theaussieword.com catches up with Dream Dali for special online chat.
Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music?
It began with hearing music as a teenager. I was previously into drawing and creating but music took me over as I started to develop my own emotional awareness and want to express it, much the same as many teenagers who find music and grow into themselves. I connected to music that seemed to capture my isolation and need to express my isolation.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
When I was young I loved how music made me feel like there was someone who understood and could sonically express the feelings I had. I believed it saved me from many negative thoughts. I would love to do that for someone else. I am also motivated to find my voice and express something unique. I like to let songs create themselves and get closer to egoless music that is about the expression and art.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
My biggest goal is to create a body of work that is unique and original. The artists I respect the most are the ones you can instantly tell it’s them, Such as The Cure, Peter Gabriel or FKA Twigs. I believe an artist with their own identity and originality is the ultimate goal.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I am currently writing a lot of new music, so I am hoping to get a collection of songs to pick the next release from. I would love to bring our synchronised visual show to more places around Australia but need to wait for the right opportunity.
Tell us a bit about your latest album and how would you best describe your music?
The latest release was “Little Lights”, which is an energetic dark wave song influenced from personal events with a past relationship. My ex partner believed she was being followed by dark entities and it was a battle for a few years with this condition. The “Little Lights” are the hope of light in this situation, but I believe it can be applied to anyone who is having a challenging or dark time and need to see the light of hope to get through a phase.
Success, what is the secret to it?
There is a lot of focus that success is fame and money. Money helps to provide avenues for more opportunities and so does fame, but it is one part with too much focus. My belief is success is in the process. When creating I like to let go and let the songs write themselves, by removing ego and inner judgement. This can get you to a flow state that is the best part of making music. This is success to me.
What has been your biggest career highlight?
The first show was the biggest highlight. All my ideas of creating a holistic experience with the music, synchronised black and hite surreal images and lights was a concept I’d had and to see it actualise was very rewarding.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I don’t really like stars, as it’s associated with fame which doesn’t mean I respect them. People I respect who I’d like to meet are Dave Chappelle, Peter Gabriel, Trent Reznor and David Attenborough.
Any new projects in the pipeline?
Yes. I am working on the next release plus focusing on writing a lot of new material. I am focused on writing cyclical beats and bass lines with floating synths and vocals. I am excited to get into the “lab” and experiment
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
I would hope to be touring internationally, as I think the strong point of our band is the live show with the trippy visuals. Playing live and writing songs is my favourite thing to do in life so the more I can do this the happier I’ll be. I’ve had visions of us playing Joshua Tree. I like the idea of putting on shows in weird and unique places. I would use any success to do more unique ideas and experiences.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
Sunday
Vera Blue
Bats
RAAVE TAPES
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I think in Australia is a unique industry. With the right support it can change things completely for you. If things aren’t clicking here it is also possible to have a following overseas with being able to connect via platforms on the web. I think musicians need to be more multifaceted these days which can be good and bad. It means you need to develop skills with your marketing, art, self promotion, etc but that can also lead to more awareness as a musician which good for them to be more aware with the business side.
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?
Be a musician not a rockstar.