The music scene is richer and more diverse than it has ever been with home recording and mixing technology allowing young musicians to get their hands dirty with every aspect of the production process, from recording, to composition, mixing and sound design, music artists these days are usually running their ship like CEO, creative director, poet and maestro. But with great power comes great responsibility and simply turning your hand to music production may not be enough to stand out in the ever expanding pool of audio culture. One guy that definitely does stand out is MC/Producer Dylan aka Dyloco.
I first met Dylan at a vocal recording session in Pirate Tottenham.
Dylan had recently made the transition from MC to MC/Producer and showed me some of the new beats he was cooking up. What struck me in particular was how advanced his instrumentals were straight off the bat, blending UKG beats with Synthwave and Soundtrack under a drill rap flow.
We caught up with Dylan to see what was good in the murkey world of the London Underground bass music scene.
Morning Dylan, how are you?
Yeah, good man, I can't complain.
How did you first get into making music?
I've always written lyrics from the age of about 8 or so. That was my first love and I would spend hours writing and rapping growing up. I got into the production side of things a few years ago, but it was always a bit of a maze figuring out the DAWs. I suppose that's how it is with production, there are hundreds of ways of going about it, whereas lyricism is just putting pen to paper at its core. But it's good now to be dabbling in the production side of things properly.
Your first single "State of it All" really made an impact with us and represents your first furray into the lime-light. How did this song come about?
Thank you and I'm glad it did have an impact. That was the intention with the track really. I remember sitting there, having heard about some other scandal on behalf of our government and just got an overarching feeling of resentment towards them that I needed to verbalise. The tory government has been in power since I was in secondary school so it's all a lot of us have known - years of austerity and cuts to public services and spending tax payers money on contracts with their mates. I wanted to make sure the first track I did was about this, as to me this government is the biggest issue we face in this country. I know it doesn't make for relaxing listening or escapism necessarily, but I think it was the most necessary and vital thing I could've written about.
How have your influences evolved over the years and who have been your biggest inspirations?
I grew up listening to all sorts, but my biggest passion was and probably still is Hip Hop/Rap. My Dad always had music on non-stop in our house - the likes of Massive Attack to Roots Manuva and Skinnyman. The Slim Shady LP blew me away when I first listened to that at about 5 or 6. I remember asking my cousin what 'cunt' meant after hearing 'Brain Damage'. Eminem's unhinged attitude and lyricism was infectious for a lot of young people back then and I definitely got swept up in that from a young age. As I've gotten older, my influences have definitely widened. I have been listening to Future Garage and alternative electronica music for years now - the likes of Bonobo, Four Tet, Burial. It sounds cliché but I like music that diverts from the norm in terms of structure, but obviously just the right amount.
Personally I see music making as an integral part of a greater self development journey. What do you feel making music has taught you about yourself?
That's something I think I'm still working on. Lyricism has always been cathartic for me. It’s a way to express my inner psyche and I think I am beginning to understand that it's just something I have to do - I don't really have a choice. Some people have other ways of expressing themselves, be it through football or work or drugs or whatever. Mine is through music and I'm learning it always has been.
Can you tell us about your upcoming release.?
Dutch Courage is loosely centred around drink culture in the UK - about life as a young person, growing up in London. It's funny because London can be the craziest, most fun-filled city on Earth at times, and I genuinely do believe nowhere can rival it. But other times the sheer vastness and the fact that everyone can just be whoever they want to be can be isolating in a way. The track starts with introspection, moves on to a bit more aggression in the bars and then just regret, mimicking how it might feel on a night out.
Exploring your musical evolution, how do you balance preserving your signature sound while exploring new sonic territories in your recent releases?
I'm still learning when it comes to production. As simple as it sounds, production wise I'm open to trying anything that I think works. I trust my ear when it comes to production and I think that's all I can do at the moment. I'm not overly concerned with stepping on other people's toes sonically, as long as my music is authentic and sounds good that's my main priority.
The music industry often involves a mix of highs and lows. Can you share a memorable moments in your career that stands out, and how did it impact your perspective?
Getting the first track on BBC Radio London was a high. I hadn't expected it, but I think it just set the bar for me, in that I now have to push on from that place.
Beyond the technical aspects of music production, how do you approach conveying emotions and stories through your music?
I've heard it mentioned a lot about inspiration - that it is just like a wave - and that's how it works for me. Sometimes it comes when you least expect it. I get wrapped up in writing bars on the tube and miss my stop sometimes. It's difficult to get out of the zone once you're in it.
Are there any films, books, or visual arts that have significantly influenced your music, and if so, how?
I am a big film fan, but only recently really started appreciating it. I struggled to sit still for 90 minutes before in all honesty, but this changed over Lockdown when we had nothing else to do. I think the best films are those that change the way you think about the world or challenge your moral compass. I recently watched Wild Tales, an Argentinian film which was like a socialist Tarantino. I also watched Paths of Glory for the first time recently which blew me away with how it explored masculinity and bravery and how it links to morality before any of this was particularly in vogue. I also like films that are hectic, like Good Times and Uncut Gems. In a weird way the chaos of the city, makes me feel at home and is almost relaxing. I also am a big fan of TV, appreciating the obvious gems like Breaking Bad but also within the UK series like Peep Show that I think have such a thorough understanding of, and now contribution towards, British Culture.
Reflecting on your musical journey, what challenges have you faced, and how have they contributed to your growth as an artist?
I was rapping over beats ten years ago, but I never saw it as a viable path at the time so I stopped. This time around, I feel more revitalised and prepared for the ups and downs, having been through a few sobering life lessons. Aside from that, since I was a teenager trying my hand at spitting bars, I've been to uni twice and I've worked in various jobs - starting as a barman and then in construction and media for a bit before going into Law - working in Immigration, Criminal and Media. I have always wanted a life with variety, where I can experience as much as I can and I think that has helped me grow as an artist.
The music industry is constantly evolving.
How do you stay current with trends while maintaining your unique artistic identity?
For me, I don't really worry about having a unique artistic identity. It is mostly about blending different influences together and adding my own twist. For example, I can appreciate drill music and take stylistic elements of that, even if the content of my lyrics is completely different. I always thought the flow and energy of that, would fuse well with the introspective and unpredictable music of someone like Four Tet or Burial. We don't live in a vacuum and I don't think we can help but be influenced by the music around us and I think as long as you are not outright plagiarising it, or making a mockery of it, it shouldn't affect your integrity as an artist.
Music has the power to evoke emotions and create connections. What message or feelings do you hope listeners take away from your music, and how do you aim to connect with your audience on a deeper level through your art?
I think each track will evoke different emotions. For The State Of It All, I didn't particularly want to rile people up to have even more loathing for the government. It was more just about expressing everything they've done wrong and all my resentment about that into a two and a half minute track. For my next track, I think it touches on a few different emotions and I find it difficult to pinpoint one specific feeling that I'd want people to leave with. I can only share my stories or those of the people around me. I would expect certain themes to have more of an impact than others but it's not something I actively try to think about when making music and often my ideas feel pretty disjointed.
As an artist, how has your approach evolved since you first started?
I touched on this a bit before, about music inspiration being like a wave. Ultimately this has always been how I've made music. Especially with lyrics, the best ones come when you least expect it. I could say to myself I'm gonna sit down between 11-12 and write for an hour but that's not how it works. As banal as it sounds you can't schedule artistic expression, you just gotta put pen to paper when it hits. I'm finding it is much the same when it comes to producing as well.
What parts of the process do you enjoy the most and which bits do you just have to grit your teeth for?
As it may have become clear, I love the lyric writing, and I think that's because it acts as a kind of release for me. I also like the melodic elements of making a beat. Bringing chords together, mixing elements at production level and sound arrangement is something I am beginning to really enjoy, as I get more to grips with how production works. Production wise, my least favourite bits are the final touches. I find myself just wanting to start something else, or just get it out as it is. I find going over little sections tedious, but I know it's important, and I think I will have to learn to love this. One great thing about working with you Dan is that you are very detail oriented and you leave no stone unturned, as you understand the importance within the context of the track. It is an area I think I can improve in, but it's been good for me to watch how you work.
Ok, here's a curve ball. If you could colab with anyone on a tune, who would it be?
Can I give more than one?
For sure man
For the UK: CasIsDead or Four Tet. In the US it'd be Andre 3000 or Kendrick.
Many artists find solace or inspiration in unexpected places. Are there any non-musical influences or experiences that have significantly shaped your creative journey?
Many. Without being too cryptic, life moves in weird, unpredictable ways and that is something I have learnt over the years. I like to think I take influence from the mundane as well as the bigger events in my life, as it's all part of the experience. I want to show gratitude for life in everything I do, including music, and I hope to integrate this in years to come.
Why would you recommend D4 Productions?
Dan’s help has been invaluable, not just in the production but in all things music. He has a clear passion for sound which was evident from the first second in the studio and is an encyclopaedia of Logic and Music production in general. He has ideas straight off the bat for improving the track and you can rely on him from the get go.
For me, Dan has been a great help from a technical perspective. His practical insights on everything from the mix and the structure of a track, to general industry and production advice are incredibly helpful. He has undoubtedly improved my ability to produce, he has bags of experience and is someone I would thoroughly recommend for those at all stages of their music journey.
Thanks for giving us your time and talent Dylan. Is there any piece of content or you'd like to share with us here at D4Productions, anything at all.
Thank you for all your help with the production side of things Dan. I'd like to shamelessly plug my new track in the hope that people get something positive from it.
Listen to Dyloco's fantastic new single "Dutch Courage" here on YouTube
For you selectas out there, put this in your next playlist and spread the love.
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