An album release from Dylan Dent showcases the artist's ability to create songs that feel very personal and still have them come through with color, persona, and lots of character.
The Lubby Dubby album is packed to the brim with heart, honesty, and a wonderfully lush Indie pop soundscape that blends elements of alternative and even post-punk elements and it all comes through with such a natural feel and approach that you can tell he's got a lot of different influences that are rolled into one for the creation of this record.
This record is a perfect example of a youth in songwriters that are creating music with fewer boundaries than those that came before them and that's something that should be looked up to because even though it's music created from the heart and from personal experience, it's still holds true to his influences and what got him into music in the first place.
In a strange way, this release is almost like a concept album because the songs do have a way of connecting with each other and they're almost like chapters in the artist's life which is a great way to pull the listener in and start paying attention to the things that he's talking about.
The soundscape of the album is vibrant and Youthful with this undertone of an old soul drifting through life and letting things out and the only way he knows how, which is through the creation of songs.
This kind of thing makes for some of the best songwriting out there and just the fact that it's combined with this newer and more free form of songwriting makes things more intensified and certainly more genuine.
They're definitely layers to be peeled back across the span of this release but it's really fun to do just that.
Although there are definitely several singles that stand on their own two legs very well, this is a record that should be listened to as a whole piece of work because I think that's the way it was meant to be soaked in.
This is something else I've missed for a long time in music.
Full-length albums that have authenticity to them and almost like a storyline, can grab at you and keep you right where it wants to.
Having said all that, there's obviously a mass amount of pop-oriented tonality and approach happening throughout the record and that's what makes it danceable and fun as well.
The combination of the guitars and the keys that are used across the record along with the vocals are part of what makes it kind of nostalgic for me as well which is where the whole alt-pop aspect comes in.
There's definitely a lot of attention to detail during the creation of this record but it never loses that soul that it was born from in the first place and that is the most important thing about the entire record.
With the release of such a bright and honest album, we wanted to have a sit down with Dylan Dent to find out where this all came from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what went down.
BUZZ SLAYERS: Okay, let's start with "Lubby Dubby"! This track captured honesty and a lot of character! How did this release come about?
When I started making music, I made what I knew. All I really knew at the time was pop music. The specific genre might’ve changed but it was all still made with the focus of mass consumption. I wanted to challenge my self more so I tried making things I never heard before. Learned a lot of things by making a lot of different types of music. For this release I wanted to take everything I learned and apply it to making pop music again.
BUZZ SLAYERS: How did this all start for you as an artist?
Well, I’ve always been interested in music and creativity. Honestly, I struggle with self-confidence and when I was younger, I never believed I could do anything like this. Fast forward to 2017, my passion for music had grown but I was on a completely different path. I was contemplating whether to get a job in my field or try hard for grad school. But I’m the back of my mind there was “Quit everything and do art” voice that wouldn’t go away. Then I got hit by a truck in the interstate on a routine drive home from work. Walked out with zero injuries. For real. Zero. Not a scratch. After truly realizing how short life can be I decided to pursue art full time.
BUZZ SLAYERS: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
Strong thoughts that turn into strong feelings. Strong feelings that demand action. Movies, nature, other songs, video games, God, history. Not to sound too hoity toity, but I think the key to staying inspired is not having specific things and learning to be open.
BUZZ SLAYERS: This record has some great approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
There’s a growing laundry list of artists that I truly enjoy and pull from often. For this album, however, I leaned heavily on Jon Bellion, who is one of my all time favorites. I also listened to a lot of Billie Eilish and Finneas. I always manage to keep Donald Glover in rotation. Since I’ve started making music David Bowie has also been someone I return to often.
BUZZ SLAYERS: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Well I’ve still got a day job, so that always manages to take up some time. Outside of that, I adore movies. I probably manage to go to an actual theater once or twice a week. I watch them at home too. Video games and tv are pretty high on the list. I try to exercise and take care of myself, physically. Sprinkle in some quality time with friends and family and that’s basically my whole life.
BUZZ SLAYERS: Who's in your headphones right now?
I have a growing playlist of music I’ve been into this year… it’s at 21 hours. But literally right now I’m listening to the Petey album “USA”. I’ve been on a big Alabama Shakes kick the past couple of weeks. I will always find an excuse to plug Palmyra as well. Great folk trio that stay in rotation.
BUZZ SLAYERS: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Not particularly. A few different circumstances in life prevent touring from being a very viable option. I also have a pretty high energy show, especially when I get to rap. It’s not exactly the most “bar friendly” experience. Until this year I haven’t had any PA or sound equipment either. But that just changed so hopefully it’ll open a couple more doors for me.
BUZZ SLAYERS: Do you record these at a big studio or do you have a home studio set-up?
I have a pretty bare bones home set up. I actually just got monitors this year (six years after I started). I made this album predominantly with GarageBand. Both on an iPad and old MacBook that were both gifted to me. Filled in the rest with a couple mics and a handful of instruments of my own. I’ve only been in a big studio one for a feature. There are positives and negatives to everything. But I’ve preferred the experience of creating at home. It’s a safer space, it’s a cheaper space, and I can try more things. I really do make all these songs completely by myself, so it the home set up works really well.
BUZZ SLAYERS: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
I’ll be in this pop era for a second. Got a little too much left in the tank to move on. As I said, I really am aiming to get out a little more. I don’t want to give too much away. But I’ve an instrumental album in the chamber, about 3 or 4 albums worth of loose beats, and there’s always the Weirdo 3.
BUZZ SLAYERS: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Well honestly, I’m just glad you exist. I feel like I’ve had so much to say about everything else. But I really can’t say much more than thank you here. So, thank you for listening.
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