Interview: Diagram of the Heart

Kye Sones and Anthony Gorry are Diagram of the Heart; the London electro duo who became the first signing of the legendary (and recently resurrected) Deconstruction label.

The band are currently making big splashes in the ‘ones to watch’ lists for 2011 with their debut album Vital Signs. Skiddle caught up with frontman Kye to talk about Twitter, Deconstruction Records, and every boy’s dream: having their music featured on the Champions' League TV coverage.

Explain the meaning behind the name?
We were already four or five completed songs in, and decided we wanted a name that sounded different and didn't put us in a box. Our music is very beat driven - like a heart beat - and the lyrics are all personal and emotive. We saw it on a sample we found and loved it.

How did you meet?
We met via myspace. Anthony was tipped off about some tunes on my page and sent me a message about going over to his studio and collaborating on a few tunes. The first song we worked on was 'If I Were You', which is going to be our first single out in March!

What were you both doing before forming Diagram of the Heart? And what would you be doing now if you weren't in the band?
I was working two jobs and writing/making music in the evenings and whenever I had a spare second, and looking for that break. I was also writing songs for other acts. Anthony was also making songs,producing and also has had great success remixing. I think we were both the missing piece we both needed to take things to the next level.

You're signed to the recently resurrected Deconstruction Records - were you already familiar with the label's reputation? What did it mean to you to be the first band signed to them this time round?
I was, although I was quite young when the label was first around. However I grew up with classics like Black Box 'Ride on Time' and M-People, and it's only now I realise how much great music came from Decon. It's fantastic to be the first band of the resurrection and we're looking forward to flying the Deconstruction flag.

What's your relationship like with the label?
We've got a great relationship with the label. When we were shopping for a deal we met Mike Pickering who is the boss and we knew instantly we wanted to sign with him. He's been a massive artist as well as a hugely successful label boss, so he can give advice from experience.  He also looks after two of my favourite acts -Kasabian and Calvin Harris - so it was a no brainer.

I see you're both keen Tweeters. How important is social networking to bands and artists these days?
Hugely. I think it's important to let people know what you’re thinking and what's going on. It's also a direct line from the artist to the fan without the info being watered down and edited. Find us @kyeDiagram and @AnthonyDiagram.

You tweeted about getting a tattoo at Miami Ink on your recent trip there. Did this happen?

There was a massive crew of us out in Miami and there was bit of a bet going on as to who was gonna get a "I got wasted in Miami" tattoo on their ass. I'm not gonna say if I lost the bet though...

I notice that Anthony is doing a bit of a Kanye West by not following anyone… but Kye, who is your favourite Tweeter?
Calvin's good, he's always writing funny stuff. It's also interesting to follow back the people that follow you. I like everyday people.

Describe your songwriting process. What comes first - the lyrics or the music?
It depends. I like seeing things in newspapers or on posters on the tube, and if they catch my attention then I'll put them in my phone. Having said that most lyrics come from personal experiences that both of us have been through, that way people can relate more and I think they're always the best songs. Other times, Anthony may have some chords of the start of a beat and we go from there.
 

What was your best Christmas present this year?
One of my best mates got me some piano gloves in Miami - you just wiggle the fingers and you can play chords. They're pretty cool!

You're both into your football - how did it feel to have your music used during the Champions' League coverage?
Epic. It's every boy's dream to have your tune played at a football game, and to have it on something as big as the Champions' League is just massive. All we need now is to go on Soccer AM and we won't have to buy a beer down the pub again.

Is it true that Wayne Rooney's a big fan?
Massive. He's at every gig.

What do you prefer - recording in the studio or performing live?
They both have their time. It's a great feeling when you come up with a great line or when the track you're making comes alive. But there is something unbeatable about standing on stage and performing. You can't beat that feeling.

Diagram of the Heart is a real hybrid of genres. Do you identify yourselves more with the club scene or the indie scene?

I'd say we're more influenced by dance music, but we make good credible pop music. We've got one foot in the underground warehouse and one foot in the charts. We both love acts like Kasabian, Bloc Party, Tempertrap and we also love Miike Snow, Calvin Harris and big room club music.

Interview by: Jayne Robinson

Diagram of the Heart news, events and info

Catch Diagram of the Heart on the following live dates next month:

2nd February Glasgow, King Tut's Wah Wah Hut

5th February Leeds, Cockpit 3

6th February Birmingham, The Library at the HMV Institute

7th February Manchester, Sound Control Buy tickets

9th February London, Heaven

Get tickets for Diagram of the Heart at Sound Control below.

Tickets are no longer available for this event