What was the recording process like, and how long did it take? How much of the record is live in terms of instrumentals – horns, etc?
DS: Tomek and I spent two weeks in the studio at Grand Street Recording in Brooklyn. We were there all day everyday. Some of the musicians only came for a day or two of recording, but others, like Tomek, Andy Hess, and Tony Mason, were there for virtually the entire time. The band showcased on this record were dream makers. They came at the music with such open hearts and minds, and I think it’s really evident in the final product. Each musician brought a wealth of experience and knowhow to craft every single sound. All of the music was recorded live, and we used a couple electronic drum kits.
Listen to a previously unreleased Confluence track, “Say My Name” below:
There’s obviously no rap tracks on the album, so perhaps no direct musical influence, but has recording and internationally touring with George Watsky influenced your approach towards creating your album and yourself as a solo artist?
DS: Everything influences everything! Namaste. As cheesy as it sounds, touring with George really allowed me to find my real voice. I’m such a believer in his work, and the honesty and love that he and the band represent. The more we worked together, the more I was able to settle into my own, and feel comfortable on stage as just myself. No characters or special effects or costumes like I’m used to. Those experiences have absolutely shaped my sound. I feel very grateful for George, since he was such a supporter of Confluence even when it was just an idea years ago. He really advocated for it, and inspired me to want to see it through.
Do you have any plans to tour as a solo artist for ‘Confluence’?
DS: Let’s do it. I would love more than anything to tour. Right now I’m just focused on getting the album finished and released, but plans to tour one day are definitely in the works. It would be a dream. I’m not sure I’d have StarKid-style confetti cannons, but we’d make up for it in other ways. How about a soul clap cannon?
You collaborated with a lot of friends and musicians to make ‘Confluence’ – but is there anyone else – either from among your pals that we know of, or a dream celebrity artist – you would like to have a confluence with in future?
I’ve been loving [female Odd Future producer] Syd Tha Kid these days, especially her work with The Internet. A collaboration with them would make my head explode.
You have a lot of experience with different styles of performance – musical theatre, straight plays, acting for film/tv, recording studio work and live concert performance. This might be hard to answer, but what has been your favorite in terms of everything you’ve tried?
I want to keep doing it all. I love keeping my right brain engaged. There’s no way to qualify what performance style I like best, since they all involve storytelling and sharing a piece of myself. Part of the fun for me is channeling different energies for each different medium. I’d love to keep making music. I love the power that it holds, even across language or cultural barriers. I already know what I want to do for the next record.
Tell us (and Dylan! – reach him at @Dylan_Saunders) what you think of “Say My Name.” Confluence comes out on Tuesday, September 30 and can be pre-ordered on iTunes now.
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