We had a chat with Chi Limpiroj about her lush dream-pop project Dunebug and their new single
Dunebug is the project of DIY producer and singer-songwriter Chi Limpiroj, bought to life by the artist and her band who create a lush, almost transcendent brand of dream-pop that feels as revitalising and captivating as it does timeless.
Over the last few years, the Manchester-born artist has been building a following and putting a stellar collection of tracks that typify Dunebug and exactly what the project is about, the latest of which being the lush new single ‘Still Dreaming’. The track feels especially memorable thanks to the stark juxtaposition of its themes and its sound, with a narrative about recurring nightmares and abusive lovers offset by the sheer gorgeousness of Dunebug’s dreamy, laid-back sound. We love this track and the project as a whole, and had a chat with Chi to find out some more about it and what plans the artist has for the future.
Who TF are Dunebug?
Me in my bedroom, wanting to create music but being too poor to do it properly in a studio so I attempt to do it all myself. I have a gorgeous band that help bring my music to life on stage, and they are Chris Corless on lead guitar, Harry Parsons on bass and James McGuinness on drums, who are I truly, truly appreciate and adore.
How long have you been making music?
Since I was 14, started off in an all-girl punk band, moved onto a little folk project, then after a very sad 5 year music hiatus, Dunebug was born, I never want a break from music like that again because they were the saddest years.
Why do you make music?
Mostly for cathartic purposes seeing as my music is very personal, and for people to listen to it and relate on some level. Some of the best compliments I’ve received are ones where people tell me they felt like my music was written for them, or that my music helped them through difficult times, nothing beats that!
What are your biggest influences?
My earliest influences were Cat Power and Feist for their softness, then eventually it expanded to the likes of Beach House, Melody’s Echo Chamber, Men I Trust, Molly Burch and Jay Som for their dreaminess, a touch of Beach Boys for their surfy/retro vibes.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Seeing my Spotify Wrapped every year, it’s wild seeing how many people are actually listening to my music, and all the different places in the world it’s reached, just blows my mind every time.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
Beachy, surfy dream-pop, music to fall asleep to in the bath (and not drown), and according to a friend, “sexy lullabies”.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Playing my favourite festivals, a slot at Green Man or End of the Road festival would complete me, I’ve been going to them on and off since 2009 and I’ve seen so many inspiring acts over the years and forever dreamt of being in their shoes.
We love your new single ‘Still Dreaming’, what more can you tell us about it?
It’s about being scared of going to sleep for fear of repeatedly seeing your abusive past lover in your nightmares, and the anxiety and dread that follows said nightmares, but I’ve wrapped it in a little fuzzy, dreamy blanket to take the edge off. Written, performed, recorded and mixed by me. Music video shot, edited and colour graded by my main girl Alyssa Mello, cover artwork by Tyson Gentry who I met off reddit years ago haha
What else do you have planned for the near future?
More gigs! And writing/working on new stuff, getting nice and shiny with the band, you know, standard stuff
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
I’d like to say my friends, who come to all my gigs and support me, who know all the words to my songs and stand there at the front and give me somewhere to look for comfort when I’m nervous on stage (I STILL get nervous every time on stage), you know who you are, and a big special shout out to Alyssa Mello who has been my biggest cheerleader and supported me with my project in so many ways, I don’t know what I’d do without you!
