Dylan Gardner Reveals his Newest Musical Project; Communicant. [Q&A]
Interviewed by: Sarah Evangelista
Communicant is Dylan Gardner's newest musical project, featuring three other talented musicians. In early June, Gardner announced the change, and only left fans anticipated to hear the new music from the group. The band's music will be nothing you've heard before.
Firstly, could you introduce everyone in the band and explain their roles?
I’m Dylan and I’m the lead singer/guitar/keys, and right now we have Mark Gardner on drums, Kerri Stewart on keys/guitar, and Hank Fontaine on bass. The band recorded on the album with me serving as producer, writer, and engineer.
Before Communicant, you had a solo act. What inspired starting a band?
What started as a Dylan Gardner record, suddenly began to change shape and shift to something bigger without me even knowing it. I was just making music that was in my heart with no preconceptions of anything. Things inspired by what I actually listen to (which sounds like an obvious thing to say but it’s harder than you think). I saw an opportunity to create something bigger, something beyond just me. Like from Matty Healy to the 1975, from Thomas Mars to Phoenix. It was that image I had in my head and with the impulsive decisions I’ve been living my life by lately, I chased that dream.
Why did you feel the need for a change?
The answer became clear when I had finished the album and I had a subconscious thought that it shouldn’t be put out as my name. I thought what if Tame Impala was called Kevin Parker? It would just...feel different. I always liked mystery in artists and I feel like my project didn’t present any mystery.
How does the band difference from your solo music?
One could see the band as the logical next step in my music, just a big step. Not to compare to this at all, but it’s the distance of leap from the Beatles’ “Help” to “Rubber Soul”. I loved how they dived head first into that big change in pace, it was inspiring for me.
What are three words to describe what Communicant’s sound is like?
Soulful Psych Pop
Any last messages to fans/people interested in your music?
If you were a fan of my solo stuff, you’ll be pleased with the new album. I finally found myself as an artist and I’d love for you to hear who I really am. Also, since this transition could be confusing, be sure to tell/show everyone Communicant when the music’s out!
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