Denh Izen

Name, where are you from?
Tavish and Jesse, 2/4 of Denh Izen. London.

Describe your style in three words?
T: Plagued with irony.
J: Sad geography teacher.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
J: Death Grips at Roundhouse in 2016 for the sheer noise and visceral energy, also it was on Halloween.
T: David Byrne at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2018. It was during his American Utopia tour. It was such an intimate yet theatrical performance, the most unique concert I've ever been to by far (also they played Talking Heads songs). Spike Lee has just made a film about the show when it was performed on Broadway, I'd recommend watching it.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands or artists in history?
T: CAN and The Velvet Underground. The improvisation, the frenetic energy, the volume.

Which Subcultures have influenced you?
T: No specific subculture as such, mainly my friends and family and the people I've met, even old teachers. They've shown me new things, fashion, art, music. Stuff that has really influenced me.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
T: William Blake. One of my favourite artists/writers and has been extremely influential in my poetry and art style especially when it comes to printmaking. I know little of his character and demeanour, but judging upon his material I know it would be a very interesting hour.
J: Gary Wilson. From his music and the stories I've heard of his live shows, I think I could only hack an hour inside his mind.

Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
T & J: The Windmill Brixton. We've played there countless times with numerous different projects and it was always such a safe haven for us as we were discovering who we were and what we wanted to create. Tim Perry, the promoter/events programmer/general legend has always been very supportive and cares dearly about live music and all the characters that wander through that green door.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
T: Mark Linkous / Sparklehorse. A specialist in DIY recording methods, abstract lyricism and such a heartbreaking introspective way of writing and recording music. He did countless collaborations with extremely well-renowned artists and I see that as a universal appreciation of his talent and innovation. His music will always stay with me.
J: Tiny Tim. A misunderstood musical genius. Insecure, funny and introspective.

Denh Izen will be releasing their latest double single 'Innocuous / Waiting' on their own independent newly established UBIK Recordings label on the 5th of March. Presave here.