https://soundcloud.com/lonelydancing/sets/510a
My guest today is none other than LonelyDances! Wait didn’t I just interview him? Well … Yes but that was about the channel! This time around this is about his music! LonelyDances recently released his latest EP 510, which you can listen to above! With no more delay, let’s get the interview going!
3.47: How did the name come about?
LonelyDances: The name “LonelyDances” came about when I was listening to some of the first few tracks I was working on for the project. I was really trying to find a sound that set me apart from most of the music out there, but at the same time gives people enough of something familiar that they can still get into it. After tossing a few names around I decided I like the way LonelyDances framed the sound. It’s open for interpretation though, for sure!
3.47: How long have you been making music?
LonelyDances: I’ve been making music for a little over 10 years now. Though I’m pretty new to electronic music still. I started out for the first 5 or 6 years playing bass for a few bands out of Stockton, CA. I definitely learned a lot in that time, especially working with the people I did. I learned a lot about how to play with different time signatures, but still keep a groove. I definitely like to carry that through into my music these days.
3.47: Was this something you always wanted to do?
LonelyDances: It was! I was drawn to the world of music since elementary school. I actually took a few choir classes to start and always had a good time with that. It wasn’t until middle school that I started tinkering with music more. At that point I was actually more into the idea of making soundtracks for films. Not just making the music, but even picking out different songs that fit the scenes. I would still love to write stuff for film, just haven’t made the right connections there yet!
3.47: What was your reaction when you saw the feedback coming in about your music?
LonelyDances: I haven’t had much feedback on my music yet. Most of my feedback is coming from close friends, and it’s generally good. I do love hearing feedback on my music though. I feel like my sound is a bit odd, so it’s always interesting to hear what other people think of it!
3.47: Would you like to play live at some point?
LonelyDances: Definitely! It’s been a long time since I’ve played live, and it will still probably be a couple of years before I’m able to do so. I need some equipment still, and I need to find a good balance between working with the electronics, and playing guitar/bass. I’ve also been compiling visuals over the past couple of years that I’ll use during my performances as well. It’s certainly going to happen though!
3.47: From experience is making your own tracks easier than a remix or just as hard?
LonelyDances: I haven’t done many remixes, but the few I have I found to come pretty easy. Finding an original inspiring sound/riff/whatever to base a track off is one of the things I spend the most time on. When I start with stems from a track I find it all flows start to finish pretty easily. I appreciate that some people delve into remixes pretty deep and change it up completely though, and that’s probably pretty damn tough!
3.47: What do you do in your spare time?
LonelyDances: In my spare time I try to learn more about different aspects of music. There’s so much out there to learn that I focus on one piece at a time. I’ve been trying to get better with the guitar lately. My last couple of EP’s show that too, most of the tracks having little bits and pieces of guitar. I’m also trying to teach myself more about piano, so that should help a TON with my production in the future.
3.47: Given the chance who would you love to work with?
LonelyDances: You probably hear this a lot, and I don’t even know how it would work – but I’d love to work with Shigeto! That guy’s a beast with his production, and since he’s been stepping back into his drum game it’s getting better and better. Let’s make that happen! (Laughs)
3.47: What would you say are the advantages/disadvantages of being independent?
LonelyDances: It’s nice not having any one to have to please, or have to get a green light on things I’m wanting to do. My music can sometimes change a lot project to project, and I love having that freedom. At the same time it’s always nice to be part of a ‘team’, and being on a roster would be pretty motivating in keeping me moving forward with my sound.
3.47: What’s your favourite song at the moment?
LonelyDances: One song I find myself going back to over and over again is Toro Y Moi – So Many Details . I love the music that he’s been putting out, and that track definitely shines. If you haven’t heard it yet check that shit out!
3.47: Quite a lot of the artists I interview use FL studio, do you also use it?
LonelyDances: I actually use Ableton Live. When I first started getting into electronic music I was using Reason 3 I think. For the past few years I’ve been strictly in Ableton though. I have it set-up perfectly for recording my music these days so I couldn’t imagine switching to any other DAW anytime soon. There’s a program out there for everyone though. Some people just like the way certain programs are laid out, and I respect that.
3.47: Are you watching the World cup or are you trying to avoid it?
LonelyDances: I’m mostly ignoring the whole thing. Also, most of the places I like to go to around my house here in Oakland are full of people watching the games, so that’s been a bummer. :p
3.47: Do you have any other hidden talents?
LonelyDances: Other than music I like to tinker with graphic design. Most of the stuff I put out I also make the art for. I have a lot of fun with that, but I’m pretty limited in what I can do. I also love to cook, and I’m pretty badass at that 😀
3.47: If you had the power to run your own label, what would you call it?
LonelyDances: I haven’t put much time into thinking about that, so that’s a tricky one. I do know I wouldn’t pick something that limits it’s appeal or staying power. I see a lot of labels start up with names that tie to a certain genre or current movement in music. I’d try and find a name that is open, and one that can morph with the times. Spectrum Records, or something like that, (Laughs).
3.47: What’s the best advice you been given?
LonelyDances: For me the best musical advice I’ve received is to stop working on a track while it still sounds good. When I first started producing tracks I’d take them so far that they weren’t nice to listen to any more. Now I like to get the base of a track down – the form, then give it a few days to marinate and open it back up with a clear head. Sometimes I realize they’re almost done already!
3.47: What advice can you give to people who want to be like yourself?
LonelyDances: Hmm, I think that’s a pretty simple one. Just make music that you enjoy. If it isn’t getting a lot of love or attention, don’t fret. Do it for yourself and you’ll find yourself making something unique and personal to you. I really appreciate that about music…
3.47: What can we expect from you in the future?
LonelyDances: Well I JUST released my latest EP “510” on July 2nd. So I’m taking some time to give that one some love before I release anything new. Since I’ve released 3 EP’s in just this last year, I think it’s time to start working on a full length. I’m also working on a few tracks for some compilations that will be releasing over the next few months, so keep posted for those!
3.47: Final question! Anything you want to say to your fans out there?
LonelyDances: THANK YOU!! I know most of you personally, so that’s pretty rad. It’s cool to be able to make such odd music and still have a good group of people be into it, (Laughs). I hope you all continue to enjoy my tunes, I’ll continue to make ‘em weird! I especially appreciate all the love coming in for my EP “510”, thanks guys!
3.47 would like to say a massive thank you to LonelyDances for spending the time doing the interview! Until next time guys!
LonelyDances Links
SoundCloud
Facebook
Tumblr
Bandcamp
Fine Tuning347 