FOR THE RECORD – CALGARY FASHION KEEPING THINGS FIERCE WITH DIAMOND RINGS

There is something about Toronto based artist John O’Regan, maybe better known as Diamond Rings, that is hard to put your finger on. It could be his innovative blend of electro-pop that is less showy and more intimate paired with an over-the-top glamourous look with better eye shadow than Cyndi Lauper.

Or perhaps it is the way he challenges traditional perceptions of gender in his music, live performances and image. Maybe it’s just the right balance of all three.

Regardless, he has exploded on  to the Canadian music scene with his debut album, Special Affections

We caught up with John to ask him a few questions about his music, transcending gender bias and his first major tour in Europe.

Calgary Fashion(CF): You are embarking on a European tour to promote your debut album Special Affections, what do you hope to bring to the European music landscape that doesn’t already exist?

Diamond Rings(DR): This will be my first full tour of Europe so I honestly don’t know what to expect. I know that opening for Junior Boys means I’ll be performing at some pretty amazing sounding rooms which is rad. I’m really just hoping to bring myself and trust that what I’m doing is unique, original and exciting. I don’t think there’s anyone quite like me right now so just showing up and doing my thing is what it’s all about.

CF: Your music isn’t overly dressed up or muddled by effects. Where does your inspiration for your music come from?

DR: It comes from within me, really. It’s just a reflection of a time and a place and as much as I love the last album, I’m always looking ahead to new challenges. Right now I’m really big into huge drum sounds and just trying to push my own limits as both a producer and performer.

CF: Your image transcends “typical” ideas of gender and identity. What coerced you to push the boundaries?

DR: I was bored with what was going on in Toronto and wanted to do something different. I wanted to make the kind of music I wanted to hear and put on the kind of show I wanted to see.

CF: How do you engage with your audience in a live performance and what is it you get from them?

DR: I just do my thing. I like to throw in a few offhand remarks here and there but I’ve been really trying to limit those kind of interactions when I’m onstage. I want my show to be able to transport my audience to a different place, one where they forget themselves and their concerns and are just focused on witnessing a unique experience. Sometimes when you interrupt that to talk about what you had for dinner it really ruins the mood.

CF: You announced on your website that you are recording a new album. When can fans expect its release?

DR: My label has yet to set a release date but I’m just working as hard as I can to make the best group of songs I can and give them every opportunity to get it out as soon as possible to as many people as possible. I’m really excited about the direction I’m heading right now.

A European tour and news of a second album, the future of Diamond Rings seems to be very promising. Although a gender-bending image is nothing new, there isn’t enough of it. With a forward-thinking mind and musical talent, Diamond Rings offers something to the music scene that has been lacking for a while.

Words + Interview by Vanessa Conley
Lead Photography by Linda Sui Lem