Today we’d like to introduce you to DYLN.
DYLN, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a pop/r&b artist and songwriter based in Los Angeles. I’m a half-Filipino Canadian native and I grew up in a small town called Ladysmith on Vancouver Island. I started singing at age five and starting writing my own songs when I was about 11. I picked up my first guitar and taught myself how to play at 14. That was when I really started to realize how important writing songs became to me, not just as something I was passionate about, but something I needed to do as therapy.
It was a way for me to find my way through the world. Growing up in such a small town fueled a lot of ambition in me because there wasn’t much opportunity. I had always dreamed of living in either New York City or Los Angeles and I’m lucky enough to say that I’ve lived in both.
Right when I graduated high school, I won a local radio station contest in Vancouver, which opened the doors for me to intern at a recording studio where I went on to learn how to record and produce myself in Logic and work on my craft, learning the ins and outs of songwriting as well as my way around the studio. I like to think this time of my life was sort of my “college degree” but out in the world as a working musician. I worked part-time as a waitress and would spend many late nights at the studio during my years in Vancouver.
I was fortunate enough to experience some radio success in Canada with my music and had toured the country several times. I had even booked my own tours in high schools and would speak to the youth about mental illness. During this time, I was also traveling to and from New York and Los Angeles periodically for songwriting sessions. I knew that my future would lead me
to eventually move to the US.
Finally, in 2018, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue more opportunities in the music world. I now primarily work as an artist and songwriter, co-writing and producing songs for myself as well as for other artists. Right now I’m currently working a new album, which I’ll be releasing later this year.
Has it been a smooth road?
No. haha. I’ve definitely encountered many challenges along the way.
My first major hurdle was when I expressed severe depression when I was 18 years old. It was completely horrifying. I wouldn’t leave my house or see anyone or do anything for about five months. I was a complete wreck and didn’t know why. I had an all black carbon fiber guitar at the time (which I had named “Dylan”) and she was the one thing that pulled me through. Every day I’d pick up Dylan and try to write a song or at least a few lines. This guitar pulled me out of my depression.
My second obstacle was when I obtained my O1 visa in 2013. I packed two suitcases and a guitar and moved straight to New York. I left everyone and everything I knew behind me. It was such a big, scary, but exciting move for me. That year I decided to leave my management, agents, publisher, co-writers and essentially start completely from scratch. Those first two years were pretty difficult, having to leave my job and step away from any financial security and having to rebuild my social network entirely. It’s not like I go into an office every day so I really had to get out there and be proactive with setting up meetings and sessions. It really was like learning how to ride a bike all over again.
Finally, in 2016, I made a big decision to completely rebrand myself and start releasing music as DYLN. Being in control of my art is extremely important to me, which is why I’ve always been an independent artist. And at that point, I really needed to inject some new energy and excitement into what I was doing and I felt like creating a new identity was a beautiful way to achieve that. I had 3 feet of hair that I completely chopped off, I changed my sound a little bit more into a pop/electronic direction with some R&B inflections, and I gave myself an entirely fresh start.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I work primarily as an artist and songwriter and I specialize in writing and producing songs. I’m known for doing Pop/Electronic/R&B music and also for being a music producer. I’m very much involved in all aspects of a song from beginning to finish. I write, sing, play guitar, piano, program track ideas in Logic and Protools and have a particular passion for vocal production.
My philosophy is to write real songs. Everything I release is personal. I also try to bring this philosophy into every co-writing session I do as well. However, sometimes I end up wearing a completely different hat as a songwriter and end up helping another artist find their vision with their music. I especially enjoy helping younger female artists find their voice and express their emotions, tell their story and find their truth.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m hyper-aware of people’s energy and emotions. And I’m a great listener. I think it’s my superpower. Both these qualities help me to work really well with others. Getting the best songs requires listening and trusting your instincts. One thing I’m particularly proud of is not trying to do too many things and just sticking to my strengths, which is writing real, emotional songs.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes. LA is where you need to be for music. If you’re just starting out, I would highly suggest starting out here as soon as you can. There’s just so many creatives and so many opportunities all the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dylnmusic.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @IAmDYLN
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/IAmDYLN
- Twitter: @IAm_DYLN
Image Credit:
Angelo Kritikos
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