Death From Above 1979’s Sebastian Grainger on endurance, evolution and maple syrup
Ahead of the Death From Above 1979’s Australia tour, drummer and singer Sebastian Grainger chatted to Something You Said’s Adam Davis-Powell:
Chatting from a forest somewhere in Canada—headlamp on, surrounded by trees, and deep into syrup season—Death From Above‘s Sebastian Grainger couldn’t have set a better scene for this conversation. From his early days drumming in hardcore bands to navigating the modern music landscape, Grainger dives into the evolution of DFA and what keeps him inspired.
Balancing Drumming and Vocals
Combining powerful drumming with intense vocals has become Grainger’s signature. “When we first started, I think I was just dumb enough to do it,” he laughs. Early gigs with Femme Fatale, a chaotic seven-piece hardcore band with two drummers, pushed him to the limit. “I’d be seizing up from lactic acid—felt like a scene from Whiplash,” he recalls. Compared to that, DFA initially felt manageable. But as their songwriting evolved, so did the difficulty. “A song like Freeze Me took me a long time to learn how to perform properly. It took at least a year before I could really nail it live.”
The Push and Pull That Shapes DFA’s Sound
While DFA’s sound has evolved, it’s always retained its raw energy. Asked about unexpected influences, Grainger reflects on the band’s contrasting roots—his leaning toward Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley-style songwriting, and bandmate Jesse Keeler’s hardcore and techno background. “We bring very different things to the table,” he says. “Sometimes I don’t instantly get what Jesse’s doing, but when I crack it, that’s where the magic happens.”
Streaming, Social Media, and the Modern Music Landscape
Grainger is candid about the realities of the digital age. “How do I feel about it? It’s like the weather—I like it sometimes, I don’t other times,” he shrugs. While streaming has broadened access to music, it’s also created an overwhelming flood of content. “There are artists selling out massive venues that I’ve never even heard of. It’s just the way things are now—niche scenes thriving in their own corners.”
As for social media, he’s less enthusiastic. “I don’t love having to be a Facebook ads manager,” he says. “I’d much rather just focus on being a singer and a drummer.”
Keeping It Fresh
Despite being decades into DFA’s career, Grainger still finds joy in discovering new music. He speaks highly of bands like Spiritual Cramp, Militarie Gun, and Germany’s PISSE. “I love being surprised,” he says. “Their energy unlocked something in me creatively. It made me want to finish a record with my other band, American Lips.”
Australian Tour in April, with DZ Deathrays
This April, DFA’s return to Australia for a highly anticipated run of shows, joined by Brisbane heavy-hitters DZ Deathrays. “I remember when they first came on the scene and people were comparing us,” Grainger says. “Back then, I wasn’t sure how to take it—but over time, I’ve come to really respect what they do.”
Now, he’s genuinely excited to hit the road together. “When their name came up for the tour, I was stoked they were keen. It’s going to be such a great fit,” he says. “I’m always a little surprised when bands want to open for us—but honestly, I’m thrilled. It’s going to be loud, sweaty, and a ton of fun—the way it should be.”
The tour marks DFA’s long-awaited return to Australia, and the band is fired up to reconnect with their fanbase. “Australian crowds have always been amazing to us,” says Grainger. “There’s an energy there that feels totally unique. The shows—Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne & Sydney —they’re going to go off.”
Looking Ahead
Now operating without a label or management, Death From Above is enjoying the freedom to do things on their own terms. “We’ve been label-free and management-free for a few years now, and we still haven’t put out any new music,” says Grainger. “I’m excited for that phase—putting out new stuff on our own.”
He’s no longer focused on chasing big industry milestones. “We’ve heard all the pillow talk—this record’s gonna take you to arenas, rock’s coming back… I’ve played arenas. Is it that good? Not really. Fast songs sound kind of shitty in big rooms,” he laughs.
What matters now is the energy we’re feeling onstage. “There’s this strange, fresh, vital energy at the shows right now,” Grainger says. “I don’t know how long it’s going to last, or if it’s the beginning of something—but it feels exciting. The shows feel better than ever.”
Catch Death From Above on tour in Australia with DZ Deathrays. Don’t miss their Sydney show—if you see a photographer grinning in the pit, that’s probably me.
Interview by Adam Davis-Powell.
