Mental health has often been a subject discussed with hindsight. A musician approaches the subject in a creative way with the release of his new short film and album. My interview with musician Dylan Owen below.
Roderick Thomas: Glad to talk to you, how are you?
Dylan Owen: I’m fine, thank you !
RT: Where do you come from?
Dylan Owen: I’m from upstate, Orange County New York. I lived in a few different cities there and that’s where the music started for me.
RT: Are you more of a filmmaker or a musician?
Dylan Owen: Certainly more of a filmmaker. It’s a little different for me. I’ve never done anything like this before
RT: What prompted you to get into music?
Dylan Owen: Seeing my older brother play in punk bands made me want to get into music. I always went to see him play in diving rooms.
RT: You made a short film for your song “How to find yourself”
Dylan Owen: Everything comes easy, I’m a super visual person. Growing up, I drew a lot, I was also a big fan of x-men. When I create music, I see everything
RT: Did you have a time when you felt like you had succeeded?
Dylan Owen: When I was in high school, it was such a small town, I felt like I had a crowded cafe or bar, I felt like I had made it. It’s funny to look back, because they were very small venues, but they were formative for me.
RT: Why did you move to NYC?
Dylan Owen: I think it was more for my personal development than anything else. I don’t see NYC as a really useful industry. I felt stagnant in my small town. I want to develop.
RT: Tell me about your next EP
Dylan Owen: My latest project is called Talk about self-careand the main song is called “How to find yourself”
RT: What were your inspirations for this EP?
Dylan Owen: In my early 40s I moved upstate and lived in a great little town, I had just broken up with a long time partner and felt like I was starting my life over again. I started to go inward and understand my journey. I wanted to share something that other people could relate to.
RT: Did you find it difficult to create?
Dylan Owen: It’s been a while since I’ve released music. I needed to inspire myself again. And all the things that were happening around me, and in the world… how could I not create?
RT: Why focus on mental health?
Dylan Owen: Mental health discussions are so important. The goal of the film is to get people talking about mental health and to normalize discussions about mental health.
RT: For your short film, you worked with Emmy Award-winning director Brian Petchers, how did that go?
Dylan Owen: Brian and I decided to do this piece together, we’ve been friends for a while. He heard the music on the EP even before there were vocals on the instrumentals.
RT: The film is beautiful, very well thought out
Dylan Owen: We shot this on analog film and worked with cinematographer Dan Kennedy. We wanted people to feel represented, in their thoughts and looks. We shot the video in Washingtonville New York
RT: Favorite musicians? What inspires you right now?
Dylan Owen: The Wonder years, I love their lyrics. Their genre is different, but I love their writing. These days I’ve been really inspired by Ceschi Ramos. He makes very interesting music, he’s so unique.
RT: Do you have any specific goals for the film?
Dylan Owen: I just want more people to see it. My fans are super supportive. I want a wider audience to be exposed to the film and the music, and to get people’s feedback.
RT: where can we find how to meet, the short movie ?
Dylan : It is currently on Vimeo, and on my youtube channel.
RT: Do you plan to do private screenings?
Dylan : Yes I can’t wait to do this
RT: When does the album come out?
Dylan Owen: 1st December
RT: What do you want your legacy to be?
Dylan Owen: I want my catalog to encourage people and help them reflect on themselves and inspire them.
RT: Dylan, it’s been a pleasure.
Dylan Owen: Thanks!
Discover Dylan Owen’s short film, how to meet, on Youtube Vimeo. In addition to his forthcoming EP, How to find each other coming in December.
Roderick Thomas is a writer, filmmaker,
(Instagram: @Hippiebyaccident, Email: rtroderick.thomas@gmail.com, Website: roderickthomas.net)
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