Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Lee.
Hi Dylan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved singing and practically grew up on stage. I always loved being on stage and wanted to spend the rest of my life chasing that feeling. I grew up in California, so I was surrounded by opportunity. At seven, I took guitar lessons at a Music Academy and began performing at their live music events. Growing up, I auditioned for many singing competitions, which helped grow my experience on stage. I continued this for several years before I hit 10 and created a band with my cousins called “KDM.” We all took guitar lessons at the same academy, so my family wasn’t shocked when we joined together. This was my first introduction to songwriting and performing with a group. It is still the best time of my life because I can do something I love with my family. I dream of one day sharing that feeling with my kids and filling the house with all kinds of music.
Soon after, I attended seventh grade at a performing arts school, where I expanded my knowledge of music. This school surrounded me with people who were as crazy about the fine arts as I was. It was so amazing to be surrounded by creative and talented kids with the same passions as me. My family and I moved to Brock, Texas, at the end of seventh grade. It was an adjustment in the beginning and was the only time I ever paused with my music. I remember having a hard time adjusting to the school atmosphere. I went from a school where differences were encouraged to an area where differences made you an outcast. I remember wanting to fit in so badly that I begged my mom not to put me back into music lessons. I recall at one point even being embarrassed to play music. Once I realized that the kids I changed myself for weren’t who I wanted to be, I welcomed music back into my life. Looking back, this time in my life was such a big moment in my music journey because once I realized that I could never quit music, I never stopped.
I was a freshman in High School when I started booking gigs around town. The term “live music” was new to me, and it was so much fun figuring out the ropes of it. I didn’t realize I could do a job out of singing at restaurants and bars, and once I started, it was hard to stop. In my senior year of High School, I was lucky enough to form a band with my closest friends. I was fifteen when I released my first single, “If I Was Gone, ” and since then, I have had many demos on YouTube. I’m now a freshman in College and have booked shows all around the DFW/San Antonio area ranging from festivals to Live Music venues. My dream is to one day share my music with the world, but right now, I will continue playing gigs and making music, per my motto” “spreading my music one gig at a time.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest struggles throughout my journey has been not knowing how to progress to the next step. I’ve made a lot of progress since starting my music journey, which I’m proud of, but I often feel behind because of my lack of knowledge of the music industry. Everything I’ve accomplished so far was through trial and error and support from my family. I’ve learned many things along the way, but I know I have much further. It would be easy if I had a fairy godmother to help lead the way, haha. Another struggle I had growing up was being myself. Like many teenagers, it was easy for me to blend in, but with my career choice, that wasn’t an option. Even now, I often hesitate to post something on social media because I don’t want to be seen as “weird” or “annoying.” But as an artist, I know that’s what I need to do to build an audience.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer/songwriter as well as a musician. I write many songs under the Country and Singer/Songwriter genres; I’m known for my performances. As a job, I perform at local live venues, either acoustic or with a band. I sing a lot of Country music, but I like mixing it up with Alternative and Pop songs. I am most proud of my single “If I Was Gone.” I wrote it, recorded it, and released it myself when I was 15. It was a crazy experience I wouldn’t do again, but I’m proud of it. I wrote that song about being left out by people and often feeling like I was invisible. It was during a dark time in my life, and writing and recording it helped me through it.
Many of the songs I write aren’t about me but about other people. If I had to pick something that sets me apart from other artists, I would like how I write my songs. As well as music, I also have a passion for acting and have been pursuing that throughout the years. My skill as an actor allows me to put myself in other people’s shoes to feel what they feel and then write about it. Sometimes I put myself in my friend’s shoes or, sometimes, a character from a movie I watch. One of my most famous songs, “Like I Love You,” is about a breakup I had never experienced. Even if a song I wrote isn’t about my personal experience, I experienced it firsthand when I sang it.
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
Ultimately my family is what means most to me. Without their support, I couldn’t have progressed as far as I did in my music journey. So much of my confidence has come from their support. My parents are always in the background of everything I’ve accomplished. Before I could drive, they would always take me to my gigs, help me set up, and ensure I was safe. My mom was also my manager for a while and would help me get gigs. She was the photographer in all my early photoshoots. She was my number-one promoter on social media. But most importantly, she was the shoulder I cried on and the person I talked to for advice. I owe all my success to my family but especially my mom. Music is also a big part of my life. Whenever I’m feeling strong emotions and need an outlet, songwriting helps so much. Songwriting is like giving myself the closure I never received.
Contact Info:
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Website: https://
dylanleemusic.com/ -
Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/dylanleemusic/ -
Facebook: https://m.facebook.
com/dylanleesings/ -
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@
dylanleesings
Image Credits
Jenny Jane/ Sunflower Stills Erin Hoffman
