Spotlight Sounds; Episode Fourteen with Dryeyes

Welcome back to Spotlight Sounds, a series by Secrets Behind the Sound celebrating the vibrant world of Irish music. Dive into the blend of tradition and innovation that characterises Ireland's contemporary music scene, featuring both established and emerging artists. Explore the influences and experiences shaping Irish musicians and join us as we delve into their creative processes, stories, and journeys. Through in-depth discussions, Secrets Behind The Sound recognises the groundbreaking contributions of Irish artists to global creativity. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, Spotlight Sounds invites you to explore the captivating realm of Irish music—a journey into the stories, sounds, and enigmas that make up Ireland's music scene.

Dryeyes is a solo irish artist, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Dublin, Ireland. While studying vocals in BIMM, he focused in on developing his ability as a ‘Jack of all Trades’ type of musician, playing multiple instruments such as guitar, keys, synths, drums, bass and many others. 

Taking inspiration from brakence, EDEN, and Quadeca the track ‘in time’ is featured as the lead single from his self-produced, forthcoming concept E.P, "the apple tree," which encapsulates the emotional turbulence in a friendship.

Can you start by introducing yourself and your musical background?

Dryeyes is a solo artist, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Dublin, Ireland. While studying vocals in BIMM, he focused in on developing his ability as a "Jack of all Trades" type of musician, playing multiple instruments such as guitar, keys, synths, drums, bass and many others. After taking time as a session musician with Ellen Sleator, Theo Fitzgibbon and Ro Yourell (Delorentos) and working on the sidelines with many artists such as Bricknasty, Femii, Khakikid, SexyTadhg and DeCarteret, he has decided to aim his centre of attention on his own sound and music.

How would you define the genre you as an artist primarily identify with, and how do you incorporate other influences into your sound?

I take my inspiration and delve into multiple genres, primarily from artists like Quadeca, Brankence, Loathe, Frank Ocean and Radiohead. I would describe my genre as alternative pop/hip-hop, incorporating elements from shoegaze, glitch-pop, hyper-pop and metal.

What are some of the challenges Irish artists face in today's music industry?

I believe our biggest challenge is ourselves, the Irish music community. I feel Irish artists forget we live in a country that has a smaller population than most music cities in the world, even in the UK. It is too often I see artists get some traction here, let their ego get to them and move onto things too big for them and forget the brilliant creatives around them at home. We must stay connected, support each other and don't let down others if their genre/style isn't connect to yours.

Also, Algorithms. Our country is small and sometimes this helps us gaining early traction but it's hard to cope with bigger industries a lot, especially when a piece of code in a computer is determining how well it is going to do outside our country and not the talent or music provided.

How do you think Irish music has progressed through the years? I adore how we are embracing niche music again in this country. Artists like Bricknasty, NewDad, Khakikid, EFÉ, KNEECAP, sign crushes motorist and so many others are trying new and creative ways to release music and provide a stroy that is inherently embedded in us from Gaelic culture, passed down from many years of oppression and passing music through word of mouth, not pen and paper, or forced monarchy. We fell for easy pop for quite a few years, especially from the UK and now I feel we are back to pushing the boundaries again, or at least starting to, from our home soil.

Can you walk us through the creative process when writing and composing your music?

Production and lyrics mean the most to me in the creative process. Normally I start with write free form from lyrics/poetry to no music, and work around the vibe of the story. This means instead of pushing false lyrics onto instrumentals, the idea is there and musically I can work around the feeling.

In your opinion, what role do live performances and venues play in the Irish music scene today?

MASSIVE. I feel like music becomes memorable because of where you hear it. If you're having a vile night in some venue and you don't want to be there, the music will reflect that feeling and will leave a sour taste in your mouth. It's vital we not only provide memorable live performances as artists ourselves, but the venue itself helps to provide that feeling also.

I recently saw Julia Louise Knife Fist in the Grand Social and that performance was so enticing and out there, all I could do was listen to their music on repeat for weeks.

Diversity is an important aspect of any music scene. How do you think your music contributes to the diversity of the Irish music scene?

I feel I bring a production style that hasn’t been fully tapped into yet in this country.

There are a few glitch-pop artists in this country but are often afraid to dedicate to that sound as it will be too out there or not commercial enough. I have been that artist for four years, refusing to put music out because of an uncertainty that people aren’t going to like it. Now, I have accepted that a lot of people aren’t going to enjoy the music I make but bringing that vibrancy of multiple genres and delving into a niche, the music will stand out by itself.

As an Irish artist, what advice have you got for other artists trying to navigate the industry and find their unique voice?

Learn from others around you, but don’t change who you are or what you make for them. I spent too much time trying to make sure my friends liked what I made instead of making it for me. Make music for you.

You also just have to do the whole content thing. But again, make it for you, and let your vibe appeal to the right people.

What can listeners expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming releases, collabs or projects you're excited about?

‘In time’ is out on March 1 st , the first single from my debut EP ‘the apple

tree’ which will be released late April! I will also have a second single

coming out before the EP in late March!

I am going to work as a songwriter/producer for the coming year, getting

the dryeyes name out there as not only an artist, but as a writer.

I am going to finish off by asking you, if your music was a flavour of ice cream what flavour would it be and why?

Oh damn, good question. I want to go for something I enjoy as well. I feel

it’s two scoops, one of Oreo flavoured and one of Bueno flavoured. Some

people would just think that’s overkill but I like it. I’ve spent so much time

eating all the flavours, I want two of the sweetest ones at once, and I know

the people who like it the same way, will hang around me for a while and

the ones that don’t like it, will either leave me alone or accept it.

Stay up to date with all of Dryeyes' releases on his socials;

Insta: @Dryeyes

Spotify: Dryeyes