Welcome to the world of Dillon Vanders, where his music is full of nuance and emotion. He isn’t afraid to challenge stereotypes and surprise listeners. If you thought Dillon Vanders had just found his home with the album “Wildfires”, then “Radio Silence” promises to become a new home for all his fans seeking a fresh perspective on timeless themes. “Radio Silence” continues his habit of hiding real themes beneath layers of metaphor, turning specific ideas into universal stories. Dillon Vanders’ music skillfully blends country traditions with contemporary trends, making each new release a highly anticipated event. So, let’s find out what’s behind “Radio Silence” and uncover new facets of Dillon’s craft in this single.

Photo by Rachael Adams

Hi, Dillon. I know that in your solo debut “Wildfires” you explored themes such as self-discovery and reflections on the past. Now that you’re releasing the new single “Radio Silence,” can we expect you to continue exploring these same themes, or will you surprise us with something completely unexpected?

I think that’s for the listener to decide! I think most of my songs are personal reflections on all sorts of things I’ve done or seen, but I try to write in a way that the listener can see them through the lense of their own experience.

 The title “Radio Silence” sounds intriguing and somewhat mysterious. What ideas are you trying to hide behind this title?

The song is about a communication breakdown. It uses a metaphor of a plane that’s going down, and when all attempts to call for help have failed, all they’re getting in response is static. I think it’s about shutting down in the face of conflict.

 Recording music is always a special process, with its own story. Was the process of creating “Radio Silence” one where everything went smoothly, and you literally closed your eyes and recorded the track in one take, or was it the opposite?

Definitely took several takes! The recording process for this upcoming album was more smooth overall than my last record. It was done in my hometown in a much more relaxed setting. I’m very happy with the results, especially on Radio Silence!

 “Radio Silence” signifies a lack of connection, silence in response. So, whom or what have you decided to ignore with this track?

I think most of my lyrics aren’t intended to be autobiographical, but I’m certain they are deep down.  I started writing the lyrics in Nashville while visiting a friend, and he and his girlfriend got into a huge argument at one point during my visit. I was having some issues in my personal life at the time as well, so I think a lot of the lyrics stemmed from that. It’s about that point in a conflict when pretty much everything has been said that could be said, but the issue hasn’t been resolved.

 “Radio Silence” combines both traditional country and modern trends. What approach or secret allows you to successfully blend these elements?

Well my influences are pretty versatile, and I certainly draw from many of them. I used to really not like my singing voice, but now I think it’s kinda sets my sound apart. It’s definitely not a country voice, but the music certainly has those elements. It’s hard trying to occupy a unique space and sound now a days, especially in a place like LA (poser capital of the world). So I guess the secret is to just be myself and not try so hard!

 Your debut album ‘Wildfires’ won you a ton of fans, and now with ‘Radio Silence,’ we’re seeing a different side of your creativity. Do you think your approach to music has completely changed, or is it more like a natural evolution of your ideas?

Tons of fans?! Let’s not go nuts! Haha. The main difference with this new record (which is titled The Dark American Night) is that I was far more in control of the recording and producing process than Wildfires. I took a lot more risks and chances on this record that would’ve likely been advised against on Wildfires. I think every new project should be approached differently than the one before, or else you’ll be bored to death!

 Rumor has it that experimenting with cannabis somehow helped you develop your singing. Is that true, or just a myth?

Haha, best question yet! Yes it definitely has given my voice a certain raspy tone that only years of constant cannabis smoking could achieve! People have asked how I got my raspy thing, and I always say, “well it’s because I smoke pot all day long….” Cannabis has been a very positive influence in my life. I’m grateful for it. I’m high right now!

 Photo by Wade Hammond

You’ve said that you find inspiration not just in country and folk, but also in the memory of your late uncle, actor Warren Vanders. How do his life and creativity still influence your music today?

Man my Uncle was the fucking coolest. He was in movies with John Wayne and Elvis for flips sake! Hollywood has really, really changed since his day. They really don’t make ’em like they used to. It seems like music, movies, and TV were a little more honest back than. A little more self reflective. Now it’s all so phony. If anything, I try to make my music as honest as it can be. I’m not trying to be anyone, or sound like anyone, nor do I care about my image or who I rub elbows with. I just wanna make songs people can relate to, and ride off into the sunset!

 Modern music and listener tastes are constantly changing. Are there contemporary artists who influence you and inspire you to experiment with new things in your music?

There’s so many great artist now, many of whom don’t get the recognition they deserve. My buddy Nathan Jaques makes such great music, and his music video series that he released recently was so cool and uniquely presented. Definitely check it out. Sophie Gault in Nashville crushes it, too. I don’t know her too well personally, but she inspired our version of Can’t Let Go that’s gonna be on the new record. Speaking of that cover, it’s a duet with my good friend Serafia, whose very inspiring in her own right! Check these artist out if you haven’t.

Your work has already found its audience and developed a recognizable sound. However, I’m curious: are there musical genres you haven’t had the chance to work in yet, but which secretly attract you?

One of the songs on the new record called “With The Spin” makes use of synthesizers that’s definitely not something you’d hear in a Folk/Americana track. Sounds more like something you’d hear in an EDM song, but with acoustic and electric guitars that are more blusey, so I always interested in new sounds and approaches. I’d really like to make an entirely instrumental album, which is an idea I’m toying with for the next full length release I make. It’s always advisable to take the road less traveled! That’s where the adventure lies.

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