Dean the Dream is a sonic storyteller who creates emotional landscapes through introspective tunes that linger in the soul. His latest work, “Black,” is an enchanting voyage into the depths of his inner world. Somber vocals collide with melancholy dream-pop chords to create an ethereal realm of emotions.
Q: How did the somber and reverb-drenched vocals in “Black” contribute to your emotional connection with the song?
A: This song was intentionally written about my past, so I wanted the sound to be as drenched in reverb/shadow as possible. It’s symbolic; I’m trying to mirror my feelings, and intense reverb seemed right.
Q: In “Black,” Dean the Dream explores introversion and self-reflection. How did these themes resonate with your own experiences and emotions?
A: Much like the song, I’m currently experiencing a rather introverted state. It just fits.
Q: The song is described as having melancholy dream-pop chord progressions. How do these musical elements enhance the overall mood and atmosphere of the music for you?
A: When I think about the past, there’s a certain hazy nostalgia to it all. This song was intended to be a reflective number, so the “melancholy dream-pop chord progressions” were my sincere attempt to evoke that state. I hope it worked, as this number was meant to hit a nerve. Which nerve, though, I’m not sure.
Q: Dean the Dream’s lyrics are often confessional and poetic. How did the lyrical content of “Black” make you reflect on your inner thoughts and feelings?
A: It’s a rather direct song, more so than it needs to be. It’s made me try to look at myself the same way – directly, honestly, without judgment.
Q: “Black” captures the essence of an introverted mind turned inward. Can you relate to this introspective state of mind, and if so, how does the song encapsulate it effectively?
A: “An introverted mind turned inward” – that sounds intense albeit accurate. I can relate to this state of mind, and the directness of the lyrics, accompanied by the gauzy/hazy mixing, enhances that quality.
Q: The song’s title, “Black,” implies a depth of emotion. How did the music and lyrics combine to evoke a sense of emotional depth and resonance for you?
A: I sincerely tried to combine confessional lyrics with a shadow/reverb quality because the combination sounds right; it creates an incredible sound that I hope captures a sense of nostalgia.
Q: Dean the Dream is known for his unique songwriting style. How does “Black” stand out compared to his other works, and what elements of his kind do you appreciate in this song?
A: I have never written a more direct, personal, and straightforward track since my first single, “Hourglass.” This one is important because it captures the same essence, though on a much darker level.
Q: The single is described as having a confessional quality. Did the song’s vulnerability and honesty provoke any personal reflections or connections in your own life?
A: Oh yeah. This song is ungodly personal, making me more authentic with my own life.
Q: The lyrics describe an inverted gaze turned inwards. How does the song’s introspective nature encourage you to explore your thoughts and contemplations?
A: I love the idea of an “inverted gaze turned inwards,” much like an “introverted mind turned inwards.” It does capture the song and album. Again, because the lyrics are so direct with no embroidery, it made me look at my life without pretense. I’m trying not to judge any thought, emotion, experience, or feeling; I’m just exploring things as they are.
Q: “Black” captures the rapt awe of deep emotions. Can you share a specific moment or feeling from your life that the song brought to mind and how it resonated with you?
A: I think the lyrics ” Black ” answer this best. I wanted this song to be as specific as possible; I wanted to be as honest as I could. I genuinely hope it resonates somehow:
“Something happened at 19. It all still feels like a dream. Was it a dream? I wish it could be…
Then it was Hollywood, it was Palm Springs, it was New Orleans,
it was good boys, dead boys, it was heartaches, it was heartbeats,
It was so many things, my darling,
but it was all me.”
