Jozi band, Dance, You're on Fire, recently released their debut album,
Secret Chiefs. Known for banging out high-energy performances, lead singer, Tom Manners spoke to us about nerves, having fun, girls and their ultimate goal: to get your feet tapping.
How would you describe the band's sound?
It's rock-based, essentially. There are a lot of parts to our sound that I find hard to describe, but at the end of the day we're a rock band and we like to play songs that get your feet tapping and make you want to sing along.
How would you describe the band's mood just before going on stage?
Well, it depends on the show. Normally it's pretty jovial and chilled. I was pretty nervous at this year's Oppikoppi because we really wanted to have a good one, but by the time the first track was over, we were 100% 'on' and having a lot of fun.
You are known as one of the most energetic live acts in SA. How do you guys keep up your energy?
We do 100 push-ups every hour while drinking protein shakes. Seriously, though, we just love performing and if the crowd is receptive, we give it even more. We feed off the crowd's energy, so if we're feeling that, you'll usually find us running around having fun.
Out of the four of you, who is the:
a) Funniest: Paul, because he does a wicked 'oom' accent and because he loves the Ninja Turtles.
b) Perfectionist: Adrian, because he's the least likely to make a mistake live.
c) Ladies' man: Definitely Jethro.
d) Peacekeeper: I would probably say me.
Quiet night with friends or a massive party?
It really depends. We were in Cape Town recently to play The Assembly, and at one point Jethro was using Jäger as a mixer for Vodka, so that gives you an idea of what we were up to that night. Back home, we like to take it easy and chill with our friends and girlfriends.
You've said you're inspired by snippets of songs and movies when it comes to song-writing. Has a girl ever inspired your lyrics?
Absolutely. In fact, I would say girls and relationships inspire about 80% of the lyrics I write.
Groupies or girlfriends?
Definitely girlfriends! Everyone needs somebody to come home to.
If you guys could play a gig anywhere in the world, where would it be, with who, and why?
Probably at Wembley Arena in the UK with Circa Survive, Biffy Clyro and Foals. That would be an amazing show. Why? Because those are probably the only three bands we all enjoy as a group - we have pretty diverse tastes.
Which song is your favourite to perform live, and why?
It changes as time goes on. I think it's been 'Blockade' or 'Secret Chiefs' for a long time now, but we're writing a new album so I'm pretty sure it will be one or two new tracks before long.
What is the funniest tweet you've ever received from a fan?
It's hard to pick one. Just the other day we had someone ask us if we would come and play in his living room, so we asked him how comfy his couches are and he favourited the tweet. That was pretty cool.
If a COSMO girl wanted to start a band, what is the one quality she would need to have in order to succeed?
I definitely think she needs to be brave without being arrogant. It can be difficult to summon up the courage to start your first band, but once you've taken the leap it's only upwards from there.
You released your debut album, Secret Chiefs, earlier this year. Have you started working on your next album yet?
Yes we have. We're currently writing and demo-ing, and we're hoping to start recording in the first few months of 2012. We're really excited about this one - it's a little different, but it still represents the essence of what DYOF is about.
Watch the official music video for 'Boxes Of Tigers' below.