Biography
Enthusiasts of speed garage alongside those drawn to Indian vocals both find themselves captivated by the hypno-groova-matic textures emanating from the New York-based hybrid known as the Dum Dum Project. Although the notion of East-West fusion already existed in Goa trance, founder, vocalist, and producer Sean Dinsmore, also known as DJ Cavo, infused the group’s work with his own reggae and rock leanings, resulting in a far more distinctive sonic identity. Recognition first arrived for Dinsmore as frontman of the ska outfit the Toasters and subsequently of the reggae ensemble Unity 2. After Unity 2 disbanded in 1992, he devoted several years to revisiting psychedelic rock landmarks of the 1960s and 1970s, with particular attention to the Eastern-tinged later Beatles recordings. His following venture placed him at the helm of Supercuz, a modern rock band carrying a pronounced Eastern influence; two of the Dum Dum Project’s three core members, Dinsmore and guitarist/sitarist Jason Goodrow, had previously performed together in Supercuz. A period with RCA yielded EP releases across Europe and Japan in 1995, after which Dinsmore embarked on another exploratory phase, this time a literal journey to India.
That trip prompted him to establish the label Grooovy Sounds Unlimited together with musical associate Jeremy Hurley. While still tracking and playing with Supercuz, Dinsmore kept developing plans for an East-West fusion album; in 1999 he entered the studio alongside Goodrow, percussionist Phil Painson, and several acclaimed Indian guest artists, thereby launching the Dum Dum Project. Its first release, Desi Vibes, generated considerable attention within the underground electronica community through its fresh combination of Eastern vocals, Western spoken word, hip-hop, downbeat, and breakbeat, earning frequent airplay on radio and in leading clubs throughout New York and Los Angeles. The track “Air India” emerged as an Ibiza anthem, securing the group’s foothold on the global stage. The subsequent album Export Quality appeared in summer 2001.
That trip prompted him to establish the label Grooovy Sounds Unlimited together with musical associate Jeremy Hurley. While still tracking and playing with Supercuz, Dinsmore kept developing plans for an East-West fusion album; in 1999 he entered the studio alongside Goodrow, percussionist Phil Painson, and several acclaimed Indian guest artists, thereby launching the Dum Dum Project. Its first release, Desi Vibes, generated considerable attention within the underground electronica community through its fresh combination of Eastern vocals, Western spoken word, hip-hop, downbeat, and breakbeat, earning frequent airplay on radio and in leading clubs throughout New York and Los Angeles. The track “Air India” emerged as an Ibiza anthem, securing the group’s foothold on the global stage. The subsequent album Export Quality appeared in summer 2001.
Singles
