DIIV - Starting Now (Documentary)

DIIV open up about sobriety, their near-break up, and the new phase of their band in Starting Now, The FADER’s new documentary.
"I was worried," DIIV guitarist Andrew Bailey says. "Like, 'I wonder if Cole's going to be able to stay clean.; But then as soon as he got clean, I was like, "Oh wait of course he is" because that's just how he does everything."
In Starting Now, The FADER’s intimate and revealing new documentary on one of the past decade’s most fascinating and complicated bands, we explore the tumultuous period in the aftermath of the 2016 release of DIIV’s sophomore record Is The Is Are, and focussing specifically on the band’s sessions recording last year’s Deceiver with producer Sonny Diperri, Starting Now lets DIIV and frontman Zachary Cole Smith speak their own truth for one of the first times in their career.
The release of Starting Now also coincides with a gargantuan milestone for the band: this Thursday’s headline show at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town, their largest show in the city to date. A 2,300-capacity room, it feels like an appropriately grand venue for the dark melodies of Deceiver. Watch Starting Now above and find tickets to this Thursday’s show here.
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CREDITS
Director: Frances Capell
Producer: Lindsey Hartman
Executive Producers: Rob Stone, Jon Cohen, Anthony Holland, Scott Perry, Chloe Campion
Senior Production Manager: Madison LaClair
Associate Producer: Claire Lilly
Shot by: Frances Capell, Lindsey Hartman, DIIV and friends
Sound: Jake Viator
Editor: Frances Capell
Title: Radha Vishnubhotla
Colorist: Dimitri Zola at MPC
Special Thanks: Sargent House, Captured Tracks, Sid The Cat Presents, Deafheaven, Launder, Sonny Diperri, Tyler Karman, Billie Frasier, Dani Nelson, Katrina Urton, Alexandra Noland, Lukas Frank, Pappy & Harriet's, Highland Park Ebell

[@Prosegoldmusic]

i once read a pitchfork article i believe where cole spoke about getting heat from the new york scene. people wondering , why him? why this kid ? there were so many bands that sounded very similar that never got any sort or attention. you can take the following statement positively or negatively , but in my opinion the attention and accolades have alot to do with the personality of smith and the band, as much as the music. you always knew he was living his lyrics, and had a unique and deep personal journey and story which resonates with people. someone once told me, when i was going through my own heroin addiction, that everyone loves a redemption story. “ he did the degenerate rocker thing very well, and is doing the sober thing very well also “. everyone knows he got picked from obscurity , went through some heavy shit, and is now better and its inspiring. 7/16 i got three years without putting a stick in my arm and have listened to DIIV from time to time knowing he was going thru the same shit i was. its moving. it makes you glad to be alive.

[@user-oj3vv1yz5w]

success for a rock band requires a perfect storm. You can be great at guitar with good lyrics but so much comes down to luck. personality and being in the right place with the right people around you in the right headspace to make things work.

[@OHHnoYOUdidntMAN]

Can anyone name these bands? I've honestly never heard a single band that has the same rhythms and melodies that DIIV has. There are only select songs I've heard over the years that sound like DIIV.

[@Prosegoldmusic]

in the beginning, off the top of my mind , some groups they were compared to were beach fossils, real estate , wild nothing...

[@timchromecast]

Glad you're all clean now. Keep it that way. They got personality, while most indie bands are just dead boring.

[@timcarr6381]

@@OHHnoYOUdidntMAN Still Corners have a similar sound, but it's a single guitarist and so the sound isn't as layered...

[@TheLucy92ish]

This gives me shivers

[@tenzinandrio1]

Yes! I felt this

[@jakej654]

i met cole before a show in 2016. neither of us were in a good place, both extremely addicted to heroin. it makes me so happy to see him like this now and to be in a similar position myself. life is crazy and i feel such a deep connection to him through the beautiful music they continue to put out.

[@veerchasm1]

It is my mission to see DIIV live in concert once this Covid nonsense is over

[@internetsummoner]

I wholeheartedly 1001% am in agreement with you !!

[@theslydog59]

Saw one of their last gigs in 2020 in a sweaty crowd. Feels a million years ago now.

For the 3rd time! Looking forward to it... ♥

[@ajr2432]

you`ve done it?

[@audiolego]

I'm seeing them at the Wiltern in L.A this summer.

How beautiful it is to see an independent band working on their projects, and speaking of DIIV, may their trajectory be forever full of success. I have been following these kids since the beginning and they will always have a special place in our hearts. ♥

[@sophiedevereau3438]

Just saw DIIV at Manchester Academy two nights ago - hell of a gig, and loved them saying they listened to The Stone Roses on the way! Top band

[@gothamaddictreviews6052]

I loved Chasity confusing Morissons with Morissey too

[@Procidentia]

I was at the gig.....when did they say that?!

[@TannerA999]

I think all of them especially Cole have trouble doubting themselves, but they’re fucken rock legends. DIIV has such a unique but also incredible sound and energy/aesthetic, they’re just cool ass people. And they’re very real, their music is very personal, no pretentiousness or lying buzzwords. I wish more people in music focused on the art like they do. I’m glad Cole is being honest with himself about the wrongs he’s done but give him a break. Drug addiction is hard as fuck, especially heroin, and the fact that he was able to put out 3 near flawless albums while struggling with that is amazing to me.

[@internetsummoner]

Everything you wrote is very true !!! I agree completely !

[@cipsi123]

I had the honor of meeting Zachary cole and Sky Ferreira outside P4K when I was like 16 years Old, and they had the second smelliest tour van I’ve ever had the pleasure of smelling in my life. First smelliest van has to go to Alex G’s van. Ran into him and his band outside a gig in Boston a few years ago. Him and his Bass player were playing chess in the middle of the sidewalk. He was as quiet as a church mouse. The van’s odor however was quite the opposite. The smell of the sun baked van was so offensive it made me gag. Rock n Roll. But I can’t imagine living in that. I can see what Colin means when he talks about making it through years of touring. As I walked away from Diivs band, Cole trying to be nice said “by the way, we’re playing the red stage at 1:30 tomorrow.” Me being an asshole teenager said “I know bro it’s on the schedule.” Blew it. Couldn’t sleep that night.

[@hihello-sx1sx]

Nick Alexandroff lmao that kinda makes sense tho. I’m p sure for the entirety of the 2017 tour Alex g wore the same yellow shirt and jeans

[@internetsummoner]

Nick Alexandroff thanks for sharing my dude !! Quite enjoyed your use of word structuring !!

[@SpaceAce1993]

No future in being in a indie band

[@gardenboydon]

I will always praise a band for being authentic and intimate emotionally on video. Fantastic doc

[@Horaknophobia]

Great work from the editor(s), love it when they take time and consideration to sync music with clips, especially in montages (e.g. 00:43 - 01:22)

[@internetsummoner]

Tim Horak exactly !!!

[@melodiasonica]

Incredible musician trying to be as real possible! Thanks for the music Cole.

[@prush1]

One of my favorite bands. These dudes are depressing as fuck in interviews but they certainly know how to channels those emotions through their music. Love how their albums have evolved to a darker, more personal sound. Keep the darkness flowing my dudes 🤘

[@stephanieruu4617]

I was at that concert at the observatory in OC, DIIV puts on amazing shows, one of the best ones I’ve been to

[@luisyagof]

Great to see you looking so healthy and mature! And looking forward to enjoy your show in a couple of weeks in Madrid Much love!

[@nicolatingey5265]

Goosebumps and feelings from seeing the journey unfold. Utterly magical to see them in Bristol this year and cannot wait for the next chapter. Congratulations ❤️

[@Zentabes]

Man I love DIIV since their very beginning, glad to see Cole so healthy now.

[@Ethyl.breaks]

Cole, good job, on everything. Jus passed my four years clean, keep it up dude

[@soapmctavish8821]

We wouldn't have great music without your hard work. Thanks DIIV.

[@thenear1send]

Loved this documentary. Totally fell in love with DIIVs latest album. Would love to see these guys live. I swear I've listened to this album nearly 200 times now.

[@muuuzaklistener]

omfg what a well made doc. the ending was so heartfelt.

[@damienwinpenny1267]

The most important modern band we have!

[@thecellulontriptometer4166]

Thank you to the band for taking the time to put this together. I appreciate getting to know what they were thinking about and where they are coming from with these songs. I'm pulling hard for these guys to stay clean because selfishly I want to see what their music will be like in 5-10 years as they evolve. Love DIIV.

[@internetsummoner]

the cellulon triptometer same !!

[@rodrigorivera511]

So much love for you DIIV professional musicians Thanks for your music

[@ctnova99]

What a beautifully shot video. Great to see the band doing well, back to creating art that is unique to themselves. Saw them at Warsaw in Brooklyn in the fall, and they were on fire. Thanks Fader

[@stopmikeandjim3196]

I was at that show at the end of the documentary. They were opening for Deafheaven in Cincy IIRC. In between songs they kept acting like it was a bunch of different people's birthdays before finally they brought out the cake for Cole at the end. Deafheaven and everyone there was singing happy birthday to him. They were still working out the material that would be on Deceiver. Thankfully the crowd was really cool about hearing new songs they weren't familiar with.

[@sebainalbion]

Got my ticket already to see you guys play here in Vienna. The previous two times were in my home country, Chile. If you are new to DIIV, please listen to the three records, support them on tour and buy some of the awesome merch they have. Thank you guys for the music and keep on doin´ it.

[@erik9952]

Just Saw them in London, great setlist- ending with an encore Lorelei their "pink Floyd cover". Then absolutely setting the place on ablaze with Dust. Also thought all the new Deceiver tracks were sounding great live. Like before you were born, Blankenship and Acheron all highlights!

[@patrickel94]

I was there too, I found it funny that they said they were going to do a 'Pink Floyd cover' - Dust, Blankenship and Healthy Moon were my highlights during the show - new and old songs sounded great!

[@patrickel94]

@Elias Winwood They did a very good job of 'Bent' in London

[@internetsummoner]

That ending had me in tears 🤍 Love Diiv !!

[@SamsaraRecords]

This documentary is one of the best things of this crappy year. Thank you. P.S. Is that Kerry McCoy from Deafheaven at 19:13 ?

[@shaaaug]

yup! saw them on this tour, the Asheville Halloween show that they show many clips of in the beginning! sooo goood

[@dovelazarus]

And now I guess I’ll just Diiv into all of these tears i just shed. 🌊

[@internetsummoner]

True words !

[@rebecam.8155]

I saw them live in Highland Park, CA. Best set ever! and that was my first time seeing them. I do not regret it. They freakin rock!!

[@that1sk8r]

Seen them plenty of times but the energy they brought to those last couple shows in Highland Park were some of the best performances they’ve ever put on!

[@DjImpact132]

Great work here. I Love what the band has become👽

[@zackmartinez.]

Love DIIV pandora put me on , I was going thru a break up with this female many moons ago, there songs help me recuperate from all the lost emotions! Love y’all

[@a.nlucia]

DIIV was always there in my darkest and happiest moments of my life 💜

[@pixussb7524]

Beautiful band, beautiful album and beautiful documentary 🖤

[@daniellos333]

I bought Deceiver on vinyl almost instantly after hearing it, and it was also the first album of theirs I listened to.

[@hihello-sx1sx]

Conor Winston ?

[@cam-xv1zj]

Conor Winston so someone is a poser for listening to something even though it’s not their first album? let people listen to what they want. we all listen to something and then dig deep into their other music and realize oh, they have some older albums too. music is subjective. be nice.

[@raavenstark5905]

Awesome !! Great documentary ! Great band ! Great Album!

[@_SliK_]

Did soundcheck with these guys, nice people👌🏼

[@dissonant__]

This is a good way to portrait a good band.

[@joelcruz1996]

5:29 I love that guitar..

[@OHHnoYOUdidntMAN]

I got one cause of Cole! They're great. Fender Blacktop Jaguar HH. It's the neck and bridge pickup both on for the sound.

[@edwardmorris8141]

I saw y'all @ Desert Daze!..and you touched my Soul!

[@lucasmota8409]

I got distant from the band after 2016 and this new album didn't catch me so much as the previous ones (which got a huge emotional impact on me) - I miss the krautrock stuff and that more unique melodic tune.. though after watching this video, I wanna DIIV in their songs & vibes again

[@ataiskandar]

This documentary deserves old photographs of them from the early days :(

[@internetsummoner]

Oh that would have been great !

[@4Azr]

Very good doc and amazing band, been a fan since 2016

[@artistalexanderrobbie]

so stoked to see DIIV in a few weeks.

[@jorgecoelho6392]

DIIV live in Portugal in March. 19th at Hard Club in Porto. 20th March at Lisboa ao Vivo in Lisbon

[@fernandapereira4623]

Oh yeah 😉😋

[@tomasf.7549]

vai ser brutal !! 🔥

[@Twipzy]

thanks for that. After seeing that I don't wanna tour with a band.

[@TauntingGlaciers]

This looks great in all aspects.

[@FernandoRamirez-yu5ns]

I love it! The words that Cole said at the end put a lot of tears in my eyes :')

[@hope_canyon]

cole kinda looks like steve jobs these days. just the buzzcut and glasses i think

[@internetsummoner]

Nick Johnson I can totally see it !! And I think the nose as well gives to the resemblance !

[@timeslikethese52]

Did anyone else cry ?

[@internetsummoner]

Future Trunks that ending was touching !

[@leonpfields9100]

Great short doc 💥

[@internetsummoner]

Yes it was 🤘🏼🔥

[@OhMyGodHeAdmitIt]

nice to see them doing well :) beautiful doc

[@stupeadmusic7591]

the feel-bad music documentary of the year

[@iliketodreambutshewontcare4691]

10 years ago he’s like what I wasn’t even in a band 😂

[@McishAuntieAkushey]

Thats awesome

[@RachhhL]

I first got introduced to these when they supported The Vaccines manyyy years ago in Manchester, been one of my favourite bands ever since 😍

[@pillwithers]

7:33 - Boards of Canada - Julie and Candy 👌

[@frostyforests9997]

Alex Duncan oh my god thank you so much for pointing that out.. I love boards of Canada and DIIV so much, and now I love DIIV even more knowing they like them too!

[@karl7487]

Damn good call. I didn’t even catch that.

[@wavvyboi]

love them so much

[@dylans2604]

Very cool

[@ismaelpineda8158]

This music helps me escape from this miserable world

[@Virmax5701]

i wanna cry so bad

[@ColbyisGEAR]

Great video, now wheres the Deep DIIV doc from years ago?

[@imnobody115]

Just saw these lads in Brighton - fuck me I needed this music

[@orochi6312]

I noticed the spx-50 ;) mbv gang

[@citizenX117]

10:00 nice Magic tour right there

[@tthurlow]

15:57 WOOOO THAT’S ME!

[@eazzband]

come to indonesia againn!! i love you diiv

[@disappearforever6073]

Hell ya boys!!!! 🖤🖤🖤

[@Creaturefiendyo]

There need to be a documentary of thee oh sees

[@ER_aka_RAM]

Fantastic doc!

[@cleaningmyroom1000]

I was at the birthday show, 11/7/19 Cincinnati, Ohio.

[@internetsummoner]

@Sam Wulfekotter Oh man, lucky ! Thanks for putting the location, was wondering where it was at !

[@cleaningmyroom1000]

Internet Summoner yeah man, I got those tickets for my birthday on the second :)

[@internetsummoner]

@Sam Wulfekotter Oh even better !! I can tell it was a wonderful night for the band and you ! :)

[@erikf.9259]

dude on the drums seems always most honest about band life

[@marianodesposorio1166]

Love this

[@lifeisnotlike]

10:00 Magic Player 😍

[@trevorcrump]

Great doc!

[@lailareshad]

sooo good

[@aricholtz5024]

dig that deafheaven poster

[@seahorseseahell]

Julie & Candy in the drive through

[@patricklewis4597]

That Deafheaven poster tho

[@prescottmajette5290]

This was great

[@AaronLikesSpaghetti]

what song are they playing at 9:07?

[@audiolego]

DIIV is so good. Are there any bad DIIV songs.

[@MoeMoneyrunstheWORLD]

Hope this doesn't get taken down like the deep diiv Tidal documentary

[@dissonant__]

Never saw that one, wish I could. :(

[@OhMyGodHeAdmitIt]

@@dissonant__ same! very curious about it :-)

[@juancitolimon8743]

tell more

[@corvaliis]

I just want to hear that fucking My Bloody Valentine cover

[@hauseplants]

what's that??

[@rorymccann9547]

yellow bird hot sauce is actually amazing tho

[@big_daddy6626]

Hell yes

[@mariooteri3047]

Devin was the man.

[@edwardmorris8141]

I fucking love you guys!

[@HelgeStrichen]

Thems be sum angsty bois

[@UltraBigGaming]

they're just so cool

[@cbluett]

You think Cole is an Modern format MtG player? Or more of a Commander/Legacy player? Love the new album!

[@markardisson612]

Yess YellowBird hot sauce is dope

[@gordianstimm]

10:44 made my fucking palms sweat god damn

[@inherbeli]

🌊

[@SJO897]

This is dope

[@reigerm.j.4160]

DIIV ❤

[@stanchick1956]

❤️❤️

[@rebecam.8155]

Andrew Bailey has a side band that also performed at Highland Park in December 2019. Does anyone know the name of that side band? I really dig their music

[@tthurlow]

Rebeca Samayoa nixon/kato

[@georgenelson9038]

Geogaddi!

[@veerchasm1]

“Would you like a Franchise and Pensacola with that Chicken Melt?”