UMAmi
A Talk With Dummy
Dummy will perform at Resonant Head in Oklahoma City on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 8 p.m., with local support from Mad Honey and Photocopy. Doors open at 7 p.m. The Los Angeles-based band blends ambient guitar pop with experimental sounds, drawing on lo-fi and psychedelic influences, and they’ve toured with bands like Horsegirl and Snail Mail. Roadie Zoe chatted with them for this issue of UMAmi.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard Dummy before?
“Hypnotic/ electronic rock would best describe what we do, but we always want things to be propulsive and catchy.” - Joe “It’s kind of a case-by-case basis, I usually just say we’re punk or indie, but if someone seems more interested I might say shoegaze or reference Stereolab. But our new stuff is definitely more electronic-oriented than before.” - Alex
Listen to Dummy
What’s something about Dummy’s music that might surprise new listeners?
“It’s not always so obvious what direction our songs will go in, or what sonic palette is going to come into play next. I think our music is engaging for listeners in that way, shifting and evolving.” - Alex
What was your initial inspiration for starting to play music?
“A desire to be creative and not feeling like we fit in with our peers, wanting to find community outside the mainstream.” - Joe
“Playing music has always just been the natural thing to do. As for recording and releasing, it’s attempting to contribute to the legacy of music, which we revere. Trying to give back, to carry on the torch in some way. ” - Alex
You’ve spent the last few years touring extensively—how has that experience shaped the way you write and perform?
“Over the course of playing hundreds of shows, you eventually kind of dig out all the wisps of expressiveness throughout the songs, until eventually, they start feeling kind of rote. So when we went into writing our album, we wanted to kinda challenge ourselves, push things further towards the limit of what we can realistically achieve. Kinda forces us into experimentation and gives us room to develop things further. I think that’s what’s exciting about live performance, both for us and the audience.” - Alex
Have you been to Oklahoma before? What are you looking forward to about playing here?
“We've played OKC once before, it was wild, cuz it was the first time any of us had ever heard a tornado warning siren, but our friend Leon showed us a great time. Oklahoma has a lot of cool bands, like the two we are playing with, Photocopy and Mad Honey.” - Joe
“I think we had good coffee in OKC too - was it Elemental? I always look forward to visiting a nice cafe. We’re coffee nerds - send us recommendations!” - Alex
What’s a band or artist that influenced you in a way people might not expect?
“Frank Ocean has had a pretty profound influence on us all, but you wouldn't guess that from our music. His music means a lot to us.” - Joe
“Yeah R&B and Hip-Hop is a big influence that might not be so obvious to people. I think that’s where important mainstream music is happening these days - not in the pop or indie or electronic world. Solange’s album from a few years ago is one I go back to a lot.” - Alex
What’s a unique challenge for musicians in this day and age?
“There's no money, and working class musicians are being phased out for people who have money to not make money.” - Joe
“Yeah, the financial challenge isn’t unique though. Every industry is struggling these days. In music though, I think music itself is actually becoming less and less important as image takes precedent. I think there’s been this drift toward simplification in the economy of ideas, due to streaming’s influence, and shrinking attention span. Imagery is instant, though - that’s what's gonna grab someone’s attention online these days. So music itself is maybe becoming a lower priority for some artists. In other words, due to the way social media works, musicians are forced to increasingly focus on image, while the pressure for the actual music to be good is gone, especially for established artists.” - Alex
What’s a goal you have for your music?
“The only goal is artistic. Anything that happens beyond that is great, but we always wanna make sure we are putting art into the world that is worthwhile.” - Joe
“I always want to feel like we’re pushing the boundaries with our musicprogressing and developing our skills and techniques. And maybe trying to sound like something we’ve never heard before. Second goal - tour in places we haven’t been! Seeing the world on tour has been an honor and a joy and will continue to be!” - Alex
What’s something you wish you had learned earlier?
“Reject professional jealousy and comparing yourself to others. It will rot your mind and make you focus on meaningless stuff.” - Joe
“Yeah, just to accept that most music these days is just not for us - low effort, low quality, annoying, obvious and cheesy. Have to seek out those few artists who are putting in work and making stuff worth listening to.” - Alex
What is your favorite part of your writing process?
“When we are mixing is probably our favorite part, cuz you hear things finally all coming together and it's also the most fun creative moment cuz the song can be warped into so many different ways.” - Joe
“Mixing for sure. The rest of the process can be fun, but also frustrating, trying new ideas, trying to decide what works better, going back and forth. Easy to get bogged down. Mixing feels like the time when all the engines are fired up and things start coming together.” - Alex
If Dummy had to cover a classic song on a kazoo, what would it be?
“I Love You Always Forever by Donna Lewis.” - Joe “Great song but I think Believe by Cher would sound better on kazoo.” - Alex
What are some of your favorite books? How have they shaped your music?
“We read a lot of books on the history of pop/rock/avant music. Those books really inspire us to keep forging our own path without worrying about what anyone else thinks, pleasing and expressing ourselves is what we should always be focused on. Books like ”You're with Stupid: Kranky, Chicago, and the Reinvention of Indie Music,” (editors note: this title is available via Metro Library) “In Love With These Times: My Life With Flying Nun Records” and Endless Endless: A Lo-Fi History of the Elephant 6 Mystery.” - Joe
Dummy - photo credit Jason Watkins
Wishing for you
Watching the stars sparkling
Out here alone
Orion caught in the tree (Always) searching for you
Everywhere I see (Always) hoping you'll find
Your way back to me
Listening for you
In the music and wind
Missing your voice
Your thoughts that shaped the silence
Aching to hold
You in my arms again
Still so hard to believe
I'm standing at your journey's end
Daily life grinds
The world forgets about you
But my soul broke
Permanently bruised black and blue
I'd give anything
For you to be here, too
Wish I had everything back
Or just you in my world anew
Staring down the streets
You were always walking
Constantly hoping
That you'll come home to me
Don't know how I could
Ever leave this city
You made me more than I was
Now everything's empty
I rage and I cry
About those unrealized dreams
Cling to symbols and signs
Lost in my memories
Wish that I could find
Some strange way back to you
You knew how I felt
And I know you loved me too
Porch Song
by Granny Anarchy
Take the Money & Run
Whether you’re needing a morale boost as you pay bills and file taxes, or just generally enjoy stories of confidence artists, thieves, and daring dexterity served up with a dash of humor, here’s a few gems handpicked for you:
Stylish Heist
tinyurl.com/5x6mxxjt
Gold Digger
A trope playlist for ambitious women who will survive and thrive through whatever means and opportunities they are given.
tinyurl.com/2hb55mpj
eat cake or death
"Marie Antoinette" (2006) + Suzy Eddie Izzard + existential dread + macabre humor + French pop
tinyurl.com/z4yhze6m
Army of Thieves (2021)
The Brothers Bloom (2008)
Burglar (1987)
Charade (1963)
The Duke (2020)
Family Plot (1976)
The First Wives’ Club (1996)
How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
How to Steal a Million (1966)
The Lady Eve (1941)
The Ladykillers (1955)
= AVAILABLE FROM THE LIBRARY
Leverage (2008-2012)
Leverage: Redemption (2021-)
The Linguini Incident (1991)
Logan Lucky (2017)
Lupin III: the Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
The Maiden Heist (2009)
Masterminds (2016)
Ocean’s 8 (2018) etc.
Oscar (1991)
Quick Change (1990)
Raising Arizona (1987)
Ruthless People (1986)
Recent (free) Zines
Shameless Plug
April 6-12 is National Library Week! Did you know that just by picking up this zine and reading it you are supporting your local library? Don’t stop there, though; keep going! If you haven’t already gotten your library card, why wait any longer?
Use all the resources available through your local library system like, of course, checking out books, movies, music, magazines, comics and more -- both physically and digitally. But your library offers even more! Check out gardening tools, attend author talks with Michael Korenblit and Betty Blanks, join a zine workshop or explore the Oklahoma Underground Music Archive. Find more at metrolibrary.org.
VENUES
89thStreet
8911NWesternAve(OKC) 89thstreetokc.com
BeerCityMusicHall 1141NW2nd(OKC) beercitymusichall.com
BlueDoor
2805NMcKinleyAve(OKC) bluedoorokc.com
BlueNote
2408NRobinsonAve(OKC) okcbluenote.com
Bookish
1005NW36thSt(OKC) thebookishshop.com
Criterion
500EastSheridanAve(OKC) criterionokc.com
Core4Brewing
7NLeeAve(OKC) core4brewing.com
DiamondBallroom
8001SEasternAve(OKC) diamondballroom.com
FactoryObscura
25NW9thSt(OKC) factoryobscura.com
GrandRoyale 1749NW16thSt (OKC) instagram.com/grandroyaleokc
JonesAssembly 901 W Sheridan Ave (OKC) thejonesassembly.com
Headlinersinclude...LaLuz,Jabee (OklahomaHipHopicon,whoalsojustdid aneventatthelibrary*winkwink*),Apollo Brown,LevitationRoom,andBeingDead!
OKCider
705W.SheridanAve(OKC) okciderco.com
Opolis 113NCrawfordAve(Norman) opolis.org
PONYBOY
423NW23rdSt(OKC) ponyboyokc.com
ResonantHead 400SW25thSt,SuiteA(OKC) resonanthead.com
Resonator 325EMainSt(Norman) resonator.space
TheSanctuary 1012NIndianaAve(OKC) facebook.com/thesanctuaryok
51stStreetSpeakeasy 1114NW51stStreet(OKC) 51stspeakeasy.com
TowerTheatre 425NW23rdSt(OKC) towertheatreokc.com
TheVenue 1103NorthVilla(OKC) thevenueokc.com
WhiteRabbit 219SKleinAve(OKC) whiterabbitokc.pro
ZooAmpitheatre 2101NE50thSt(OKC) okczooamp.com
Music Fest is April 24-26!
Localactsinclude...MalloryEagle,Casii Stephan,Branjae,MaryShelley,Red Sun,SierraSpirit,TheIvy,TheMuffled Siren,andLarrissa
April CALENDAR
Subhumans,FEA,PrimalBrain@89thSt. $$
BearGhost,SarahandtheSafeWord,Redwood@BeerCityMusic Hall $$
SomeFear,Starling,Bliss@ResonantHead $
DownrightFools@GrandRoyale
'68,SillyGoose,Islander@89thSt. $$
FitForAnAutopsy,Mugshot,Tracheotomy@BeerCityMusicHall $$
Tenkiller,RRWilliams,CommanderPilot@89thSt. $
BackInTownTour-AnnieDiRusso,Raffaella@BeerCityMusic Hall $$
FairWeatherEnemies,VenomousPinks@BlueNote $
YoungWidows,Porcelain,Cherubs@ResonantHead $$
Crüeligans,Eyebolt@BeerCityMusicHall $$ TimGrimm,SergioWebb,PeggyJohnson@BlueDoor $$ CallMeSparrow&SkyHemenway@bookish $ CamilleFarrell@OKCider $$ TheCactusBlossoms,LadyAppleTree@ResonantHead $$
StrawberryGirls@89thSt. $$
Potoow/Deity@GrandRoyale $ AssaultShakersw/AnarchyforA**holesandCokeThroat@Grand Royale $
MeLikeBees,Brotherboy,Cowtippers@ResonantHead
TheFlowersTour-FramingHanley,Makeout,RookieoftheYear, SierraAnnie@89thSt.
TECHN9NEw/SetItOffandZero9:36@DiamondBallroom
DebiTirarMasFiestas-NocheDeVeranoSinTi!@BeerCity MusicHall $$
VsSelf,Punxsutawney,Speak,Memory@ResonantHead
Dummy,MadHoney,Photocopy@ResonantHead MIKE,SalamiRoseJoeLouis,Mercury@ResonantHead CrowandGazelle(MikeMcClure&Chrislyn)@BlueDoor
YoLaTengo@TowerTheatre
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
OpenMicnightatFactoryObscura-1stThursdays
Trans & Nonbinary Musicians
Against Me!
Punk band. Singer and guitarist Laura Jane Grace came out as a trans woman in 2012. Their 6th studio album Transgender Dysphoria Blues* was a critical success and is their highestcharting album to date, #23 on the Billboard 200. * in library system
Arca Venezuelan based in Spain. Electronic indie pop, experimental, hip-hop; influences include Aphex Twin, Bjork. Worked with FKA Twigs, Kanye West. (Mutant CD in library system)
Wendy Carlos
Played Johann Sebastian Bach’s classics on a Moog synthesizer in "Switched-on Bach." Composed movie scores for Tron (1982), The Shining (1980), and A Clockwork Orange (1971).
Jayne County
Under the names Wayne and Jayne County, has performed blues, glam, punk and more over a six-decade career. Rock's first openly transgender singer.
Medusa
Unconventional electronic.
Peppermint
May be best known for appearing in RuPaul's Drag Race; performs pop parodies.
Ryan Cassata
Alternative/folk/indie. His song "Soda Cans" was listed as a Trans Anthem by The Advocate in 2014. Cassata has also been recognized by Logo TV, Billboard and ASCAP. He's the first openly transgender musician to perform on the Warped Tour.
Underscores
Dubstep/indie pop/pop-punk. Influences include Skrillex and Sufjan Stevens.
-Granny Anarchy
an addition by la pêche punkette:
Vektroid / Ramona Langley
The creator of vaporwave.
Editorial note by Jackalope: there are of course many more -- SuperKnova, Ah-Mer-Ah-Su, Janelle Monae, Dua Saleh, Mila Jam... If you’re trans and/or nonbinary, know that you are not alone.
AMA, Roadies Edition
Favorite jester / clown / village fool / comedian??
Hisoka of HunterXHunter. Did y ’all know there's a Clownopedia? Bc i just found out lol -Primal Opossum
3 Fictional, 1 Nonfictional: Harley Quinn/Harleen Quinzel, the Tarot card “The Fool,” the Fool from “King Lear,” and Jane Foole (one of the few known female jesters who served under Catherine Parr, Mary I and Anne Boleyn before being beheaded due to her ties with Anne). -Granny Anarchy
The lovely local lollygagger Lallipop (@lallipopya) -la pêche punkette
I just scrambled to check bio’s on social media because I follow enough funny people that I wasn’t sure which were technically comedians. Here’s a few officially humorous folks: Hannah Gadsby, Alok Vaid-Menon, Atsuko Okatsuka, Carson Olshansky, Jes Tom, Suzy Eddie Izzard, Sashi Perera and Taylor Tomlinson. -Jackalope
