AUSTRALIAN trio DMA's are planning on bringing a "loud" rock 'n' roll set to Kendal Calling's Main Stage in an attempt to win over the Cumbrian crowd, writes Hollie Rees


You would be forgiven for not knowing who this Sydney three-piece were before the line-up announcement for this summer's Kendal Calling. After all, frontman Tommy O'Dell admitted that he had previously never heard of Kendal Calling either.

Living on the other side of the world, the group will be giving the upcoming Cumbria performance their all in a bid to win over some new fans.

"We're not from around here but we are keen to play," says frontman Tommy.

"We checked out the line-up and it looks like it's gonna be a good time."

The rock band - completed by songwriters and guitarists Johnny Took and Matt Mason - grew up playing instruments from a young age and had played in various groups together before forming DMA's in 2012.

"We never really thought we were going to be much of a live band, to be honest.

"It was more of a recording project, but we got signed with our Australian label (I Oh You) and they said we should play."

Having featured on the line-ups of a handful of Australian festivals so far this summer, the group are currently embarking on a UK tour which will see them stop off at a number of locations including Southampton, Sheffield and Hull.

"We are obviously more popular in Australia but we are gradually getting bigger here," says Tommy.

"We're selling out UK tour dates and playing more festivals. We love coming over here and gaining more fans – that's what it's all about."

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The group gained attention following their debut single, Delete, and for their self-titled EP released in 2014.

Their song Play It Out also featured on the FIFA 17 soundtrack, which has become known for introducing a range of up-and-coming artists throughout the years including Bloc Party, MGMT and Chvrches.

DMA's are set to appear on Kendal Calling's Main Stage on the Friday before Circa Waves, Jake Bugg and Stereophonics.

As well as performing themselves, the group are looking forward to soaking up the festival atmosphere.

Speaking of music festivals in general, Tommy says: "There's always a good energy and heaps of fun afterwards."

The frontman is also looking forward to seeing Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys - which he described as "pretty epic."

The trio are set to release new music towards the end of this year, with their second album release planned for 2018.

With the group's live shows previously being described as feeling like "one big, anthemic high," their performance is definitely not to be missed.

DMA's appear on the Main Stage at Kendal Calling on Friday July 28. The four-day festival takes place at Lowther Deer Park from Thursday July 27.