Diamond Rings is a performer on a mission to open-minds, practically turning himself inside out to expose fragility, strength, confusion and determination. DR caught buzz with low budget videos of perfect-pop songs with his solemn baritone narrative. In his latest video, ‘It’s Not My Party’, performer John O’ shows Diamond Rings in two versions: the first as a queer ‘man’ in woman’s clothing demonstrating a curious and gentle person who has a bad night, the second as a masculinely dressed pianist who wears the marks of the first character’s experience.
The video is not as chipper as his previous releases. It actually is quite upsetting. The video explains a lot about O’Regan’s music and filters the world through the lens of someone who has experienced prejudice and violence for being themselves.
http://pitchfork.com/tv/music-videos/708-diamond-rings/
Tags: Diamond Rings, Queer
I cant be the same person all the time. ..ORegan only recently became Diamond Rings a persona he conceived of — or rather a facet of himself he chose to embrace — in 2008. Prior to that he sang lead and played guitar in the post-punk quartet the DUrbervilles a group whose music shares little in common with the songs on Special Affections his debut as Diamond Rings…Touring behind the record ORegan has gone from team player to star attraction and hes had to learn how to rock crowds without the support of a full band.