Day Wave: 'I write about personal experiences... it's actually a lot easier for me than writing fictional stories'

Ahead of a much-anticipated debut concert in Dublin, frontman Jackson Phillips spoke exclusively to independent.ie

People listen to your music and jump to the conclusion you're this super-introverted guy hiding in your bedroom.

I'm a bit of an introvert. I spend a lot of time by myself. It's good and bad for writing music. It's hard to write about anything if you spend too much time alone.

Is Day Wave a solo project or do other musicians have an input?

It's a solo project, but I do have a live band that performs with me.

What lessons did you take away from your time fronting the more synth-based Carousel?

I learned a bunch of things, but mainly to just be true to my taste and make the music that I really want to make.

Your lyrics are quite unflinching  – songs such We Try But We Don't Fit In and Drag sound like diary entries ripped from your life.

I do write about personal experiences, but it's actually a lot easier for me than writing fictional stories. It comes more naturally to me.

Oakland has a reputation as being San Francisco's scruffier sibling. What's it like to grow up/ live there?

I grew up across the bay in Marin county, so I've only been in Oakland a couple years.  Oakland is an interesting city… very low key but still has a bit going on.

Do you enjoying touring - has stage fright ever been an issue?

I do enjoy touring –  sometimes I get nervous but it's never too bad. I don't like the lack of sleep though.

Does it feel as if things are taking off quickly for you - two EPs and a slot at Lollapalooza and now you're coming to Europe.

Yeah– I never thought things would move this quickly, I'm super excited to be playing some festivals this year. But I know there's still a lot of room to continue to grow, so I keep making new goals.

Day Wave is more guitar-oriented than earlier projects of yours. What prompted a move in this direction?

I always wanted to make guitar music, but I never really had to courage to play guitar. Eventually I just stopped caring and gave it a shot.

Your record sleeves and promotional images have a washed out, faded polaroid quality. Are you trying to communicate something about your sound?

I just want the visuals to match the music – so I lean towards tape and film to keep everything cohesive.

(Token non-musical question) Does the American Presidential election seem as surreal to you in California as to all of us in Europe?

Yeah it's totally crazy – like bad reality TV.

The Hard To Read EP is out now. Day Wave play Workman's Club, Dublin Monday May 16