We had the oppportunity to interview Deep Sea Arcade, The band reintroduce their beloved track “Girls” with a fresh remix by Johnny Mackay, also known as Lord Fascinator. This lead single from their upcoming re-release is not just a nostalgic nod to the past; it’s a revitalization of the themes of longing and connection that define their music. As we explore the layers of emotional depth woven into “Girls (Re-Fascinated),” the band shares insights into their collaboration with Mackay, the significance of the track in honoring the late Nick Weaver, and what fans can expect from their evolving sound. Join us as we uncover how the past informs their present and future, and how they plan to resonate with listeners old and new through this transformative journey. Let’s delve into the interview below
RM: What inspired you to release the remix of “Girls” as the lead single for this re-release?Â
‘Girls’ has always been a significant track for us, and choosing it as the lead single felt like the perfect way to reintroduce Outlands with a fresh twist. Johnny Mackay’s remix brings a new energy while still holding onto the original essence. We’re also excited to have other remixes in the works, including a reimagined version of ‘Granite City’ by Raindrop, which has a wonderfully nostalgic 80’s flavour to it now – kinda like the soundtrack to a coming of age horror filmÂ
RM: Can you elaborate on the themes and messages in “Girls”? How do you feel the remix enhances or transforms those themes?
‘Girls’ touches on themes of longing, connection, and the complexities of relationships. The remix amplifies these feelings with a more atmospheric and dreamy soundscape, but then brings the tempo up for the dancefloor. It’s almost as if Lord Fascinator (Johnny Mackay) took those emotions and added another layer of depth and tempo. Revisiting ‘Girls’ this way helped me find a renewed appreciation for the track, much like what we experienced with Raindrop’s fresh take on ‘Granite City.’
RM: What was it like collaborating with Johnny Mackay (Lord Fascinator) on this remix? Did he bring any unique elements or ideas that surprised you during the process?
Working with Johnny was fun. He approached the remix with an openness and a clear vision of creating space within the track. He brought unexpected elements, I especially like the synth line after the intro. Overall he reshaped the mood in a way I hadn’t imagined. It’s always exciting to work with someone who pushes a song beyond where you initially saw it going.
RM: How does “Girls (Re-Fascinated)” reflect your emotional state or experiences since the original release? Are there any new layers of meaning that you’ve discovered in this version?
The remix feels like a reflective look back at where we were when we first released “Girls.” Revisiting it in this way brought out a sense of nostalgia mixed with growth. Johnny’s approach makes me want to dance rather than rock out or stare at my shoes. It’s almost like discovering new meaning in a familiar story as you look at it with a fresh pair of Fascinator goggles.
RM: Given that this song is part of a tribute to Nick Weaver, how does “Girls” hold a special significance in your memories of him?
‘Girls’ carries a lot of memories with it, especially of the time spent creating it with Nick. I still remember that Eureka moment in my attic studio share-house bedroom, when we started playing the riff together. I didn’t have a door either so all my housemates at the time probably remember it too, but maybe with less fondness. Doing these remixes feels like a way of honouring Nick’s creativity and spirit while celebrating the journey we shared together, going into the stems of the tracks takes you right back in a way that listening to the finished master doesn’t.
RM: How do you hope fans will connect with the re-release of Outlands and the new remix? What emotions or memories do you want to evoke in them?
We hope fans reconnect with Outlands in a way that evokes memories of where they were when they first heard it, while also discovering new layers in these remixes. It’s about revisiting the past with a sense of openness to what it could become. If these new versions stir up nostalgia or bring new meaning to old memories, that would be incredibly special.
RM: How do you feel about DMA’s and Lime Cordiale being fans of the Outlands album
It’s an honour to have artists like DMA’s and Lime Cordiale connect with Outlands. They’re both immensely talented and influential to me, their appreciation for our work is a huge compliment. It’s a reminder of how music has this way of creating a bridge between artists and listeners, no matter where you are in your journey.
RM: Since the release of your second album Blacklight, how do you feel your sound has changed? Are there any genres or styles you’re particularly excited to explore in your future work?
I’m really proud of what we achieved with Blacklight, and it’s an album that carries a lot of creative energy. But in working on the new record, we’ve focused on capturing more of the raw soul that’s often present in our demos and those charming imperfections. A big part of this evolution has been collaborating with Jay Watson (Tame Impala, Pond) who brings an incredible sense of musicality to everything he touches. Jay has this unique ability to retain the heart of a song while adding tasteful flourishes, whether it’s a dreamy 70s-style chorus on the piano or a subtle flanger on a fill. And having him play drums on this record means a lot to me—I’ve always admired his playing and his natural sense of rhythm. It’s been an inspiring experience, blending elements of psychedelia, electronic textures, and classic influences. Creatively, it feels like we’re in a new phase, exploring more open and experimental territory while staying connected to what makes the music authentic.
RM: Can you share some insights into the production choices made for “Girls (Re-Fascinated)”? Were there any specific sounds or techniques you wanted to highlight?
Johnny approached the remix with a focus on retaining the song’s melodic core, he didn’t change the bassline or the chords, he put a solid house beat behind it, raised the tempo and added these great cinematic synth lines. The goal was to maintain the essence of “Girls” while transforming its emotional impact, and I think Johnny struck that balance beautifully.
RM: As a band that started as a home recording project, what advice would you give to young musicians trying to find their sound and make a name for themselves in the industry today?
My advice would be to stay true to your instincts and embrace the DIY spirit. There’s no right or wrong way to record something, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what feels honest to you. Enjoy the freedom to capture vocal or instrumental takes that feel special for some reason, even if they’re not technically perfect. At the same time, embrace the learning process, whether it’s co-writing with others or trying out new approaches in production. There’s so much value in collaborating and discovering new perspectives from those around you. But also appreciate the safety of being able to return and refine your ideas in your own space, where you can make something that feels uniquely your own.
RM: Message for Fans and Future Plans, upcoming album?
I’m beyond grateful to everyone who’s supported us on this journey. Right now, we’re deep into recording and mixing the new album with Jay Watson, which I can’t wait to share with you next year. We’re also thrilled to share the remixes, including Raindrop’s version of “Granite City,” and other upcoming remixes from Vlossom and Barely Passable. And we can’t wait for our performance at Out West Fest in Ararat on November 9th. Thanks so much for being part of this with us, and stay tuned for more exciting things to come!
