Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Torres.
Hi Dylan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi, I’m Dylan, how’s it going? Thanks for the opportunity and your time!
I grew up in a small town outside of Chicago. If you’re reading this now in a Chicago accent, then you’ve hit the nail on the head. I’ve been a professional musician since I was 10 years old. I’d perform in bands every weekend, teach lessons, and even record as a session musician. Music is in my DNA. I eventually studied Psychology, Guitar Performance at Musicians Institute, and Audio Engineering at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. So, with that, I love people and making music. I also have a passion for audio, sound, and technology. In all forms. I have deep gratitude for my life and the ability to do what I love every day and share it with the best people.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’d be kidding if I said it was easy. At 30, some days, I already feel like an old man. But the kid is still inside me. I’m still young and have a lot more to learn from everyone. You’re never done learning. I felt after high school, I needed to “get a real job.” Studying Psychology was good and bad. I still am passionate about it. But it wasn’t being true to myself. I had to make music. Like many others share the same story, I left my small town to chase a dream. A dream that wasn’t available back home. To do what I loved for a living. I ended up with a bunch of other cats with the same dream at Musicians Institute in Hollywood. It was humbling and challenging. Met great friends. Like Wizard of Oz, I eventually realized there was something inside me I knew all along. I made music for others. I love the way music and movies can help people forget about their problems. Just like the folks who came every weekend to see me play in venues. It makes people feel good. It’s customer service. So, I began to focus on others’ music and recording too. It makes everyone feel good. The audience, the artist, and myself. My advice is, when in doubt, be true to yourself. You’ll be happier.
The hardest challenge for me most recently was after years of playing in bars, venues, festivals, parties, I struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. To this day, I am proud to have recovered and kicked addiction. It was not easy. I committed to a healthier mindset and lifestyle and to be the best version of myself. One day at a time.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m known for my work in music and audio. I play 24 instruments and have experience as a songwriter, producer, arranger, composer, publisher, and audio engineer. I am a proud member of the Audio Engineering Society, the American Society of Composers, Arrangers, and Publishers, and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. I specialize in audio for music and film/TV. Primarily mixing or mastering. I have experience in most genres and love all music. If you put my library on shuffle, you’ll know!!! I am most proud of being able to do what I love and help others for a living through audio.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I started my journey as a kid. My father is an ironworker, and my mother works in the banking industry. I was a wholesome, silly kid. Deep respect for elders, enjoyed being outdoors, and loved science and history. I wanted to be a paleontologist. I grew up hiking, fishing, hunting, etc. I wasn’t much into sports. I was obsessed with the radio and recording on cassette tapes. The ability to hear recordings back and sound! Music, of course, too! I listened to mostly Rock, Country, and Blues. My life changed when I discovered my brother’s harmonica. I carried it everywhere. Soon enough, around 10 years old, I started playing weekends in bars with a family friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.dylantorres.net
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dylantorresmusic
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/harmonicas
