Alt-pop project, DBMK just released a single titled “Chains” with much promise. Best friends, Kyle Knudsen (vocals) and Colton Ward (drums) are serving edge and an eclectic sound, ready to dominate the world.
BTS: How did you two meet/ start working together?
Colton: Kyle and I met through some mutual friends and started seeing each other at shows back home in Tampa. Don’t tell him, but I was a huge fan of the music he was making back in high school. The opportunity came up where a band Kyle was in needed a drummer to go out on tour with them. I happily threw my name into the mix and 2 weeks later we were touring the country together. We realized how well we worked together and how similar our goals were in music, and a few years later started the duo you know and love today.
BTS: What does your name mean? How’d you come up with it?
Kyle: Okay so here’s the thing. We could tell you the real reason we’re called DBMK but then we’d have to kill you. We got shooters. All we can say is it won’t be long till every household in the world knows that name.
BTS: What was the process like for your single “Chains”?
Kyle: Recently we’ve thrown out whatever semblance of a process we may have had in the past. It was a really freeing and empowering thing to do; to remove what was tired and worn and make room for fresh ideas and new ways of making our art. “Chains” was a huge catalyst for this. During summer of 2020, when the world felt like it was ending every day (as it still does) the first verse fell out of my mouth when I picked up my guitar on a whim one morning. That’s rare for me – to feel like maybe I had been given a song simply by virtue of wanting to work. So I followed that feeling and finally made what had been scratching at my brain for months. I shared it with Colton and we immediately got to work on a demo. We were then introduced to our now good friend, Nick Lobel, who helped bring the entire idea to new heights. Then we ate pizza and I smothered it in ranch and hot sauce. So, there.
BTS: What do you hope listeners take away from it?
Kyle: I want people to know there’s still hope. We should all have things we hold as beacons. For me, it’s people I love and people I’m able to be a complete and utter annoying-ass goofball around. Colton Ward is one of those guys. Everyone should have a Colton. Anyways, just know that we don’t have to buy into the fear that we’re all sold all the time. Put on that outfit that makes you feel bulletproof. Be who you really are in your head. Why not? After all, what does it even matter?
BTS: Looking back at your EP, how would you compare your newer music to it?
Kyle: Jump in The Dark was just us viciously throwing darts. Our mode now is one that feels focused and more precise; when we open our mouths to make music, only DBMK comes out. Also, I’m playing guitar more.
BTS: How would you describe your overall sound?
Kyle: Like everything you’ve ever needed to hear, but coming out of the packet like a fresh pair of socks. It’s counter-culture chic, darling.
BTS: How have your childhoods/ personal lives impacted your music?
Colton: Both of our families have nothing to do with music. At a young age, we both just had to figure out music by ourselves. We both are blessed with extremely supportive parents that helped nourish our love for music. I think there’s something to be said about the two of us not really being forced into music, but finding our own way.
BTS: What should we expect from you next?
Colton: Tons of new music, shows, and videos for the upcoming year. We’ve never been more hungry to make and put out music as we are right now. We can’t wait to take over the world.
BTS: What are you most excited for in the future?
Colton: Flying cars seem pretty dope so I’m pumped about that. The Metaverse also seems super interesting, as well. I’m also very excited to hit my drums very hard and write more songs with my best friend, Kyle.
BTS: What final message do you want to send to fans and listeners?
Kult forever. We love you. Thanks for listening to “Chains,” seriously. Make it yours for the rest of time.
We can’t wait to keep rockin’ with this duo. With much in store, DBMK is sure to keep us on our feet.
Stream “Chains” now!
Follow DBMK on Instagram!
Subscribe to Beyond The Stage to stay updated on all things music!
- The Aces: From Their Garage to a Headliner Tour - December 6, 2022
- Get to Know: Trevor Daniel - December 6, 2022
- Get To Know: Thomas Day - November 29, 2022
