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

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music Interviews, Music, Music Commentary, Music History

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 25 August 2025

⏱️ 61 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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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

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
0:03.0	Hey, hey, have you heard?
0:05.4	I'm going back to Las Vegas and the Punk Rock Museum to give guided tours.
0:09.5	This happens to coincide with the When We Were Young Festival.
0:12.6	I'll be there over the course of four days, October 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th.
0:18.2	Two tours a day, one at 1.30 p.m.
0:22.2	And one at 4.30 p.m.
0:23.8	These tours will sell out.
0:25.0	Space is limited.
0:28.6	So grab your tickets now at the punkrockmuseum.com.
0:32.4	I got stories for days, and I can't wait to share them with you.
0:37.6	So don't miss your chance to walk the halls of the museum and share punk rock memories with me.
0:41.1	Head over to the punk rockmuseum.com and get your tickets now.
0:42.2	See you soon.
0:51.1	Hey gang.
0:55.3	Today's guest is lead vocalist and guitarist Luke Bentham from the Hamilton Ontario rock band, The Dirty No.
0:58.5	Together we discuss the writing, recording, and inspiration behind the single.
1:03.1	That's what Heaven feels like, taken from their 2018 album, Master of Volume.
1:08.9	Luke is a self-described minimalist when it comes to recording.
1:11.6	He prefers to keep things as honest as possible,
1:14.6	plugging his less pawn to a marshal and letting it do its thing,
1:17.6	rather than muddying everything up with a ton of effects.
	...

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