We’ve been playlisting Rush by Nashville band Dons of Youth recently here on Phoenix FM – but who are they? We caught up with Peter and Kelly from the band to find out more about them …

Tell us a bit about yourself?

Peter: We met at university. Musically clicked. Worked on each other’s solo projects for awhile, decided a collab was better for both of us and “Dons of Youth” was born.

When did you first start to develop a passion for music?

Peter: A proper young age. My favourite film is 101 Dalmatians.

Kelly: My dad would play his Van Halen tape in the garage while “we” worked on cars. Probably since then.

Which artists did you listen to while growing up?

Peter: Christian rock bands Petra and Newsboys.

Kelly: Boston, Van Halen, New Order, INXS, Five Iron Frenzy, all of the 80’s alt bands and before that all of the hair metal bands.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?

Peter: Insincere, overproduced.

Kelly (guitarist): It’s warm and a bit sentimental, probably needs more guitar.

What music have you recorded and released to date?

Peter: We released ‘Rush’ and ‘Falling in Love’ on October 27th.

Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment – and do they influence your work?

Peter: I don’t know who anybody is, but it sounds nice.

Kelly: Lately I’ve been listening to Icehouse, Flock of Seagulls, that one song by Poe about racing a car around the hills…, also Kevin Max’s new cover of Bela Lugosi’s Dead.

Who would your dream collaboration be with?

Peter: Max Martin.

Kelly: Anyone but Max Martin.

What are your plans for the future?

Peter: Headlining Glastonbury would be lovely.

Kelly: I think it would be fun to make a film of some kind.

Where can we find out more about you?

Our official website is at donsofyouth.com and we are also on Twitter and Instagram.

New single “Girl in the Mirror” will be released in the last half of this month.