James: Originally we were called dune (without the dots) but unfortunately a German techno band had the copyright. This posed a potential problem for future releases so we decided to make life easier on ourselves from the start and put a dot inbetween each letter of the band name.
Once the name change occured we felt the name had to have a strong meaning. At that time, drugs played a big part of our social lifestyle (not the band personally, the people around us) and as our songs lyrically represent every day life, we decided to link the name in with the whole "Friends/Drugs" situation.
The lyrics written at that point in my life, were being influenced by our friends actions when under the dangerous effects of drugs... so in retrospect our ideas were developed under their (our friends) narcotic euphoria.

WW: What was the inspiration for you to start a band?

James: My Dad.

WW: Why's that?

James: He was in a band in the late 60's/early 70's. His band got signed but it split before the 1st album was released. I guess my dad is my idol and i want to follow in his footsteps.

WW: How did the band all come together?

James: Erm... well... Nathan and Knoxy met through friends at a Machine Head gig in Leeds.Nathan had just moved to Leeds from the Isle of Man with his family. They started a band and I joined originally as just the singer... I took on soul guitar as we couldn't find anyone worth having in the band. We formed as a three piece in Sept '99, then we moved to London and after spending 14 months here we decided to add a 2nd guitarist, someone who had a special unique talent on the guitar. Felipe was the 1st guy we came across and we immediately knew he was the guy for us.

WW: Has to be asked... most annoying band member?

James: Nobody in the band annoys me!! They're all easy going and great to get along with. Whether I annoy other band members or not remains to be seen. Haha! I guess from an audience point of view Im the most annoying because I talk the most... so i guess its me?

WW: Musically, you're pretty much a simple rock band incorporating elements influenced by your musical peers. Are you looking to improve your sound, or are you happy with how it is right now?

James: The direction we've taken our sound is exactly where I wanted to be 6 months ago. Its has a heavy blues vibe through it which gives the whole rock element an alternative, original twist.
I'm sure the sound will develop in the near future, but currently im extremely happy with the sound.

WW: So how far do you think D.U.N.E. can go? I can see you becoming pretty big.

James: Well, I believe in our talent. I think we now have a perfect formula (since felipe joined), and all i will say is "The sky is the limit".

WW: Latest gossip on the band... gigs? recordings? label signing?

James: well, we currently have 4/5 new tracks in the pipeline. We want them in the next set because in our eyes they are all fantastic songs. So we are in the studio learning the new songs before gigging again, we'll be playing again in around 2 months or so.
In regard to record labels... lots have bitten and come to see us live. I'm not gonna name drop but all the major world labels are sniffing, its exciting times.

WW: So a debut release isn't quite bubbling up yet?

James: Well yeah...we're releasing a music video, which will be played on MTV2 and KTV. And then we'll be releasing a single nationwide, dates haven't yet been set though.

WW: Take one of your musical peers for example, what would you say to them if you had the chance to meet them?

James: To a peer I'd say "hello". To an idol I'm not sure... I'm not one for approaching celeb's. I guess I'd just ask them about their career, and what there views were on certain things. I'd let them buy me a drink.

WW: So what if you met Fred Durst?

James: If I ever met Fred Durst I wouldn't talk about his career. Hes a person you know? You wouldn't go up to a person and say... "whats it like to manage a bank?"
I'd just treat him like everyone else... like a person. And if he was a dick, then I'd treat him like one.

WW: Finally, despite only having experianced a small amount of you're career, any good memories? Emabaressing one's in particular.

James: Oh yeah......some a little too personal to tell. I mean we've been banned from two venues that we played recently for smashing stuff up and fighting. And we've certainly experienced the "fruits" that being in a rock band brings... but im pretty positive there are more to come.

WW: Rock'N'Roll.

Questions by Impey

Check out "Why Is?" in mp3 format at http://www.D-U-N-E.co.uk