INTERVIEW:
DYLYN
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THE wealth of Canadian talent means, today…
I get to feature the wonderful DYLYN. She talks about the inspiration behind her latest single, Wolf, and why relationship failures/experiences have compelled her work – and why she is in a happier, more settled position now. I ask whether we can expect to see DYLYN in Britain; what kind of music influences her; whether there is more material later this year – and whether music is therapeutic to her.
She tells me more about the upcoming E.P., Sauvignon and a Kimono, and what we can expect from it; the albums that mean the most to her; the musical memories that stand in the mind; whether the Toronto music scene is productive right now – some advice she would give to new artists emerging.
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Hi, DYLYN. How are you? How has your week been?
So happy I got to release this record. I’m sure you can relate to the fact that the weather’s been so up and down (in Canada). I’ve slipped ‘banana peel-style’ twice already: just waiting for the third time (smiles).
For those new to your music; can you introduce yoursel, please?
Heyyy everyone. My name is DYLYN - short for ‘Gwendolyn’. I was born in Toronto, raised in the 'burbs. I fell in love with Led Zeppelin at fourteen and realized music was going to be my future; did the whole Garage band scene; played, played, played shows. I started my solo career and, up until recently, I’ve truly found a sound I can call my own. I’ve always idolized Debbie Harry and Joan Jett - to name a few. I like to pull Punk-y drums and synth - and, mixing it with new sounds blends perfectly with my deep vocals.
Being you is the most important thing in the music world - it’s real and it resonates.
Wolf is your new single. Can you tell me about the origins and how it came to mind?
The past few years have been a bit of a battle. On the upside: you never run out of stuff to write about. Post break-up blues lit the fire - and out came Wolf.
It’s the nature of not giving a f*ck that led to this tune.
It seems a guy - a hot one at that - led the heart into making a bad choice. Did you learn a lot after recording the song?
Isn’t it always about a guy?! I learn a lot about myself when I write these songs. You have to narrow down your real, raw emotions in two-three minutes. Regrets? Never. Things happen for a reason. If we can become stronger from the situation, then we’re in a good place…
Do you feel music has been therapeutic and personally enriching? Has it been a tough last few years to work through?
Wow; it’s as if you knew what I was thinking. Yes! It’s been incredible. I’m happier than ever. I’ve found an incredible guy and I’m a much more positive person. I used to always let negative thoughts get the best of me - but I’ve consciously made an effort to flip that switch.
Good, good; good, good vibrations.
Sauvignon and a Kimono is a great title for an E.P.! What kind of stories and ideas can we expect to hear in the E.P.?
Sauvignon and kimono was my lifestyle while recording the record.
I love a kimono. I’d wake up, go to the studio; come home, put my kimono on and either have a few glasses of Jack (Daniels) or some nice red wine - and repeat. Every song is a stage, emotion or event that transpired in the past few years: breaking down, losing it; losing it again and, mainly, growing.
What music did you grow up listening to? How early did music come into your life?
I probably performed my first song at four-years-old - but it was just a natural instinct. I remember growing up listening to the Beach Boys, The Beatles; then transitioned into Classic-Rock at around fourteen. I have an extensive record collection - and my house is covered in Rock and Roll memorabilia.
It seems you throw a lot of genres and sounds into the mix. Do you think that variability and diversity lends richer emotional weight to your music?
Definitely: I love mixing old with new.
The eras that have influenced my music changed the industry in ways we don’t understand. Taking those seeds and dropping them into new stuff makes it all come together nicely. I love listening to current songs and thinking: ‘Wow; this reminds me of something from the 1970s but I can’t put my finger on it’ – nostalgia; even when it’s hot-off-the-press.
You hail from Toronto. What is the scene like for new musicians? Is it an inspiring city?
I live in the suburbs and rarely get downtown. I’ve written most of my music with producers in L.A. but, funny enough; most of them are Canadian. I can definitely say some incredible acts have broken out from here…definitely something special in our water.
IN THIS PHOTO: Greta Van Fleet/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?
All the artists I’d recommend are dead or not playing anymore...
In terms of new stuff; there’s an incredible band, Greta Van Fleet - the singer sounds like Robert Plant!
If you had to choose the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?
Such a good question…it changes all the time!
Rumours – Fleetwood Mac
The songs never get old - and I always seem to find another lyric that relates to my life.
Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin
They are just Rock and Roll gods (“We’re not worthy”).
Michael Jackson – Off the Wall
He changed everything in music. I always go back to this album because it’s timeless.
Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?
I am going on tour! I'm going to Germany in May. I will definitely be announcing dates soon.
Will you come to the U.K. at some point?
Trying to set that up right now! I’m dying to go there and play…
Any New Year’s resolutions made this year? What do you hope to achieve, personally, in 2018?
Just to be more of a positive thinker. It seems like such a simple task – but, sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy.
Looking back on your time in music so far; are there favourite memories that come to mind?
I love touring...
Put me on a tour for eight months straight and I’ll enjoy every second of it…or finishing a song and sitting on the couch at 6 A.M. in the studio thinking: ‘Wow, I did this’.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Ramble On by Led Zeppelin
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