A Quick Chat with Dumo Cargo

How has your sound and artistic vision evolved since the release of 'All My Love'? Can you share any pivotal moments or experiences that influenced this evolution?

Since 'All My Love,' I’ve been diving into some new genres like 70s funk, 80s dad rock, 90s house, and hyperpop. I used to overthink songwriting, but lately, I’ve been letting loose and having fun with it. I’ve  been cooking up a bunch of tracks that blend these genres, and I can’t wait to bring them to life at my live shows!

'Co-dependency' explores complex themes of relationships. Can you share the story behind the title track and how it encapsulates the essence of the EP?

There was a time when I really craved validation. I was struggling with self-esteem and knew it wasn’t the best time for me to be in a relationship. I fell hard for someone, and it became deeply codependent. 'All My Love' captures that mid-recovery phase where you realize it’s not healthy, but you still seek their approval on everything, even moving on from them. It’s a pivotal part of the EP—facing reality and starting anew with a self-acceptance that embraces things as they are, not as I wished them to be.

Your music blends classic indie rock with modern synths. How do you balance these elements to create a cohesive sound, and what do you think this fusion brings to your music?

Props to Graham for his wizardry with analog synths, bass, and guitar. The mix we landed on is a classic combo, but Graham’s intuition is spot-on. He knows just how much reverb, saturation, and other effects to add to make it fresh yet familiar. This fusion really brought out the emotional rollercoaster of the relationship that inspired the EP—it’s ethereal yet grounded in anxious anticipation of an inevitable end.

Working with Graham Ritchie on this EP must have been an exciting experience. What was it like collaborating with him, and how did his input shape the final product?

Graham is just the nicest guy with the best vibes. He’s super dedicated, and you can see the magic in not just my project but everything he touches. His input took some of my raw demos and turned them into polished releases. He’s a top-tier collaborator, and I can’t wait to see where his talents take him next!

The lyrics in 'Co-dependency' are quite introspective. How do you approach songwriting to ensure your music resonates deeply with listeners?

Songwriting is my therapy—it’s how I process emotions, solidify thoughts, and connect with others. These are my real experiences, and if my music helps someone feel seen or gets them through a tough time, that’s the ultimate reward for me.

Drawing inspiration from bands like M83, MGMT, and Radiohead, how do you infuse your personal style into these influences to create something unique?

For me, it’s all about capturing emotions. M83’s sweeping crescendos, MGMT’s playful vibe, and Radiohead’s intense lyrics and melodies—all of it inspires me deeply. I blend their emotional impact with my own groove and style to create music that resonates with me and hopefully strikes a chord with others too.

Reflecting on the reception of your single 'All My Love,' what has been the most surprising or gratifying feedback you've received from fans or critics?

It’s been incredible hearing from people who’ve been through similar situations and found solace in my music. Knowing that my songs helped them express feelings they couldn’t put into words is incredibly fulfilling.

What are some of your personal goals for Dumo Cargo in the upcoming year? Are there any particular themes or musical directions you are excited to explore in future projects?

More gigs, more tracks, more studio time—that’s the plan! I want to push the boundaries of my sound even further and maybe dip into producing for others. I’ve got a ton of music in the back burner in unexpected genres, and I’m finally ready to dive in headfirst. I’m really pumped for what lies ahead!