music
‘There is an alternative to capitalism’: after addiction and losing a home to LA wildfires, indie rockers Diiv start again
No stranger to rebuilding after disaster, the US band’s frontman Zachary Cole Smith now sees the entire capitalist project as ripe for reinvention, on a surprisingly upbeat new AG Cook-produced album
TL;DR
- Zachary Cole Smith, the frontman of Diiv, appears transformed from his previously introspective self, now projecting a cheerful and energetic persona.
- The band's new album, 'Zirp!', produced by AG Cook, features a more upbeat sound and explores anti-capitalist themes, with Smith coining the term 'New Alternative'.
- Smith discusses his journey through addiction, including arrests and rehab, and his recovery since 2017, which led to a more collaborative band dynamic.
- He recounts the devastating experience of losing his home in the LA wildfires and the subsequent community support, including significant crowdfunded aid.
- Smith advocates for dismantling companies like Spotify, viewing them as exploitative of music as a resource, and dreams of a publicly owned streaming library.
- The rebuilding of his family home is ongoing, but Smith emphasizes the strengthening of community bonds and relationships in the aftermath of the fires.