Doomed Confessionary: Mercedes Lalakakis (Daily Thompson)
Photos by Jonas Wenz
Daily Thompson have established themselves as striving force in the international alternative/heavy rock and stoner-psyche scene. With the release of the sixth studio album »Chuparosa«, the German power trio once again displays their unique blend of desert rock, grunge and noisy power blues that makes you wanna crank up the stereo, roll down your windows and start an endless roadtrip. Influenced by bands like Alice In Chains, Sonic Youth, Kyuss and The Smashing Pumpkins the band embarked on a sonic odyssey at APL Studios in scenic Port Orchard near Seattle, creating an album that promises to see them climb on the next level of their career.
The six songs on »Chuparosa«, once again crafted in collaboration with stoner rock/heavy psych icon Tony Reed (Mos Generator, Big Scenic Nowhere) on the knobs, capture the spirit of the energetic and sweaty live performances which leave quite a few jaws drop. And as the icing on the cake Bob Balch of Fu Manchu fame lays down a ripping solo on the first track of the new album.
Don’t miss out when Daily Thompson play a venue near you – people who witnessed one of the shows on their previous extensive tours, festival shows or supporting bands like Monster Magnet will agree. Tune in and get ready to be seriously fuzzed by Daily Thompson!
Daily Thompson are Danny Zaremba (vocals, guitar, cigar box), Mercedes Lalakakis (bass, vocals) and Thorsten Stratmann (drums, vocals).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Well we are a threepiece, best friends and we like to bring our sound to all the stages around the world. Our roots are different, there are so many influences from the 70ies to the 90ies, we also like the old skate punk scene and so much more!
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
I would not say that there are challenges, it’s more like, every year you get a step higher and that’s what we really appreciate. For us as a band it was never like, we getting hyped, so that you play the big festivals, support bigger bands etc. we work very hard for what we have now, we never had connections or a management/booking who pushed us, we did everythng by ourselves! So we are happy to have now one of the best booking agencies in Europe. (maybe it is also an answer for question 3)
What can you be most proud of so far?
We are very proud that we always believe in our sound, we don’t make songs for others or for what other people expect, we couldn’t do a record only with stoner rock songs for example or just punkrock. We do what we want!
What was your biggest regret?
The biggest regret is very personal, let’s say we regret that there were people in the band cosmos which don’t want the best for you, but only for themselves.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We are currently supporting Monster Magnet on their 35th anniversary tour, to play every night in front of 1000 people and more all over europe is rad! Also the Rockpalast Show at the Freak Valley Festival back in 2022 will always be one of our favourites, it was very special, because it was on tv and we record it live, the release of our first live album »Live At Freak Valley« was also 2022.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Nowadays? Nothing special, when I was 13 and started to listen to cool music (in my opinion) it was definitely Sonic Youth, I never heard something like that before and I felt the music so much that for me a new chapter begun!
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Shane Smith & The Saints, Kim Gordon with The Collective and Beastie Boys / »Pauls Boutique« (I got a very special vinyl edition box).
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
When I started to jam around with other people and very good musicians a friend of mine told me that you never can play something wrong, just do it and do it with confidence, there are no wrong sounds. So turn it up and play! We’re not talking about right or wrong chords.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Buying gear, weed and beer! (it’s a good rhyme)
Can you say something more about the music scene in Dortmund?
In our city there are really cool bands, if you like the heavy/doom scene we have Scorched Oak or Mother Bear, for the garage lovers there is the band Drens and if you like indie rock check out Macky Messer, even the jazz people can be pleased with Damnation. As you see there is a lot you can check out in Dortmund Rock City.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
As I said, we are currently on Tour with Monster Magnet, after that we have some gigs until summer till the festival season starts. Just check out our Instagram or Facebook or Spotify and you will find all the shows!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Doing what we love, play as much as we can, hopefully on the really big stages soon!
How can people best support your band?
Come to our shows, buy vinyl or if you don’t have a record player, follow us on your favourite streaming platforms, youtube, instagram etc…
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We wanna say thank you for the ongoing support we receive. Everywhere we go we meet old and new friends and we are more than grateful for your positive feedback. We don’t take it for granted!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well