EMQs with DA
EMQs with DA
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with UK Heavy Metal band, DA. Huge thanks to their founder and Guitarist, Robin Paul Brancher, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Robin Paul Brancher. I play the six string electric guitar.
DA formed out of the impasse and unpalatable situation with Desolation Angels of which I am the founding member.
How did you come up with your band name?
DA once stood for Desolation Angels. In the past, people found it easier to relate to the long name of Desolation Angels by abbreviating it to DA, and that practice continues today. Legally, and after I split from Desolation Angels, I wasn’t allowed to take the name Desolation Angels with me because behind my back, the name had already been trademarked (which, in hindsight, is a plus), but I was able to trademark DA. Initially, I aimed to rival Desolation Angels on every level. However, these days I find myself in a much better place musically and socially, and those levels I refer to are no longer relevant in DA and have been surpassed anyway, so that rivalry on my part has eased and the focus has shifted. Desolation Angels is my history from youth to adulthood. I can’t help that; that is how it is. But believe me, I am so glad to have moved on and am fully looking forward to everything DA.
These days though we joke about the name DA and where it came from who gives a shit anyway, we’re on a roll and loving our musical journey . . . although there is rumour that we could actually be decedents from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Disaster Area, a plutonium rock band from the Gagrakacka Mind Zones, which are generally held to be not only the loudest rock band in the Galaxy, but in fact the loudest noise of any kind at all. Of course, that’s us!
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
DA was formed in North London, England in the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
The Rock/Metal scene in the UK is okay, but not on par with the rest of Europe. People there seem much more into the scene, especially in Germany, where there is greater respect for original bands and for Rock and Metal in general.
What is your latest release?
DA are set to make their mark with the release of their self-titled debut album, “DA” , out on Friday 10th April .
The first taste of the album is the new single “Snake ,” available now. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnFhwQYIJx8
‘The Snake’ single is now available on all streaming platforms, and the full album releases April 10th, 2026.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Band wise: Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, The Cult, Pink Floyd, Alice In Chains, CSN, Thin Lizzy, Killing Joke, Ted Nugget, Status Quo, CSN&Y and many many more.
Guitar hero wise and their sound: Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, Billy Duffy, Brian Robertson, Dave Gilmour, David Crosby.
What first got you into music?
Seeing Alice Cooper performing ‘Schools Out’ on the old UK Top Of The Pops programme. They all had very long hair (I’d just started growing mine), a rock ‘n’ roll swagger, and a totally cool look and attitude. I wanted in on all of that.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
The Cult and Billy Duffy – Without a shred of a doubt!
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
The free festival at Praia de Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro. Imagine the publicity from that one gig. We can only dream.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
False eyelashes and a tube of lipstick in an attempt to make me wear makeup on stage – that’s not for me!
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Just get behind us and support us in anyway you can. Spread the DA word.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Ozzy Ozzbourne. Wow, could you imagine!
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
Enjoyment: I enjoy the riff writing, the modern-day recording process and live performances.
Hate: All the obstacles that go into making that riff a commercial success.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
If it were possible, I’d like to take the music business back to the 80’s to a time where album sales really meant something, as did the industry as a whole back then.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Led Zeppelin Physical Graffiti – Along with Sabbath Bloody Sabbath by Black Sabbath, The Love album by The Cult, Deja Vu by CSN&Y, and also Dark Side Of The Moon by, well, you know who that’s by.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I personally like Vinyl, CD’s and Downloads. They all serve a purpose for me.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
With DA – That would be Leo’s Red Lion. See the full show here: https://www.dametal.co.uk/
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I’d find some part of the world that is safe, warm and sunny all year round and not really do much at all.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
I really don’t know too many scenarios to choose from, maybe just invite everyone and have one mass party. I like parties.
What’s next for the band?
Hopefully, commercial success! So we are in the process of writing the new album recording to start this summer 2026. We aim to keep our PR machine rolling and are looking forward to getting on to some cool support slots. Fingers crossed.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6aVwrvfcV7Jb6XmE8TO3kp?si=SoQVQAwWSLGepAIfrxydBw
DA: https://www.dametal.co.uk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dafilm666
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DAMetalUK/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/da_metal_uk/
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
Cob or Roll – A Rock ‘n’ Roll lol!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Yes, there’s one more thing, the question about which English ale I like the best. The answer is: A Ram Rod and Special – I’ll just leave that one with you. Chin Chin.
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
