#MusicExchange: Dylan Red releases new album: First Take

His original music leans towards a combination of funk, blues, folk and pop. Recently, he has also incorporated a loop station, which allows him to perform as a one-man-band.

Red’s 12-track album First Take is out now with the first single, “Toxic”.

His performance – at a sold-out Youngblood Gallery in Cape Town – was electric two weeks ago. This could be his breakout year after a four-year journey to become a household name.

I spoke to him last week.

The new decade means:

More virtual performance spaces and online collaborations.

Fame is about:

Being known by both fans and ‘haters’.

Retirement will happen when:

Well, to me, music will always be part of my life so I don’t really see myself retiring.

I don't do:

I don’t like to ‘pander’ and suck up to people.

What does music mean to you?

The constant in my life, even when I’m lost or uncertain, music will be there, rain or shine.

My music is about:

My expression of my creativity and emotions. When I write original music, I can fully lose myself in the process and just see what comes out at the end

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

I sit down with my guitar in an open space.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Seeing how the music I perform affects people.

The song you must do in every show:

“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran.

Any funny moments on stage:

Seeing a middle-aged lady running to tip me with a whole bag of coins, whilst playing at the Waterfront.

My style icon:

Bruno Mars.

Which living person do you admire most and why:

Ed Sheeran. He has shown that it is possible to have a ‘public persona’ and still have a personal life that isn’t surrounded by drama.

What is your most treasured possession?

Tanglewood acoustic guitar.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Double vodka and lemonade.

What makes you stand out?

I think it’s my ability to connect to the music I perform, every song ‘gets’ a piece of me when I sing.

Nicknames:

D, Red or Mr Red

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

A lawyer

Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why?

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, if I were to ever work out at the gym properly I’d look like him.

Pick five words to describe yourself:

Proud, empathetic, passionate, level-headed, dreamer.

Five favourite SA albums of all time:

Nomvula – Freshlyground
Jekyll & Hyde – Prime Circle
Civil Twilight – Civil Twilight
The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg – Beatenberg
3T – YoungstaCPT

What song changed your life?

“Someone Like You” – Adele; it was the first song I sang in front of a crowd when I was in grade eight.

What is your favourite word?

Sonder - the realisation that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.

Favourite fashion garment:

An old-school overcoat.

Your greatest achievement:

To release an album of original music.

What do you complain about most often?

There is no job security in the music industry and the lack of rules and enforcers for the industry in South Africa especially.

What is your fear?

Having to give up music and do a nine-to-five desk job.

Happiness is:

For me, it would be being able to do and focus on music full-time without having to worry about anything

On stage, I tend to:

Avoid talking as much as I can. I have a weird sort of stage-fright that only hits me when I have to talk to the audience.

Where would you like to be right now?

A jam session with like-minded musicians.

Wishes and dreams:

For music to be recognised as a respectable profession and have it regulated so that it can actually be a respectable profession and that musicians can get adequately compensated for their work.

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