Can you share the story behind the formation of DKANDLE? How did the band come together?
I was born in Rio, Brazil, but I have hit the road very early, and have lived in London, Sao Paulo, Milano, Lisbon. I was living in Tuscany, Italy, in the outskirts of Florence, when the lockdown hit in 2020. By that time, I began having new thoughts that pushed me into something I had never considered before. I found myself willing to create something more atmospheric and trippier, yet still dense and incisive. I felt like I was living in a new zeitgeist, and I wanted my music to reflect that. This shift has deepened even more my connection with shoegaze—a sound that resonates deeply with my current self. I began experimenting with new pedals, exploring new sounds, and adopting a smoother singing style.
Soon after that, I decided It was time to create a new solo project. DKANDLE was born in 2021 as an intimate, solo trip. The first album, Mondano, came in 2022, and then came More Drag Queens Less Drama Queens, in 2023. In 2024, I was invited to play at The Next Stars in London, and decided it was time to form a band. It was far away from that initial post pandemics moment, it was time to have fun, to play together, and begin an agenda of shows. I reached out to my friend Gene Teysse from the Netherlands and invited him to joy as the bass player. He joyfully accepted, and we began rehearsing online. However, we still needed a drummer. I met Stefano Cerri, a fantastic drummer, through a mutual friend, and immediately invited him to join us. He loved the idea, and that’s how DKANDLE became a band.
The show in London, the first we played together, was absolutely amazing—the energy was incredible! Can’t wait to begin the 2025 agenda!
What inspired the name “DKANDLE,” and what does it signify for you as a band?
DKANDLE is derived from my own name, Denis Kandle. I simply shortened Denis to “D” and combined it with Kandle. Funny enough, it started as my email username! Later, I used it as my social media handle. When I launched the solo project, I considered other names, but none felt as compelling as DKANDLE. So I thought—why not?
We view DKANDLE as more than just a band—it’s a shared journey of creativity and connection. It’s where our individual influences and experiences converge to create something genuine and true to us. It’s also a means of connecting with others, sharing emotions and stories that resonate with our audience. To us, DKANDLE represents the pursuit of music that feels authentic and meaningful.
How would you describe DKANDLE’s sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I’d describe DKANDLE’s sound as music that draws from shoegaze, dreampop, grunge, post-punk, ethereal wave, and other forms of alternative rock. It’s a blend that creates something uniquely ours.
What influences have shaped your musical style and songwriting approach as a band?
Some of our main influences include A Place to Bury Strangers, The Telescopes, SPC ECO, Ringo Deathstarr, The Jesus and Mary Chain, White Hex, SQÜRL, and Dead Can Dance.
Could you give us some insight into your creative process? How does a typical DKANDLE song come to life?
Living life itself inspires the creative process. I believe in embracing experiences—good and bad—as they form the foundation for meaningful art. Only through the body’s struggles, anxieties, and joys can we create something profound.
I often compose new music while traveling, especially in winter. I bring my guitar on winter trips because I feel more inspired during this season. The shorter days and longer nights make it easier to focus and concentrate. Writing music demands a lot of focus for me.
And sometimes, songs are born from dreams. Just last night, I dreamt of a song, and when I woke up, I immediately recorded myself humming it so I wouldn’t forget. I plan to develop it for our next album.
How do you manage collaboration and decision-making within the band?
Collaboration comes naturally. Our process is very democratic. Gene and Stefano are free to bring their own style and imprint to the music. We get along pretty well, and I think this is really important. I think the main thing in a band is to have fun, and we three saw in London how fun it is to play live. I feel incredibly lucky to have found Gene and Stefano. My dream has always been doing what I am doing, so you can tell that I’m really excited to have this band. And as the cherry on top, I love the dynamic of being a trio. There’s something magical about the energy of three musicians playing together—it feels complete.
What was the inspiration behind your single “Kinda Hard to Find”?
It’s about those fleeting, missed connections that everyone can relate to. You lock eyes with someone on public transport or at a restaurant, and there’s a spark, but for some reason, you don’t make a move. Then they’re gone, and you realize you may never see them again. The song captures that bittersweet feeling.
How did the songwriting and recording process for “Kinda Hard to Find” differ from your previous tracks?
Back in my teenage years with the band John & Mary, I wrote this song, then titled “Give It Up,” and it found a place on our demo tape, Hi, Jack! Fast forward to 2021, when I started DKANDLE, I chose to revisit and transform the track, shaping it with the post-shoegaze vibe that characterizes our sound now.
How do you feel “Kinda Hard to Find” represents DKANDLE’s growth as a band?
“Kinda Hard to Find” is a song that’s deeply personal yet relatable, and we feel it’s a great example of how we’re evolving as artists while staying true to what makes DKANDLE unique.
Do you have plans to release an album or EP featuring “Kinda Hard to Find”?
Yes, it’s featured on our latest EP, Under the Effect, released on November 22, 2024—two weeks after the single’s release. It’s the third track on the EP, which also includes “Here and Now” (premiered on DKFM Radio’s When the Sun Hits) and “The Heart Knows.”
What are your goals for DKANDLE in the next year? Any exciting projects in the works?
Our main goal is to live the rock’n’roll lifestyle and play live wherever we can. There’s nothing like the spark of performing live!
As for upcoming projects, all I can say is that 2025 will bring some great surprises. Stay tuned!
Lastly, what do you hope listeners take away from “Kinda Hard to Find” and DKANDLE’s music in general?
With our sound, we aim to take you on a journey into unique and immersive auditory landscapes—a dimension of pure auditory bliss. It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words, but we trust our music to convey it better than we ever could. Just press play and experience it for yourself.
