Jared Dylan – Keep Me on the Edge

By starrymag | September 2, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Powerful, Emotional, Raw and Optimistic

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Paul McCartney, John Mayer, Arctic Monkeys, The Kooks, The Strokes, The Shins

 

Q) You lived in Dublin during 2019. How did your time there impact you as a musician and your music?

 

A) My year in Ireland gave me the opportunity to re-align my music with my purpose as an artist.  It felt like so many people were telling me who and how to be; Ireland was an escape and the culture of music and storytelling reminded me who I’ve always been… Just a kid playing guitar, singing from the heart.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Keep Me on the Edge.”

 

A) “KMOTE” is a song about hope and healing.  I wrote it when I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and didn’t know if I’d ever get better.  It’s about embracing the unknown with open arms.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) Genuine emotion.  It’s interesting because everyone hears something different and interprets the song through their own perspective filter; which I LOVE; but I would like to believe that on some level there is a connection between us all and the wide range of complex human emotion that we all experience.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) Well, at its heart, “KMOTE” is a song about healing and silver linings. I was sitting in quarantine, amazed by the global impact of COVID-19.  It was forcing people off the streets and out of work and, seemingly overnight, Mother Nature began healing herself.  What could be more inspiring and hopeful than that?  The world we live in is constantly healing and evolving by proxy.  I illustrated Mother Nature tying in imagery and symbolism from mythologies around the world.  They all have some version of a mother goddess or nature goddess.  My goal has always been to bring people together over common interests and shared experiences.  We are all constantly healing just like the planet we all live on.  So, Pachamama.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Usually, I sit down and the music and melody all come at once…Then, I refine the lyrics for weeks, months, maybe longer…

 

Q) You’ve worked with producer Anthony Resta, but how much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) AJ actually introduced me to the art of recording music.  I’ve always written the music and lyrics, but only recently took control over the production.  Everything from “We Can’t” on I at least co-produced; if not produced and played all the instruments.

 

Q) We loved seeing you on “The Voice.” What did you learn and take away from your experiences?

 

A) Reality TV is not reality.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or an EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Just singles for now… But sooo many

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Jungle Island, Miami, Florida – Coolest venue I ever played.  Outdoor stage in the middle of a zoo on an island right off the coast of Miami.  There was a Liger and I got to hold a baby alligator.  Good times…

Gibson Showroom, Miami, Florida – I don’t even know if it is still there, but I had to put on this show in order to graduate from Frost and I got it sponsored by Salty Donut and Miami Club Rum.  People had a great time and that’s what it’s all about.

Cutting Room NYC, NY, NY – Chill show at a classic venue. My band flew up from Miami to play with me and we played all of my favorite tunes of mine… most of which were still unreleased at the time. Some still are…

Bru Bar, Galway, Ireland – First gig in Galway. I got to play in this old converted church.  It was gorgeous and, all in all, a very special moment that I will always remember.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) The Pope. Or Obama. Or my sister, Leah.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) Jared Dylan.  IDK, he just gets me.

 

Q) You are a part of social media and go live on Instagram every Sunday to interact with your fans. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) The weekly live stream is largely responsible for building the community around my music.  It is an opportunity to talk directly to my fans, for fans to meet and talk to each other and to hear live music!  I get to be completely candid on the stream and share more than just music.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you. Love you. You have remarkable taste… Wait a minute, hold the phone up to your face. Look at you. You look mahvelous.