Ep. 272: Luke Bentham discusses The Dirty Nil’s “That’s What Heaven Feels Like”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 25 August 2025

⏱️ 65 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

This week, Luke Bentham of The Dirty Nil sits in to break down the writing and recording of their 2018 single "That's What Heaven Feels Like," a punchy, riff-driven anthem from the album Master Volume. Luke shares the clear memory of writing the song and talks about drawing inspiration from classic rock icons like Queen and Joan Jett, while also staying true to the band’s raw, high-energy identity. He discusses working with producer John Goodmanson to refine the arrangement without compromising the band's vision, dialing in powerful Les Paul/Marshall tones, and intentionally leaving the guitar solo unpolished to preserve its edge. From lyrical themes that capture the thrill of nightlife to unique vocal arrangements and harmonies, this episode offers a great look into a track that helped define a new era for The Dirty Nil. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
0:04.3	I'll now hand you over to my best man, Eddie.
0:07.6	Wow, wow, wow. Second time's a charm, eh, Billy Boy?
0:12.0	Oh, God.
0:13.3	Substitution, courtesy of Paddy Power, embarrassing Eddie, makes way for sensible Samuel.
0:17.8	Cool, that was close.
0:19.0	You might not always pick the right starter, but your sub can still deliver. because with Paddy's super sub, your bet rolls over to the player coming
0:24.6	on. Paddy Power. Valid on selected leagues and markets only. Pre-match and in-play bets on qualifying
0:28.9	player outcome selections only. T's and Clusions apply. 18 plus, cameraware. Dot-or.
0:44.7	Hey, gang. today's guest is lead vocalist and guitarist Luke Bentham from the Hamilton Ontario rock band, The Dirty No.
0:47.9	Together we discuss the writing, recording, and inspiration behind the single.
0:52.4	That's what Heaven feels like, Taken from their 2018 album?
0:56.2	Master Volume.
0:58.1	Luke is a self-described minimalist when it comes to recording.
1:01.4	He prefers to keep things as honest as possible,
1:04.2	plugging his less pawn to a marshal and letting it do its thing,
1:07.5	rather than muddying everything up with a ton of effects.
1:10.8	I told Luke that this song and the guitars in particular are very 70s rock,
1:15.6	so it was no surprise when he mentioned the Who, the Stooges, and Queen as major influences.
1:21.6	Luke's lyrics here are very tongue-in-cheek, mixed with self-deprecating humor, but sung with a hundred percent conviction.
1:29.1	The album was produced by John Goodmanson, and his approach to recording fell right in line with
1:33.7	Luke's, which was basically plugging and rock. And wait until the guitar solo, I swear Luke
	...

Transcript will be available on the free plan in 12 days. Upgrade to see the full transcript now.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Chris DeMakes, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Chris DeMakes and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.