Last week, we had the absolute pleasure of talking with singer-songwriter Dylan in our collaboration with the team over at 1824! From learning about how lockdown changed her life for the better, to discussing the craziness of getting to play Wembley Stadium, Dylan had the brightest smile on her face the entire time.

 

Dylan’s newest mixtape “The Greatest Thing I’ll Never Learn” was released into the world on October 28th. Being out for a little over a week, the reception has been nothing but positive. Not only was it a pleasure to talk with Dylan and hear her responses from others, she taught us a lot about growth through lockdown. 

 

She goes on to say “I don’t think I’d be having this conversation with you if lockdown had never happened.” Before lockdown, Dylan was doing absolutely anything to be successful. Whether that was playing sounds just to appeal to others, or writing music she didn’t really like. “My project wasn’t working and I’m not afraid to say that, nothing about my artist project was going well. I had some serious catching up to do and lockdown gave me that time to really try and get ahead.” As awful as lockdown was, it definitely changed her life as an artist for the better. 

 

Light Leak: Would you say this is one of your proudest pieces of work and is there a particular song that you cannot wait to play live?

 

Dylan: Yes definitely. I feel like I’m only scratching the surface on the whole “Dylan” world. Like I was really proud of the EP that came out earlier this year, but this one just feels like it’s the beginning of something. I feel like I just got through the start gate now with who I want to be, and the music I want to write. So I’m so, so happy about it. Before this mixtape I used to be very eh about showing people my music. But, this mixtape I’m like so unafraid. And either Blisters or Treat You Bad is my favorite to play live. All of my songs I write to play live. That’s the one thing that’s consistent through all of my writing is as I’m writing it I imagine how it would sound or where it would sit in the set live. And Blisters has got this amazing ending, it has these big guitar stabs at the end. I’m such a sucker for guitar stabs. So I love doing that one live!

Blisters live performance can be seen here!

 

Light Leak: Have you played in a city or venue where it was incredibly memorable and what exactly made it memorable?

 

Dylan: I mean, there’s been so many moments this year. Obviously Wembley, that’s been my dream from day one. My dad has been training me to say “hello Wembley” for as long as I can remember. That has always been at the top of the dream board. I have in my childhood bedroom photos of all of these artists playing Wembley, and I've superimposed my face onto them. So playing that was just ridiculous. And you know being the opener, there was probably like half the venue full so it looks pretty empty. Which is so fine it’s still a load of people. The whole way through the gig I would sort’ve halfway close my eyes and imagine that everybody was screaming my lyrics. I had such a good time, so much space for me to run and kick and jump while dancing. It was very freeing, probably my favorite show this year. I’m not going to forget that anytime soon.

 

Light Leak: That’s awesome! You also mentioned how you’re working with a lot of producers and people who you never thought you’d work with. Do you have a dream artist or producer that you’d want to be in the studio with someday?

 

Dylan: There are many. The two most notable ones are probably Max Martin and Chris Martin. Chris Martin because after slightly coming out of my classic rock phase at about 16, I became horrifically obsessed with Coldplay. To the point where I managed to find a connection, someone who knew Guy Berryman, the bassist, and I put together a CD of my garage band demos with a big long letter being like, I just think that these are so Coldplay these songs. Doesn’t matter if you use them on your next album, I don’t mind at all! Found those demos the other day… utterly awful. But Chris is someone, I would love to understand his brain and the way that he writes songs and the way that he hears music. I would love to be in a session with him, and obviously Max Martin- I bumped into him the other day, I was like oh my god you look so much like Max Martin in my head, then I was like that is Max Martin. But that would probably be the most terrifying session that I ever did also. At one point I feel like I need to get to that, I need to build the confidence first. Or atleast have something to show for myself. 

 

It’s truly amazing nowadays seeing someone light up and be so genuine talking about the music they make. Thank you Dylan for your time and of course thank you 1824 for giving us this opportunity. The people in the studio always give her the space to feel like herself and be at home, while making the music she loves. We can’t wait to hopefully catch her next year on her tour with Ed Sheeran!