When you hear that someone was born in Nashville, it’s safe to assume they grew up around music, but Dylan Dunn takes it to the next level. Not only did he grow up listening to the likes of The Beatles and Queen with his mom, but his uncle who gifted him his first guitar worked as an engineer at American Studios in Memphis, and his great uncle is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-recognized group Booker T. & the M.G.’s. Even with such a rich musical heritage, Dunn makes a bold statement all his own with his debut single “Such a Freak,” a celebration of individuality and unconditional love.
A stadium-worthy rock sound blends with melodic pop sensibilities for a mix you’ll have replaying in your mind for days on end. His years of playing in high school bands certainly paid off, but it’s clear Dunn is meant to command the stage with his own voice and electrifying presence as the main attraction.
“When writing ‘Such a Freak,’ I felt encouraged to just be myself and let the weirdness take over through my music,” Dunn tells TREMG. He adds about the music video, “When creating the vision for the music video, I closed my eyes and saw an Alice in Wonderland-type setting with a more realistic approach. The hands holding me down represented the weight of societal norms.”
In addition to being his overall debut, “Such a Freak” is the lead single to Dunn’s debut EP, Blue Like You, due later this year. The five-song project is an exploration of love, mental health, and self-identity, making it a perfect way to close 2021 on a reflective note.
Highlights include the “really fun to sing” “Lemonade Eyes” and the unrequited love anthem “Hopeless Romantic.” Each song on the record has an intricately personal vibe to it, thanks to Dunn’s soulful vocals and attention to detail in the lyrics.
“Going in I thought it would be a challenge to write about these subjects and I was right; it was,” Dunn admits. “As I treaded further along, I grew excited watching these songs come alive and I cared less about holding in vulnerabilities.”
After years of growing up in a musical family, writing songs, and honing his skills, Dunn is finally ready to step into his own and make a unique mark on the world. So why now?
He explains charmingly, “Well, the world will probably end soon, so why not try?”
You can find “Such a Freak” on your favorite streaming services now, and get to know Dylan Dunn on Instagram and Twitter! Keep reading for more from our interview with the Memphis-based rocker.
Congratulations on your debut single, “Such a Freak!” What does that song mean to you, and why did you choose to make it your introduction to the world?
When writing “Such a Freak,” I felt encouraged to just be myself and let the weirdness take over through my music.
There’s a cool rock vibe that appears on “Such a Freak,” but it also has pop sensibilities with its melodies. Who were some of your influences for the song?
I was listening to a lot of The Voidz, Stuck in the Sound, and Metronomy. I love the guitars on all those records.
You’re also releasing a fun music video for “Such a Freak.” What was it like to bring the song to life with that visual?
When creating the vision for the music video, I closed my eyes and saw an Alice in Wonderland-type setting with a more realistic approach. The hands holding me down represented the weight of societal norms.
You’ve been in love with music for years, but this is your first single. How did you know this was the right time to officially step out and debut?
Well, the world will probably end soon, so why not try?
You grew up listening to classics like Queen and The Beatles with your mom. Is there anything you learned from their music that you’ve carried with you into your own career?
Listening to the unexpected arrangements of the Beatles and Queen’s Brian May style of playing really pushed me as a songwriter to explore beyond the boundaries.
You also grew up with an uncle who worked as a recording engineer and a great uncle who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. What was it like growing up in such a musical family, and when did you know music was more than a hobby for you?
Music’s in my genes. My mother played bass and music runs deep on her side of the family.
Music has always been my escape and I view it as much more than a hobby.
Songs like “Lemonade Eyes” and “Wave Catcher” come from a pretty personal place, describing rough situations in an easily understandable, accessible way. Was it hard for you to be that vulnerable in your music?
Going in I thought it would be a challenge to write about these subjects and I was right. It was.
As I treaded further along, I grew excited watching these songs come alive and I cared less about holding in vulnerabilities.
What song from Blue Like You are you most excited for fans to hear?
“Such a Freak” and “Lemonade Eyes” are really fun to sing. I’m looking forward to sharing these
gems I’ve held so closely and watching other people sing the lyrics out loud.
Is there a certain lyric from Blue Like You that you’re particularly proud of?
“Now I’m hitting my head/ On things I didn’t use to / I’ve got it out for me and you.”
