R&B Recording Artist and song-writer, Dylan Bernard has just dropped a new track, Writers Block, the title track for his upcoming EP. This track is the first release of his that he has fully self-produced. Dylan is set to release and album/EP early next year, which is currently in the final stages.
PopWrapped (PW): “Writer’s Block” is the first track from your upcoming project, Writer’s Block. This track is beautifully produced and really allows your unique artistry/vocals standout. What made you want to release the title track as the first single? What made this one standout from the others?
Dylan Bernard (DB): “Thank you! My team and I definitely spent a lot of time deciding what single to release first, especially since this is the title track of the EP. For me, I just wanted to put out what felt the most real and authentic. The truth is, I’ve literally had writer’s block since I wrote Higher. After the success of that song, I wasn’t sure how to follow it up. A lot of people don’t know, but It Ain’t Up To Me was actually written years ago and I just loved that song, so we put it out while I was feeling uninspired. Ironically “Writer’s Block” was the song that ended my real life writer’s block, and so I wanted to lead with that.”
PW: Many of us (including myself just in different form) have had Writer’s Block during this pandemic and quarantine season. Is this song influenced by personal experience during this crazy time? If so, what is keeping you focused on your music and keeping you pushing forward?
DB: “It’s so cool that you said that! I really was hoping people would relate to the song in their own way and realize that “writer’s block” can really apply to any aspect of your life. For me, it definitely was inspired by personal experience. Of course, with everything going on in the world right now, it’s really easy to feel uninspired, and I was absolutely feeling that. I think it’s important to recognize those moments and not try to force anything. What really helps me is taking time away from my computer and going on short walks, meditating, and playing video games.”
PW: This is the first single off the project but it’s also a pretty important one – this is the first of your releases that you’ve produced. Did you produce the full project or just this single? & why did you decide to self-produce rather than working with someone else?
DB: “So we are still in the process of finalizing the EP, but as of now, I’ve produced all of the songs that are going to be on it. Writer’s Block features an incredible guitar instrumental by Mark Otero, who also co-wrote the song. Keaton Stromberg, who produced my last few singles, did the mixing and really helped me out while I got my bearings with producing. I’m still always down to work with other producers, but I wanted to challenge myself during quarantine to create something from scratch and I ended up loving it. I honestly spend most of my days producing tracks and writing to them, even if there are no plans to release them! There’s just something special about having the freedom to take exactly what I’m hearing in my head, and create it. It’s been such a release for me.”
PW: Personally, I’ve yet to find anyone that sounds like you – which is a great thing! How do you stay true to your unique sound while being inspired by others in music? Additionally, what artists inspire you and your music?
DB: “Thank you so much! It’s taken me a long time to really find my sound and I still believe that my sound will continue to evolve. Journaling daily really helps me find my inner voice when it comes to writing. I also think listening to such a wide-array of music helps me draw inspiration from artists of all genres and create something that just feels good to me. If it’s not something I would listen to, then I know it’s just not the right song for me.
…I’m inspired by so many artists! As of late it’s been Brandy, Machine Gun Kelly, Lucky Daye, Jazmine Sullivan, The Walls Group, Jessie Reyez, Chloe x Halle, Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, and so many more!”
PW: “Writer’s Block” is the first we’ve heard new music from you since “Higher” and “It Ain’t Up To Me” which are quite different in sound. With that being said, What can we expect from this upcoming EP and from your sound going forward?
DB: “I think Higher is a great example of what to expect for the Writer’s Block EP and my sound in general. This EP is going to take that R&B sound a step further as I’ll be adding in more vocal layers, harmonies, runs, and ad-libs. The tracks will be much more stripped down and you’ll really be hearing the vocals as the driving force behind the the songs.”
PW: This title track is simple in production but you pair it with smooth, stunning, vocals. Walk us through your writing and recording process for this track – How did this track come to be, and when did you know that it was perfect?
DB: “When we started writing for this EP as a whole, we knew we wanted to do something a little more stripped back. Mark laid down his guitar and I started writing to that. Instead of over-producing the track, we decided to let the vocal and guitar really be what draws you in. I loved the song when it was just lead vocal and guitar, and that’s typically how I know if I’m going to release a song or not. A few days after I added in some of the production and harmonies, I took a listen to it and really felt the song. That’s when I knew it was perfect. It’s one thing to hear a song, but when I can feel it, I know that it is ready.”
PW: Finally, what do you hope that your audience takes from this track and the upcoming Writer’s Block EP?
DB: “First and foremost, I hope longtime listeners and new listeners feel like they are getting an authentic piece of me. For this single, and for the EP (as of now), every sound, vocal, instrumental, etc has been recorded in my bedroom. This is really the most stripped and honest I’ve been in not only my lyrics, but also my production, because it’s all coming from me. I also hope listeners find a way to relate to each song in their own way and that those who are feeling uninspired, just like I was, can find some inspiration in this project. I’m really excited for everyone to hear it!”
We’re stoked to see what is in store for Dylan as well as the full project he’s releasing next year. Dylan Bernard’s “Writers Block” is available now on all major music platforms. You can also follow Dylan on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.
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