Grian Chatten: Rosalía has a heart similar to mine
The world of music often thrives on unexpected collisions, but sometimes those collisions reveal something profound. For Dublin rock band Fontaines D.C., their latest musical foray has been less a simple collaboration and more a deep dive into shared emotional territory, proving that the most compelling sounds emerge when worlds unexpectedly meet.
Yesterday, the band dropped the cinematic single Where Is Gone?, a striking piece that pairs their signature sound with the vibrant energy of Spanish pop star Rosalía. This joint effort is not just a catchy track; it is an exploration of heartache and the difficult, yet necessary, act of letting go, imbued with a much more elegant, theatrical sound than their previous work.
The single serves as a compelling prelude to the band’s upcoming fifth album, Dopamine Chamber, a record that follows their acclaimed and Mercury-nominated Romance. It’s a testament to the band’s evolution, balancing their characteristic gloom with surprising, luminous complexity.
But the real story behind the collaboration lies in the personal connection between the artists. Frontman Grian Chatten has openly shared how this experience felt, calling it a “career high.” He spoke about the deep kinship he felt with Rosalía, suggesting that her heart mirrors his own.
“I’ve got a suspicion that her heart is similar to mine,” Chatten revealed, reflecting on the inspiration behind the partnership. He praised Rosalía‘s talent as an arranger, composer, and lyricist, noting the humbling experience of working with such immense creative force.
The synergy extended beyond the music itself. Chatten explained that the attraction stemmed from a unique blend of sounds—Rosalía’s voice held a classical quality yet possessed an eerily dystopian edge. He likened her to musical icons like Bowie and Björk, recognizing a terrifying level of talent that made the collaboration an honor.
This shared emotional language resonated deeply with Rosalía as well. She expressed excitement over seeing the Spanish tradition of music maintained alive, noting a spiritual echo between their artistic journeys. For an artist rooted in both Irish and Spanish heritage, witnessing this connection was beautiful.
Critically, the resulting album, Dopamine Chamber, has been well-received, earning a five-star review from NME, which lauded it as a “dark but exhilarating reflection of end times.” The track Where Is Gone? itself received high praise, described as a “lovelorn Morricone meets Bond theme ballad.”
As Fontaines D.C. prepares for the release of their new work, they are also building toward a significant live presence. Upcoming shows, including an intimate gig in London to raise money for mental health charity CALM, signal a growing desire to connect with audiences on a broader stage.
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