(Photo Credit: Kaleb Musser)
We had the opportunity to interview up-and-coming hip-hop artist Dylan Owen! Owen is making waves in the music world having already shared the stage with artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, and Logic. His smooth style and story he shares in his lyrics deeply impacts his fans. He's got a great sound that you've got to check out and be sure to check out our interview with him below!
1. How did you come to pursue music and how long have you been at it?
Some of my earliest memories of music are listening to mix CDs in the car in upstate New York throughout the days of my childhood. It was eclectic—my dad would play everything from the Beastie Boys to Bob Dylan, and my cousin would play Eminem. Those long scenic drives led to my obsessive love of lyrics, and later seeing my older brother play in local punk and hardcore bands inspired me to pick up a microphone to express myself. I’ve been at it for about ten years.
2. Could you walk us through your process of writing music?
I usually start by thinking about the era of my life I want to capture. I think about the impactful experiences that define that time in my life and how I can write about them creatively. I’ll naturally latch on to a few lines I come up with, without any music, and later match the lyrics with whatever music fulfills the right emotion.
3. What artists have inspired you in your career?
Truthfully so many, and I’m still learning about the endless, rich history of music that inspired the people who have inspired me. To name a few writers I really respect: Eyedea, Bob Dylan, Jamie T, Bright Eyes, Run DMC, Hermann Hesse, Jay Z, Talib Kweli, Eminem, John Prine, Anis Mojgani.
4. Do you have any favorite music gear (guitars, amps, effects pedals, keyboards, etc.) that you love to use? If so, what’s the story on them?
I do, even though the lyrics are my main focus. I use one Casio keyboard I got off craigslist for cheap and I borrow my older brother’s acoustic guitar, which is a Taylor. I let myself be limited with instruments so I can focus on the writing in my songs. Someday I would love to get more of my own equipment.
5. Can you describe the vibe at your live shows? Also, what do you enjoy most about a venue when you do a show?
My live shows are energetic and filled with emotion, and usually the audience is really engaged and respectful. I’ve been lucky that the audiences who come to check out my music live generally love to listen to lyrics and aren’t expecting a party. I try to take my recorded music and give it a new live dimension with more energy and a different spin without changing the sound of what’s on the record. I am happy to play in any venue, truly. I grew up playing in coffeeshops and at open mics so I can work with anything. I like when it feels packed.
6. What is one thing that you want the public to know about your music?
It’s my real life. I write it because I have to and I’ll be devoting my life to it for the rest of time. I hope that it can impact somebody out there who is listening.
7. Do you have any upcoming projects you would like fans to know about?
I have a lot of ideas for upcoming projects. I don’t want to announce them just yet, but I made a promise to myself that Holes In Our Stories would be the start of consistent new releases. No more holding back. I hope everybody is ready for a flood of new stuff.