so fresh. It still sounds so fresh.”
The duo continued to explore their influences, with Chatten noting the impact of The National’s “Mistaken for Strangers.” He shared a nostalgic memory of listening to mixtapes made by his parents during car rides, connecting that experience to the sound of the track. “I think there are elements of that production and that sound that have made their way onto our records,” he said.
A New Direction with Dopamine Chamber
As they approach the release of Dopamine Chamber, the band is focused on evolving their sound. “Not repeating ourselves,” O’Connell declared as a key objective, while Chatten reiterated the importance of enjoying the creative process together. “Still find inspiration, which fortunately for me is still the case,” he added.
Collaboration with Rosalía
For the first time in their discography, Fontaines D.C. welcomes a special guest, Rosalía, who lends her voice to the track “Where Is Gone?” Discussing the collaboration, Chatten reflected on their long-standing admiration for the Spanish artist, noting that they contemplated reaching out to her during the recording of their previous album, Romance. “We’d heard she was into our music,” Chatten explained. After sending her four tracks, they were thrilled when Rosalía expressed interest in “Where Is Gone?” “Two days later, we had a full vocal,” he said, highlighting the swift success of their collaboration.
