Diamond Rings

Diamond Rings to perform at Osheaga this year

Cool beans! Diamond Rings is set to perform at this year's edition of Osheaga Music & Arts Festival this summer in Montreal. Other performers include Vampire Weekend, The Cure, Mumford & Sons, New Order, Phoenix and much more. We'll keep you posted when the day-to-day schedule is out so you don't miss Diamond Rings outside at Parc Jean-Drapeau! Osheaga Music & Arts Festival Featuring Diamond Rings and many others. August 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 2013 For tickets, click here

Diamond Rings opens for OMD on upcoming tour

Diamond Rings is proud to announce that he will be supporting British New Wave pioneers, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) through two strings of shows in April and July, which include Canadian dates in Vancouver and Toronto. Currently in the midst of his headlining Runaway Love tour in Western Canada, Diamond Rings has also confirmed a number of live dates at SXSW. He will bring his March tour to a rousing close at CMW in Toronto on March 22nd, where he will be performing alongside Metric, Matt Mays and Yukon Blonde at the SiriusXM Indie Awards. Further information and tickets are available via Diamond Rings’ official website. UPCOMING 2013 TOUR DATES March 06 – Calgary, AB @ The Commonwealth March 07 – Edmonton, AB @ The Starlite Room March 08 – Saskatoon, SK @ Louis' Pub March 09 – Winnipeg, MB @ Pyramid March 14 – Austin, TX – SXSW – Waterloo Records In-Store @ Waterloo Records – 1pm March 14 – Austin, TX – SXSW – FILTER/Dickies Day Party @ Lustre Pearl – 4pm March 14 – Austin, TX – SXSW – Express Showcase @ Austin Music Hall – 7:15pm March 15 – Austin, TX – SXSW – Brooklyn Vegan Day Party @ Old Emo’s – 1:30pm March 15 – Austin, TX – SXSW – Spotify House (DJ gig) @ Spotify House – 4-6pm March 15 – Austin, TX – SXSW – VEVOtv Showcase (acoustic) @ Ghost Room – 8pm March 22 – Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus - SiriusXM Indie Awards April 5 – Vancouver, BC @ The Commodore * April 6 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox* April 7 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom* April 10 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot* April 12 – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency* April 15 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre* July 7 – Ottawa, ON - Ottawa Bluesfest @ LeBreton Flats July 11 – Toronto, ON @ The Danforth Music Hall* July 12 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer* July 13 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club* July 15 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Club* July 17 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5* July 19 – Toronto, ON @ The Danforth Music Hall* July 20 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s Hall* July 22 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre* July 23 – Chicago, IL @ Metro* August 10 – Squamish, BC @ Squamish Valley Music Festival *w/OMD

Diamond Rings could be your valentine

To mark the announcement of his 2013 Runaway Love Tour, Diamond Rings is kicking it elementary school and offering up a baker’s dozen of oversized Valentines in the form of his limited-edition heavy-weight silkscreen posters. Thirteen lucky winners across Canada will receive a signed and personalized Diamond Rings Free Dimensional poster. To enter the contest, fans are invited to tweet their favourite love-related Diamond Rings lyric (bonus points for a rhyming couplet!) @diamondrings with the hashtag #runawaylove. Winners will be choo-choo-chosen by John O himself, and posters will be post-marked on Valentine’s Day, set to arrive before the start of the Runaway Love tour. Runaway Love Tour Dates Friday, March 01, 2013 – Vancouver, BC @ The Commodore Saturday, March 02, 2013 – Victoria, BC @ Sugar Wednesday, March 06, 2013 – Calgary, AB @ The Commonwealth Thursday, March 07, 2013 – Edmonton, AB @ The Starlite Room Friday, March 08, 2013 – Saskatoon, SK @ Louis' Pub Saturday, March 09, 2013 – Winnipeg, MB @ Pyramid Friday, March 22nd, 2013 – Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus *SiriusXM Indie Awards Click here to buy tickets.

An interview with MTV Hive

Going into this record was there any overarching thing that you specifically wanted to do differently from Special Affections? Yeah, I knew that I wanted it to be a step up, sonically. I had this real epiphany moment when my creative director Lisa and I went to see Katy Perry in Toronto, at the hockey arena where she was playing last summer. And somehow “All Yr Songs,” one of my first tracks, made it onto the playlist that they were playing before her set. And that was really cool, on the one hand, hearing it in that context, this bedroom, lo-fi recording being played in this big hockey arena. But on the other hand it sort of showed how different what I was doing sounded from everything else that was from, let’s face it, what a large percentage of the population is really into. I think as a pop artist, or one that strives to be a pop artist, ultimately I want to connect with people, as many people as I can. So I knew that I wanted songs to kind of speak that more populist language, sonically. I didn’t really change my approach lyrically or emotionally. I feel like they’re still conveying the same message, but just coated in a way that has a few more layers of gloss. It’s like we spent a two more hours waxing the car.

Tiny Mixtape review

That we have here an exercise in eclectic modern pop rather than pure synth recreationism is evidenced in the crunchy guitar lines of “Runaway Love” — or the unexpected rap interludes (which listeners will find divisive). This fuck-you assertiveness (even in the absence of the “fuck”) proclaims a defiance that chimes with the mainstream pop paradigm (if also nodding to O’s characteristic play across a range of gendered stereotypes). It’s a mood that replaces Special Affections’ dark-edged tint — and, as a further nod to pop’s now-characteristic biographical qualities, closer “Day and Night” is a customary narrative of the travails of touring.

Diamond Rings performs on Jay Leno

In case you've missed Diamond Rings' performance on Jay Leno last Wednesday night, you catch it on the Exclaim! website. Diamond Rings' Fall Canadian Tour starts on Friday November 16 in Victoria, click here to see all the dates and buy tickets.

Diamond Rings on the cover of NOW Magazine, best local male vocalist

Diamond Rings has been voted "Best Locale Male Vocalist" by the people of Toronto in this year's Best of the City. Click here to read the interview.

Diamond Rings performs on Letterman

In case you've missed Diamond Rings on David Letterman last week, watch it here!

La Presse - Interview with Diamond Rings

C'était il y a six semaines, avant la sortie de son deuxième disque, Free Dimensional, survenue lundi dernier. À l'image du premier extrait, I'm Just Me, c'est un album plus pop que son prédécesseur qui regorge de confiance. Avec la voix grave de John O'Regan, les chansons dansantes se démarquent par une belle noirceur new-wave et par des textes de type «journal intime». «Cet album respire quelque chose de direct et de la confiance, explique-t-il. Je voulais avoir le son le plus fantastique qui soit. Depuis deux ans, je suis fasciné par la musique pop et je voulais un son plus poli.»

Exclaim! album review - Diamond Rings

Diamond Rings has evolved past its '80s glam-pop melodies into a new era of electronic music that's still shimmering with boisterous pop, but introduces new dimensions into its already packed bag of tricks, including a rap verse or two. In many cases, that wouldn't work, but in O'Regan's anything-is-possible, self-esteem-touting universe, he can do whatever he wants and we will happily sing and dance along.

4.5 out of 5 for Free Dimensional - Postmedia News

It would be somewhat dismissive and insulting to refer to the new album from Canadian synth hero Diamond Rings (a.k.a. John O'Regan) as merely retro. Sure, it is. It really is. Anyone who grew up in the '80s or has an affinity for the music of the time can't help but listen and hear that past, the dark wave, the cold wave, the new wave, the old wave. Can't help but hear Howard Jones, Clan of Xymox, Depeche Mode, Leisure Process, Sique Sique Sputnik, Dead Or Alive, etc. Can't help but be won over, seduced and satisfied. It's stylish. It's sexy. It's voluptuous. It's superb. And it's also incredibly of now. Right now. Today. It's the musical equivalent of watching Drive, something that's so obviously anchored in the past -- the fashion, the pastels, the bright lights -- but so entirely in the present. And something that transcends merely that nostalgic yearning for what came before. The delivery, the presentation: Excellent. The songs: Incredible and lasting and substantive. It's impossible not to want to return to tracks such as "Runaway Love," "I'm Just Me," "A to Z," "Stand My Ground" and, probably most notably, "Day & Night." It's impossible to hear Free Dimensional and be struck by all of it and, especially, that vision that wraps it up and brings it all together. In a retro, futuristic, contemporary kind of way. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 -- Mike Bell, Postmedia News

Brand new video for Runaway Love, Free Dimensional is out today

Diamond Rings’ highly anticipated sophomore album Free Dimensional is out today. Free Dimensional is available now on iTunes, across fine record stores across the country, and on CD and LP directly from us. Today also marks the premiere of the brand new video for Runaway Love, directed by Sébastien Landry and Baz. The video was shot an hour outside Montreal back in September..

Diamond Rings on Leno and Letterman

It's true! Diamond Rings will be performing on both Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, respectively on October 26 and November 7 to highlight the new release of his brand new album, Free Dimensional. Out on October 22 via Secret City in Canada, you can pre-order the album now on iTunes. Tune in to catch his TV appearances! Diamond Rings on Late Show with David Letterman October 26 at 11:35PM on CBS Diamond Rings on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno November 7 at 11:35PM on NBC

Diamond Rings on tour across Canada this Fall

Set to release his sophomore album, Free Dimensional, via Secret City on October 22nd Diamond Rings has just announced a full Canadian tour in support of the record. John O and his band (including Graham Van Pelt a.k.a Miracle Fortress) are currently on the road supporting Stars in the US, after kicking off the tour together last night at Pop Montreal. The bands have engaged in a remix swap as a way to ignite their tour together, both of which premiered earlier this week on RCRDLBL. Diamond Rings will play in his hometown on November 29 at the Virgin Mobile Mod Club and in Montreal on December 6 at Sala Rossa. 11/16 – Victoria, BC – Club 9ONE9 Tickets 11/17 – Vancouver, BC – Fortune Sound Club Tickets 11/20 – Calgary, AB – HiFi Club Tickets 11/21 – Edmonton, AB – Pawn Shop Tickets 11/22 – Regina, SK – The Exchange Tickets 11/23 – Winnipeg, MB – Pyramid Cabaret Tickets 11/28 – London, ON – Call The Office Tickets 11/29 – Toronto, ON – Virgin Mobile Mod Club Tickets 11/30 – Hamilton, ON – This Ain’t Hollywood Tickets 12/01 – Waterloo, ON – Starlight Room Tickets 12/06 – Montreal, QC – Sala Rossa Tickets 12/07 – Ottawa, ON – Ritual Tickets

Billboard - Diamond Rings

With striking visuals that match the synth-pop hooks of his music, one-man act Diamond Rings (aka, John O'Regan) - who echoes vintage Depeche Mode - is prepping the release of his second album, Free Dimensional (due Oct. 22). Diamond Rings' current single, "I'm Just Me," is percolating under the Dance Club Songs chart and is certain to be featured when his tour with Stars starts on Sept. 20. His solo tour launches on Oct. 14.

Fashion Magazine - Diamond Rings is Hot this Fall

Arguably Canada’s most stylish pop dynamo, John O of Diamond Rings has the attitude of Grace Jones, the voice of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis and the look of a My Little Pony. His Special Affections debut of 2010 became an unexpected hit, due in no small part to “All Yr Songs,” a bashful, sing-songy synth love note.

Diamond Rings: Entertainment Weekly Lady Gaga 'Singles Swap'

Diamond Rings: Chromewaves reviews Toronto showcase

And while Diamond Rings fans who were won over by his distinctive baritone, future-first style, and danceable anthems are well attended to, long-time fans might be pleasantly surprised how much O’Regan allows his rock roots – impeccably coiffed and styled they might be – to show.

Diamond Rings in Bullett Magazine

Behind the photogenic fashioning, the lyrics that makes your heart go wah, and the chills-and-schwing performance, is a lot of thought. Two minutes into my twenty and I’m convinced of his genius. It’s bell hooks and theories of performativity and band references I just nod along to. (Someone give this kid a MacArthur already.) You don’t want to listen to me. It’s just him.

Toronto Star covers Diamond Rings' Free Dimensional showcase in Toronto

This set was all new and, as they say, all hits, with the tingly 'Runaway Love' ... loudly announcing itself as an anthem-in-waiting to rival the recent, gloriously clubby teaser single 'I’m Just Me.' ... The presentation is now fully in line with the voice and the songwriting. The world could be his.

Diamond Rings : The Globe and Mail

People know what’s not right in the world. As much as I admire those artists who point out shortcomings of mainstream society, I think it’s nice to have a boost, too

Diamond Rings - LA Music Blog showcase review

Announcing the second number, 'Runaway Love,' he quipped, 'This next song is a self-defense mechanism.' Slinging a guitar around his neck he explained, 'Where I come from, if you dress like I do and you don’t have a few rock numbers up your sleeve, it’s not a good situation.' From that moment forward, the audience belonged to Diamond Rings.

Diamond Rings on KCRW

Diamond Rings played a great live session yesterday on Morning Becomes Eclectic , revealing songs from his upcoming album Free Dimensional, out October 22rd in Canada and the US. You can listen to session online by clicking here. Or simply watch the video for Runaway Love!

KCRW : Diamond Rings live performance

He’s really fun to watch and this live preview has me really looking forward to the new record!

Brooklyn Vegan - Diamond Rings announce new album

Diamond Rings is favoring much bigger and more polished production for this one, and and can definitely no longer be referred to as bedroom pop. That's not necessarily a bad thing though

Consequence of Sound - Diamond Rings

Last month, Toronto electro-pop musician John O’Regan (AKA Diamond Rings) released his new single, “I’m Just Me”. And now, he’s announced his sophomore album: Free Dimensional

Prefix - Diamond Rings teaser

O'Regan, sauntering through a desert sandstorm to the sound of whiny '90s hip-hop synths and computerized handclaps. It's only 30 seconds long, but 30 seconds is more than enough to get fans psyched for Free Dimensional's October release.

Pitchfork : Diamond Rings' new album

As previously reported, Canadian glam rocker John O, aka Diamond Rings, is putting out a new album this fall.

Free Dimensional, Diamond Rings' brand new album, in stores October 23rd

The wait is almost over! Diamond Rings' brand new album Free Dimensional will be in stores on October 23rd on Secret City. Check out the first teaser for the album! John O also just confirmed a Fall USA tour as a special guests of canadian band Stars. Dates below. 09/20/12 Portland, ME || Port City Music Hall 09/21/12 Boston, MA || Paradise Rock Club 09/22/12 New York, NY || Webster Hall 09/23/12 Washington, DC || 9:30 Club 09/25/12 Charlottesville, VA || Jefferson Theater 09/26/12 Carrboro, NC || Cat's Cradle 09/27/12 Charlotte, NC || Visulite Theatre 09/28/12 Atlanta, GA || Variety Playhouse 09/29/12 Nashville, TN || Mercy Lounge 10/02/12 Louisville, KY || Headliners Music Hall 10/03/12 Cincinnati, OH || 20th Century Theater 10/04/12 Indianapolis, IN || Deluxe at Old National Centre 10/05/12 St. Louis, MO || Plush 10/06/12 Columbia, MO || The Blue Note 10/09/12 Lawrence, KS || The Bottleneck 10/10/12 Tulsa, OK || Cain's Ballroom 10/11/12 Little Rock, AR || Revolution Music Room 10/12/12 Houston, TX || Fitzgerald’s: Upstairs 10/13/12 Dallas, TX || Granada Theater 10/17/12 San Diego, CA || House Of Blues 10/18/12 Los Angeles, CA || Mayan Theatre 10/19/12 Santa Cruz, CA || Rio Theatre 10/20/12 San Francisco, CA || The Fillmore

Pitchfork - Diamond Rings I'm Just Me

The lead single "I'm Just Me" is out today. Below, watch the video, directed by Jared Raab, which features a lot of eye shadow, vogue dancing, lasers, and angular jackets. Never change, John!

Dallas Voice - Diamond Rings Video I'm Just Me

Channeling his inner Devo, Rings deep voice glides over hard beats. Part club music, part indie rock, “I’m Just Me” definitely improves on his sounds from his last album Special Affections which was already amazing. Boy dancers and Starck Club imagery punctuate the video with energy as we see Diamond Rings embrace his polished off new self.

Stereogum - Diamond Rings : Smokey and Glam

The track is called “I’m Just Me,” and the album is yet untitled; the video is directed by Jared Raab, and it is smokey and glam and full of TV screens, scantily clad background dancers, and lasers. Just like my life.

Chart Attack - Diamond Rings is The future of pop glam

If you’re looking for the future of glam pop, look no further than Diamond Rings. John O’Regan aka Diamond Rings is the heir to the pop throne, laying his claim firmly with his latest music video for “I’m Just Me,” a pop title that evokes Madonna or Lady Gaga, but is expressly his own.

Kelly Green Blog - Diamond Rings is Super-catchy, synthy and fun!

He has the potential to be huge, but I feel like he’s too good, so he’ll remain a little under the mainstream. What do you think? Am I wrong? Do you see full-tilt-bigger-than-Gaga-fame for Diamond Rings? We can only hope…

Exclaim! - Diamond Rings unveiled I'm Just Me

The celebratory synth anthem is paired with laser-heavy visuals and outfits that appear to be from the future. Add in jewel-encrusted sunglasses, neon nail polish, dancers and an over-active fog machine and we've got ourselves a party.

Much Music about Diamond Rings new video

“Director Jared Raab creates a world of smoke, mirrors, and intense lasers for Diamond Rings’ first single from his upcoming album.” There’s also some underwater shots and fabulicious dancing by a guy in spandex. And if you happened to see Diamond Rings walk the red carpet at the MMVAs, you’ll recognize his futuristic, Bowie-esque garb. Looks like with this new album, he’s taking his style up another notch. Everybody in extreme shoulder pads!

DIAMOND RINGS NEW SINGLE & VIDEO FOR “I’M JUST ME” OUT NOW

Secret City Records is proud to announce the release of Diamond Rings’ first single and video I’m Just Me taken from his forthcoming album, co-produced with Grammy-nominated Damian Taylor (Bjork, The Killers, Prodigy, UNKLE, Robyn and Austra). The track is available now on iTunes, while the video, directed by Jared Raab, premiered on Pitchfork earlier this morning.

Undertow Magazine - Diamond Rings

Part of the process is research; listening to my favourite records for every sonic detail, every frequency, and then crafting something organic and unique.

Diamond Rings presents new single "I'm Just Me", out June 26

On June 26th, Juno nominated modern pop maestro Diamond Rings returns with a brand new single I’m Just Me on Secret City Records. The single is a track from his forthcoming full-length co-produced by the Grammy-nominated Damian Taylor (Bjork, Robyn, Austra) due for release later this year. The single will be available for sales on iTunes on June 26, meanwhile have a look at the teaser!

Diamond Rings nominated for a Juno Award

Congratulations to Diamond Rings for being nominated in the Best New Artist category for this year's Juno Awards, alongside Dan Mangan, Alyssa Reid, JRDN and Lindi Ortega. The nominations were announced this morning in Toronto while the gala will be happening on Sunday April 1st in Ottawa. Good luck, John O!

Diamond Rings - You & Me 7"

Diamond Rings is pleased to announce that he will be rounding out an incredible year by supporting Junior Boys on a slew of European tour dates kicking off in Stockholm on November 18th. In addition to the tour, Diamond Rings’ critically acclaimed debut full-length Special Affections will be available in Europe on November 1st courtesy of Astralwerks. Diamond Rings will also release a limited edition 7” featuring the choice Special Affections cut You & Me on the A-Side. The flip side sees John O apply his signature danceable interpretation to Teenage Fanclub’s Mellow Doubt. The digital version is already available on iTunes in Europe and North America, with the vinyl available on the European tour and in Canada as of November 29 via Secret City. Listen To O’Regan’s cover of Teenage Fanclub’s “Mellow Doubt” here courtesy of Pitchfork.

NOW Toronto interviews director of Diamond Rings new video, "It's Not My Party"

"I remember at the end of the night as John was desperately trying to hail a cab, a man came up to me and asked “Are you with her?” I said “Yes - she’s wasted and it’s time for me to take her home.”"

Diamond Rings at Vancouver's Biltmore Cabaret on Backstage Rider

"Diamond Rings is equal parts neon bright colours and gangly tree-limbs, smeared lipstick and a great shaved head, amazing sweet lyrics and Casiotone overload."

Diamond Rings' LA Show Review on One Thirty BPM

"Sure, we get countless excellent shows in Los Angeles. Hell, we even got at least three last weekend. But, Diamond Rings brought something special and memorable to the table"

Diamond Rings extends North American tour

Diamond Rings isn’t showing any signs of slowing down in 2011 after a 2010 that saw him go from curiosity to pop-star in just a few months. Since the October release of Special Affections he’s scored big support from Pitchfork, grabbed New York Times and NME nods, landed on to the cover of Exclaim! and scored the number 2 spot in the 6th annual hottest bands in Canada poll behind only Arcade Fire. As if that wasn’t enough, In December he announced that he’d be supporting pop superstar Robyn on her 2011 North American tour starting in January. Now we’re pleased to announce that John O will staying on the road through April on a co-headline tour with Canadian pals PS I Love You. Full tour details are on the shows page.

Diamond Rings to tour with Robyn

Secret City Records is please to announce that pop-prince Diamond Rings will be touring the United States with international sensation Robyn in January and February. These is the dates:

Diamond Rings on Daytrotter

"The songs, when they are bare and shivering as they are here, with stark instrumentation - accompaniment from a single guitar pulled down from the studio wall or the upright piano in the corner - are bleeding and pulsing examples of hypersensitivity and of a narrator who has been to some dark places."

Diamond Rings on the SPIN blog

"Diamond Rings’ debut, Special Affections, has four or five of the catchiest choruses I’ve heard this year... some seriously well-crafted, catchy music."

Diamond Rings on KEXP Song of the Day

"irresistible"

Special Affections Pitchfork Review (8.2)

"But as fascinating as it is to hear an indie rock artist step outside of his comfort zone, both musically and emotionally, Special Affections' skeletal electro-pop sketches routinely fortify into full-blooded anthemic choruses that make O'Regan's liberation your own. ... an exemplary model of how one can live out blinged-out fantasies on a cubic zirconia budget."

Diamond Rings Exclaim! Cover Story

"The transformation from John O'Regan of the D'Urbervilles to Diamond Rings was a shock for most, to say the least. His style is equal parts Bowie circa Aladdin Sane, Retro Junk and Foot Locker; his music borrows from Arthur Russell, Handsome Furs, Peaches and Grace Jones, and his embrace of the music video is as shrewd as Michael Jackson, Madonna and Lady Gaga before him ― albeit on a shoestring budget."

Special Affections Austin Town Hall Review

"an album to spin over and over and over again"

Diamond Rings in Paper

"t' s no surprise that Diamond Rings is one of this year's biggest music blog darlings. Keyboard in tow and signature kaleidoscopic makeup painted on his porcelain complexion, the Toronto-bred Diamond Rings creates upbeat, synth-laden pop music that blows past typical dance tunes, utilizing lyrics that boast substance and nostalgia over shock-value."

Special Affections Metro News Review

"A flawless debut."

Special Affections Quick Before It Melts Review

"Special Affections crackles, pops and sparks with energy and wit, threatening to morph from a bonfire to an inferno before your very eyes."

Special Affections Soundscapes Review

"It is perfect pop music that points to that specific, chrysalid moment of change, acting it out in both figurative and literal ways. O'Regan chronicles these changes with plainspoken vocals that sound experienced, bored and overwhelmed all at once. And of the record's ten tracks, at least half of them are full-on hits."

Special Affections - The Onion A/V Club Review

"But although the laptop rocker’s 2009 breakthrough viral video “All Yr Songs” dripped with intentional gimmickry, it also hinted at a sincere sentimentality that O’Regan’s debut, Special Affections, wears wholeheartedly. Much of that is due to O’Regan’s voice, a charming, sad bastard baritone reminiscent of The Triffids’ David McComb or, more pointedly, The Magnetic Fields’ Stephin Merritt, with whom he also shares a love of simple synth-pop à la The Human League"

Diamond Rings Interview Magazine feature

"With a voice that has been characterized as a purring Ian Curtis, Diamond Rings is part dance album, part diary."

Diamond Rings' debut, Special Affections, is out today!

Diamond Rings debut full-length album is out today. It's called Special Affections and it's awesome, and we don't seem to be the only ones who think so. John O has also launched a new Diamond Rings website for All Things Rings.

Diamond Rings - Special Affections - Toronto Star Pick of the Week

"Make no mistake, though, as fabulous as Diamond Rings’ makeup-slathered style might be, Special Affections has the substance to back it up."

Diamond Rings CMJ review in New York Times blog

"Onstage alone, he more than held his own, doing self-aware tunes... in a lush vocal over a synthy backing track from his laptop."

Something Else on Pitchfork's Playlist

"a real standout, lovingly carrying the torch for the pepped-up gloom of O'Regan's post-punk forebears. Not to say that "Something Else" is that down of a song, with its jukey drum machine and that Strokes-y guitar hook giving off some delightful, dancefloor-ready vibes.../O'Regan ends up winning the "better without you" battle handily, coming off like the last of a famous dying breed of international, tongue-in-cheek miserablists. And that looks absolutely terrific on him."

Your Flesh Mag - Special Affections review

"poised on the edge of mega-stardom with this first collection of extremely memorable and intelligent pop songs...Avoiding this album is gonna be pretty difficult in the near future, so get into this quick so you can hip all your friends to it and be a hero while there’s still time…"

Diamond Rings - Special Affections Chromewaves Review

"the sky is the limit and Special Affections delivers on all promises made."

Diamond Rings drops new video, announces more tour dates and full CMJ schedule

It’s going to be a very busy fall for Diamond Rings. He's already dropped a Tunnelvision documentary, released the limited-edition Something Else 7”, wooed crowds at Pop Montreal, and is currently in Reykjavik for the annual Iceland Airwaves festival. As if that wasn't enough, we're pleased to announce his latest video for the single “Something Else” along with tons more tour dates across North America and the UK, highlighted by a jam-packed schedule at CMJ. You can check out the new video here. "Something Else" will appear on Diamond Rings’ debut album Special Affections out October 25th across North America. We're now accepting pre-orders for the CD and LP. You can also currently pre-order from iTunes and Amazon. As soon as John O is done in Iceland he'll be bouncing over to New York for a very busy CMJ that's bookended by an official showcase at the Stereo-Gun Party on October 20th, and Pitchfork #Offline on October 23rd. The Special Affections tour then kicks off October 26th in Toronto, and dates have been added in Montreal (Halloween!), Vancouver, LA, San Fransisco, Chicago and more. New dates will be added in the coming weeks as well. The complete tour dates are below. Be sure to join the Diamond Rings mailing list for more up-to-minute details. Tour Dates: 10/16 Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavik, Iceland 10/20 CMJ (Stereo Gun Party) Santos Party House, New York, NY 10/21 CMJ (Knitting Factory Party), Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, NY 10/21 CMJ (NYC Taper Day Party) Cake Shop, New York, NY 10/22 CMJ (Distiller Day Party), Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, NY 10/23 CMJ (Bowery Presents Party), Pianos, New York, NY 10/23 CMJ (Pitchfork #Offline) Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn, NY 10/26 The Garrison, Toronto, ON* 10/27 Alex P. Keaton, London, ON* 10/28 This Ain't Hollywood, Hamilton, ON* 10/29 Raw Sugar Café, Ottawa, ON* 10/30 The Mansion, Kingston, ON* 10/31 Il Motore, Montreal, QC* 11/01 Ebar Guelph, ON* 11/04 Mojo, Liverpool, UK 11/05 Inside Out, Darlington, UK 11/06 Barfly, Cardiff, UK 11/08 The Forum, Sheffield, UK 11/09 Roadmender, Northampton, UK 11/10 The Lexington, London, UK 11/11 The Ruby Lounge, Manchester, UK 11/12 The Adelphi Club, Hull, UK 11/13 Cockpit, Leeds, UK 11/18 The Pawn Shop, Edmonton, AB 11/19 Broken City, Calgary, AB 11/20 Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, BC 11/23 Echo, Los Angeles, CA 11/25 330 Ritch, San Francisco, CA 11/28 Lucky Bar, Victoria BC 12/01 Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL 12/03 DC9, Washington DC 12/04 Glasslands, Brooklyn, NY * w/ PS I Love You

Vue Weekly - Special Affections review

"Special Affections moves Diamond Rings into much more thoughtful territory, exploring the aspects of love, loss and youth that he only scratched the surface of in his first single." [ four stars]

Diamond Rings announces new 7" single, first wave of tour dates in support of Special Affections

Happy days, there's a new Diamond Rings 7-inch on the way. The A-side boasts a new song entitled Something Else—the next banging single off of the forthcoming Special Affections which is due October 25th. The 7-inch is limited to 500 copies and will be out on September 28th. Don't worry, if that's too long to wait for your next Diamond Rings fix, yesterday Stereogum premiered the B-side to said 7-inch, a cover of Milla Jovovich's 1994 hit, The Gentleman Who Fell. It also features Owen Pallett taking care of the piano and string arrangements. Aaand it's available for pre-order from us now, if you want to ensure getting your hands on a freshly pressed copy. Diamond Rings has also just announced the first wave of tour dates in support of the full length. In addition to his Rifflandia and Pop Montreal festival appearances at the end of the month (and a one off in Seattle), he'll be inaugurating a tour the day the record drops in Canada, with a release show on October 26th in Toronto at the Garrison. Check it out: Sep 22 – Seattle, WA – Crocodile Cafe w/ Perfume Genius Sep 25 – Victoria, BC – Rifflandia Festival Sep 30 – Montreal, QC – Cabaret Juste Pour Rire (Pop Montreal) Oct 16 – Reykjavik, Iceland – Iceland Airwaves Festival Oct 26 – Toronto, ON – The Garrison Oct 27 – London, ON – Alex P Keaton Oct 28 – Hamilton, ON – This Ain’t Hollywood Oct 29 – Ottawa, ON – Raw Sugar Café Oct 30 – Kingston, ON – Mansion

Interview Magazine - Diamond Rings

As soon as I turn around and face the audience, it's game time. You're on—you're not off until the lights dim. And, that's what I love about it, about performing. Just being in that moment.

The Gazette - Diamond Rings

Unabashed romance and wide-eyed optimism are in effect on these upbeat party tunes. Runaway Love has an infectious hook and casual punk spirit. I’m Just Me is Pet Shop Boys with a hint of rave anthemics

Toronto Life - Diamond Rings :The most revolutionary musician of the decade

At he Air Canada Centre the PA blasted Top 40: Britney Spears, David Guetta, LMFAO. Suddenly there was a rattle of acoustic guitar, and “All Yr Songs” was booming across the arena, and the crowd began doing the wave. At that moment it seemed like the universe was legitimizing their ambitions

Vulture - Diamond Rings

Is John O'Regan the male Grace Jones? Or is Grace Jones the male Grace Jones? We report, you decide.

the Pop Sucker - Diamond Rings

i'm just me" retains the '80s synths and the rich baritone vocals that made tracks like "you & me" and "something else" so irresistible.