In this interview spotlight, we speak with Dylan Cornell about his latest project, influences and more.
Full Q&A along with links and streams can be found below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I was born in Youngstown, Ohio but I’ve grew up and currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia. The music that I create pulls from an eclectic taste in music with a little pull from classic rock, blues, jazz, acoustic and pop. It also embodies my spiritual experience through this life; as well as bearing witness to what I’ve seen in my lifetime.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
From the very first time I remember hearing my Grandma playing the standards on her piano at the age of three, I knew that music was a big part of who I am and what I’ll do. Also riding around with my parents and listening to plethora of good music growing up also helped inspire me. I am motivated to stay the course with a wonderful support system of family and friends that are always encouraging.
Who or what are your biggest influences when it comes to your creativity?
Well God and life have a lot to do with. Since music is a form of expression I often become inspired through a certain feeling from an experience that I’ve had. Then I want to capture that feeling through music as a way to share it and remember it.
I’m also influenced by other musicians with that raw passion for the music. Any time I put on a Jimi Hendrix record I’m reminded of that youthful unbiased appreciation for what you are hearing. The same goes for Joe Walsh too; I’ve been really into his raw approach towards music here recently.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
Being a self-produced artist I think that the newer releases will always be a bit better along with the experience gained. I definitely set out to produce something that I was more satisfied with than previous work that I’ve done. I wasn’t setting out to write the greatest produced or written EP but I was trying to put out something that had integrity from every aspect. I just wanted good solid musical ideas that could be found delightful to someone’s ears.
Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?
It can be a bit frustrating with the ever changing format of the digital age. For instance trying to predict what will be the next big social media platform that will endure the test of time can be a bit frustrating. As well as the struggle to not get lost in the vast amount of artist lost in the vacuum of the internet.
On the flip side though it would be foolish to not recognize the positive aspects of this incredible resource. Thanks to the internet; blogs like Middle Tennessee Music and website like Submit hub make it possible for me to reach networks that I would never have without it.
How do you feel about streaming services? Any romantic attachments to the physical formats: vinyl, 8-track, cassettes, CDs?
The concept of streaming services is a wonderful idea. It allows you to find new music within your own personal tastes like never before. Though I don’t know about the current situation with the rate for artist royalties on some of these services. When the publicity’s only focus is on major label artist on this issue, it’s hard for the general public to have a real sense of sympathy. Which is a particularly sad case because the local musicians/artists are the ones this effects the most.
Where can we follow you online and hear more music?
Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you for providing me, and other independent artists, the opportunity and platform to talk about our music!
