A Chat with Dylan James (04.08.22)
Oozing passion, power and heartfelt tenderness, singer-songwriter Dylan James intoxicated listeners with his folk-rock sound. We speak with Dylan James about his debut single ‘Let’s Talk’, spontaneous acts and what he hopes people take from his music.
OSR: What drew you to music?
Dylan James: I grew up listening to sounds of the 60s my Dad played me – The Kinks, The Small Faces, The Who and Bob Dylan. My Mum adored Bob Dylan and no surprise I’m called Dylan. These sounds have always resonated with me but the first record which made me want to be in a band and write music was The Stone Roses’ first album. It blew me away. More recently I’ve been revisiting the Factory records story and in particular Joy Division and later New Order. The production behind their journey is fascinating and truly inspiring.
OSR: You recently released your debut single ‘Let’s Talk’. Is there a backstory to it? Tell us about the track.
Dylan James: ‘Let’s Talk’ was a message to myself about wanting to get the words out of my mouth and talk about the feelings I kept hiding. There are lots of personal emotions in there but it’s a story that most of us can relate to. If you need to talk you must find a way, there is always someone who will listen and always someone you can trust.
OSR: How do you think the music video reflects the message of ‘Let’s Talk’?
Dylan James: The music video deals with being brave, facing controversy and being committed and proud of who you are.
OSR: What inspired you to create the music video?
Dylan James: Meeting my good friend Davinche who had a vision for it. He made it happen and we are already shooting the next video for my single ‘Boys Yard’ which is out in September.
OSR: Did you face challenges when filming and producing the video for ‘Let’s Talk’?
Dylan James: We did, but I would get shot if I told you!
OSR: Which do you find more challenging: writing lyrics or creating a melody?
Dylan James: It depends on how I’m feeling. I can always hear a top-line melody so I guess that’s easier and less emotional. But words ride a melody so they come hand in hand. Lyrics mean so much to me so I will never write just to get a song out there. The album has both and I’m excited to let people hear it.
OSR: What line from ‘Let’s Talk’ has the biggest impact on you?
Dylan James: “I do things that you’ll never know” – I guess this line says it all for me. I would hide from the reality of facing a difficult period in my life and do things that I would often be ashamed of but never voice them. I’ve accepted my mistakes and have now learned lots from them.
OSR: What is the most spontaneous thing you have ever done?
Dylan James: In my 20s I set up a music business with Willie Thompson called ‘Gallus Music’. We headed to Scotland to see a band we liked supporting – The View. They were so good that we said the next day we would drive them to London, manage them and pay for their rent. We had no money!
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Dylan James: I hope they feel inspired, use my lyrics to help their own journey and want more of what’s to come from my music.
Many thanks to Dylan James for speaking with us. For more from Dylan James check out his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
