Dead Diplomat - Happy Kids
Dead Diplomat — it’s a name that evokes images of punks overthrowing tyranny in a clash of riot shields and spiky hair. Although the Bradenton, FL-based electronic duo does identify themselves as “very anti-establishment” — they do so with a drastically different mindset.
“We’re diplomats advocating for trusting God. Crazy, right?” they explain. “As for the word ‘dead’, we are trying to convey our view of ourselves. We try not to value our lives more than we value God’s will.”
Brothers Ashton Hutson and Ethan Hutson have been making music and stories together for over a decade. Growing up in a family of performers, their grandfather, concert pianist Randy Estelle, provided vocal and piano lessons, while their father Sean Hutson (former drummer of Christian band Sagoh 24/7) taught Ashton to play drums. The duo played in churches and recitals from a young age, released music for friends and family as their skills developed, and in 2019, joined cousin Xander Estelle as Feelin’ Peachy – an eccentric, homegrown indietronica act with a faith-based mission. The trio self-released an album, two EPs and several singles while its members focused on college. With Estelle ultimately parting ways to focus on his board game business, the Hutsons doubled down on their personal collaborative efforts. It seems as though perfect timing, a slew of experience, and divine intervention were the catalysts for what would become Dead Diplomat – and a few years later, the band’s debut album, Happy Kids.
“Searching” is the word the band uses to describe the record – a story-driven, existential journey that explores the consequences of hiding one’s true self: specifically, issues with pride and broken relationships. As for the album’s title, it’s a contradiction that reveals the great pain we cause ourselves when we hide our problems under the guise of pride. The songs document a lifetime of pondering, growth and discovery, from lessons learned in childhood to ones learned during the album’s production. “We fought a lot [during production],” Ashton admits. “This was the first time that we had to truly prefer the other person, and we were not good at it. Ethan actually punched a chair and broke his hand during the recording period. So there was a lot of humbling during that time.”
That lesson about pride and humility certainly worked its way into the album as a major theme, probably best embodied by the band’s motto, "Better Off Broken”, and the track of the same name. On a deeper level, this ironic phrase reveals a sobering truth: we are broken creatures who must dismantle our pride to experience healing. “We are all, honestly, very proud,” Ashton comments on the phrase’s inception, “The only way to cure my pride was to realize that I actually had nothing to defend or be proud of. Also, God clearly tells us that he can work with a broken person, not someone who still thinks they’re alright." The track itself really drives this point home. “We’re suckers to the myth that we’re adequate / Truth be told there’s no way that we’d make it,” Ethan belts out as Ashton dishes out a punk-esque blast beat. Synths warble and chime as the relentless drums and explosive horns hit like an airstrike.
“The only way to cure my pride was to realize that I actually had nothing to defend or be proud of.”
Dealing with broken relationships is another central topic on the record. From the very beginning, "Stop Fighting” portrays a fallout in a relationship in the form of a hard-hitting and angsty synth-rock anthem. "I knew that this would be hard / But this seems near impossible / I don’t wanna fight no more!” Ethan shouts, hoping to “end the strike” and make amends.
Inspired by a younger sibling, ”Love Me Too” is a “confession of withholding love from others when they didn’t measure up to my expectations,” in Ashton’s words. Atop a bouncing synth bass and quirky breakbeat made of homemade samples, he chants, ”I’m sorry that I made you / have to earn love / Was it really love / if I only loved / when you measured up?”, later pouring out, "Now I've gotta come through / because I love you.” Even more poignantly, “70x7” — a beautiful moment nestled near the latter end of the album — chronicles an act of forgiveness, but more so, how unforgiveness leads to bitterness and resentment. Peaceful piano and downplayed drums are interrupted by angry synths, like bitter thoughts disrupting the peace, as the dynamics flicker. The brokenness is palpable as Ethan’s voice soars longingly: “Can we start again?” At the end of it all, “A Grief Observed” is a final message that hope prevails; “We’re a mess / But You can make some good from this,” Ethan sings softly, backed by Ashton’s subdued groove.
Remarkably, Happy Kids was written, produced, recorded and mixed by the brothers at their home studio — a feat attempted by many newborn indie acts, whether by pride or necessity — but rarely executed with the degree of excellence exuded in this record. The band’s sound is both catchy and forward-thinking, using pop conventions while pushing artistic limits. Warped samples, synths, strings and horns are layered underneath infectious hooks, danceable grooves and distinctive vocals. Oscillating delays, unconventional harmonies, trippy production techniques and analog grunge give the record an aggressive and whimsical character akin to works by Ok Go, Twenty-One Pilots, Mutemath or Foster The People. Both musicians show an impressive amount of skill; Ashton’s fiery and innovative drumming in tracks like “Bluff” and “Better Off Broken” is reminiscent of monsters like Darren King and Josh Dunn, while Ethan’s prowess as a songwriter, pianist and producer is a force to be reckoned with.
Alongside the music, one of the most enchanting elements of Dead Diplomat is the storytelling created by the artists to bring their music to life. From designing background videos and choreography for their live shows to movies and books, Dead Diplomat’s goal is to do much more than simply create music. The Dissonance, out October 23, is their most exciting visual project yet: an immersive graphic novel series that explores the band’s canonical universe and expands on the album’s themes. Those who follow the band on Instagram were previously introduced to The Regime — an oppressive society that preaches superficial happiness, blind obedience, and self-medication for all — but according to the band, “there’s much more to the nature and origin of The Regime [and other characters] that will only be revealed in our evolving web series.” The band also announced a music video for “Wearing Faces”, set to release later this year.
Altogether, Dead Diplomat’s innovative sound, powerful storytelling and much-needed message of hope and sincerity create something truly groundbreaking. For those who are barely holding on, Happy Kids is a beautiful assurance that vulnerability — unmasking the pride, insecurity and brokenness inside — is the beginning of healing; there is a higher hope, and we are better off broken.
Pre-Save Happy Kids, out 12/8: Spotify | Apple Music
Read More: The Dissonance
Singles: “Stop Fighting” | “Love Me Too” | “Break Your Clouds”
Follow Dead Diplomat: Website | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp | YouTube
