We recently had the chance to connect with Dylan Dent and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dylan, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My days are a little hectic if I’m being honest. I’ve recently pivoted to a full time day job but the demand/desire to pursue my craft didn’t diminish at all. Lately my days have been like this: alarm goes off at 6am, I piddle around and get to work by 8ish, don’t get off until 5ish. There is always an open mic to go to, something to write, something to produce, a meeting to go to, a project I’m working on, a friend to catch up with, a bathroom to clean, a workout to sneak in, or a movie to watch (no lie, I really do be watching movies). I’m a bit all over the place lately.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a Roanoke based, completely DIY, musician, singer/songwriter, rapper, producer, comedian, and (very recently) actor. My music mainly contains hip-hop/rap, singer/songwriter, and indie pop elements. My comedy is observational and introspective. I’ve made about 9 projects and I have built a reputation for having energetic and dynamic live show experiences. I have played every type of venue from libraries and backyards to festivals, museums, zoos, backyards, and theaters.
Recently, I was awarded NPR’s Song of the Day for my record “Not a Love Song.” This song, from my album “Lubby Dubby,” can be found on all major streaming platforms. The song creates space for letting go of romantic misfires and “the ones that got away” while still honoring the feelings and experiences you had.
At the end of it all I approach my craft with a heart of service. With everything I creates I hope to add value to the lives of those experiencing my art.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Broken communication or a lack or reciprocity in some way is usually the thing that kills relationships in my experience. Doesn’t matter what kind either. Platonic, romantic, intimate, arms length, workplace or some mixture of things. If you’re not communicating well, it dies. If the give and take is off, it dies.
I’ve got a whole analogy about this that I’m currently working on but it’s not quite ready to share. I’ve had almost exclusively near misses, or “flash in the pan” type of romantic relationships. I have, however, made a lot of friends. Because of the way life can pan out that means I’ve lost a lot a lot of friends too. Which isn’t to say that there’s lost love on either side per se. Just a loss of closeness or a sense of security. But it’s the communication that kills things in my experience. Every time.
Good news is that the problem is also the solution. Talk to your people. Be vulnerable. Be patient. Be willing to wade through the mess. I believe you’ll find yourself with a solid amount of love around you. But as previously stated, it’s gotta come from both sides.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
HA! Yeah, right now. At the time of this interview I would describe things as hectic, unbalanced, and unsustainable. I haven’t felt like I’d been progressing in my career or skill set recently. For me it feels like I’m coasting on the momentum I created in past years. It’s not the worst thing in the world. But it makes me ask the question “Can I have a sustainable life as an artist?” Honestly, it seems like the answer is (and has been) “no.” I’m currently thinking through a lot of things in that front.
Don’t get me wrong plenty of cool things have happened this year too. But I’m getting tired. Certain types of exhaustion (or other emotional states) can truly reshape your worldview. It’s not fun, but ultimately I think about packing it in often. And I think that’s healthy. Faith can’t exist without doubt (to a degree). Same with courage and fear. Same with perseverance and struggle.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
No and I don’t think it’s supposed to be. At the end of the day I am putting on a show. It’s very nearly me though. I do start from a place of honesty. While on stage I like to play into and explore other parts of myself. I’m way more arrogant/confident while I’m on stage. Louder and less concerned with my perception too. I’ll float between masculine and feminine energies (which you can’t always do in daily life). I’m more free in general. There’s a fairly subtle but resolute distinction in my opinion.
Truthfully, I’m pretty quiet off stage. Generally content keeping to myself and my inner circle. Constantly questioning my actions. Honestly, there are occasions when people seem a little disappointed with who I actually am versus who I am on stage. That may just be in my head though.
There are things that remain the same too. I try to make sure everything I say/do publicly is aligned with my personhood at its core. Keeps me from getting on stage and saying things from an angry/hurt place. A while back I decided to start using the term “defensible.” In the sense that anything I do publicly should at least be defensible. Even if I do fall short of my standards as a person or a performer. I also stay ready to apologize whether I’m on stage or off. It’s never a goal of mine to hurt someone. Although it will definitely happen if you live for even like 7 days.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I think about this a lot. I feel as if I’m doing what I was born to do. Like I’m fulfilling a purpose. Which I understand sounds fun (and a tad self aggrandizing) but honestly it’s a bit burdensome. Living this life entails being split between two priorities that are difficult to align (at least for me). There are things I have to do, or ways I have to be, “spiritually” for lack of a better term. I either feel called to be/do something or the act is just an incredibly natural feeling.
On the other hand, there are things that I have to do to exist in this world at this time. Think jobs, bills, taxes, etc. The way my spirit moves feels, at times, in complete antithesis to the way culture is going or just fulfilling regular daily tasks.
These leaves me with the daunting task of shifting culture or isolating myself. My early years were full of isolation, some of it unnecessary. Recently, I’ve been opening up quite a bit more. I do whatever I can to shift culture. If only within my little circle.
To answer your question, I’m doing both and it’s exhausting.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/DylansPrism
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylansprism/
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TPdQyHsFPdBcv7GN5iFRX
Bandcamp: https://dylandent.bandcamp.com/
Image Credits
Taylor Reschka
Will Drew
