Dylan Dunlap – Soldier On

By starrymag | April 21, 2021

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) I feel like my sound is a cocktail of all of the music that I absorbed growing up. It maintains a consistency of being easy to listen to, but still challenges the listener musically and lyrically. It’s a bit difficult to choose a genre, but I will happily call it stadium pop rock. [smiles]

 

Q) Tell us a little more about the EP Soldier On.

 

A) I spent the entirety of 2020 crafting the Soldier On EP in hopes that it could be a source of comfort for people. It also held me accountable to keep my head down during the pandemic and channel it all into the music. I honestly couldn’t be prouder of the finished product.

 

Q) You recently released a livestream video for the title track “Soldier On,” where you’re performing in front of a UFO. Where did the concept come from for the livestream video?

 

A) My team and I organically fell in love with incorporating outer space into my brand. We figured shooting a full concert live from a literal UFO in the desert would be a great steppingstone to future releases/concepts!

 

Q) What inspired you to name the album Soldier On?

 

A) Not only is it the title track of the EP, but the art and practice of soldiering on is represented in all six tracks. Just because I’m opening up about serious mental health struggles and childhood trauma doesn’t mean I can’t convey that I’m actually a stronger person because of it all. I very much look forward to being the change that I wish to see in the world of pop music!

 

Q) What were some of your go-tos during the songwriting process of this album?

 

A) I try not to listen to other music when I write as I’ve learned to trust myself and the process. Other forms of entertainment have helped though! I’m quite the cinema lover. (“Follow My Echo” is literally about Finding Nemo.)

 

Q) I absolutely love “Follow My Echo!” Which song was one of your favorites to record?

 

A) [laughs] Thank you!! I love it, too. I think we all like to say that Pixar’s gotten more mature lately, but maybe they always have been and we’re the ones growing up. I will say that my favorite one to record was “What We Had” and only because of that solo @ 2:42. It was originally a keyboard solo I came up with, but then I asked my guitarist/graphic designer, Kirk, to double it. It just punches so hard, and I can’t even imagine what it’ll feel like to play it in front of thousands someday soon.

 

Q) What do you hope fans take away from the album?

 

A) I hope they feel a little less alone in their world than they did before listening. <3

 

Q) To stay connected with fans, you took more to posting acoustic tracks and the livestream for “Soldier On.” How has being able to connect with fans via social media helped you?

 

A) Social media is so resourceful when it comes to fan engagement. It’s helped me a lot to see how everybody’s enjoying the releases, but I will admit that it’s very easy for a tool to become a necessity. One of my bigger goals for this year is to actually step away from the screens to practice more stillness in my life.

 

Q) Aside from music you are also an advocate for mental health awareness, including receiving the “Fighting Stigma Rising Star” award from the National Alliance on mental Illness. Why is mental health such an important cause to you and how has music helped you with your own mental health?

 

A) Mental health is such an important cause to me because it’s not really a choice. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I have to spend the rest of my days learning how to live with autism and the absolute very least I could do is share the importance of being transparent. It’s perfectly okay to not be okay and most days that’s exactly what I am! But every day I choose to be here and fight the voices in my head because I know this can help others. Even if it’s just my younger self.

 

Q) Do you have any tips or encouragement for those who are currently struggling with their own mental health?

 

A) Tell somebody you trust. We spend so much time assuming that our vulnerability will come across as weakness, but I honestly think it’s the strongest action we can take.

 

Q) While you have done livestream and videos for your fans, are there any plans to in-person shows for the future?

 

A) I will most likely tour all over the world as much as it’s allowed! A couple festival dates on the books already (check out iamdylandunlap.com/live)

 

Q) Of your songs, which one has been your favorite to do acoustic?

 

A) Tough question to answer! I would have to say it’s the next single release. Haven’t announced it anywhere yet, but it drops May 7 and just feels right when stripping it down live.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are your fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) Thank you all for taking a chance on me and my art. It means the world. So much more coming soon.