Dylan Cartlidge - 10 Questions + Molasses (Walk The Walk) Single
Hailing from Redcar, a small town in the North-East of England, Dylan Cartlidge has long since embraced the phrase "Hope Above Adversity" as his motto. His life path took a significant turn for the better and gave him hope for his future when he was spotted and signed to Glassnote Music in 2018.
In the lead up to the release of his debut EP ‘Monsters Under The Bed’ in April 2019, Dylan had already collaborated with Jamie T, garnered praise from radio tastemakers including Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Jack Saunders, Phil Taggart and Matt Wilkinson. In addition, Dylan has played a UK-wide 13 date headline tour as well as performances at SXSW, Glastonbury and Radio One’s Big Weekend in Middlesbrough.
‘Molasses (Walk The Walk)’ is assured to get anyone up and moving with the new track showcasing Dylan’s trademark soul-tinged, infectious style wrapped within his indie, funk and r&b sensibilities as he addresses the theme of hitting a personal slump, losing sight of your ambitions and goals and finding your way back to your old self again. The single is accompanied by an animated lyric video with striking 70’s inspired visuals, in keeping with Dylan’s funk influences.
Dylan sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
It came sadly from bad past experiences, I had a traumatic childhood and music was my only way to survive really and be able to externalise the impact of those experiences and how we’ve impacted and shaped not only my future, but also my world view.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Massive fan of Kid Cudi, Stromae, The Black Keys & Jack White….but id absolutely love to work with Kevin Parker or Cage The Elephant.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
The toughest thing has been the impersonality of it all. I’m a big believer in the magic in the room creating with people, and it's definitely a different experience over Zoom.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I’d say its alternative hip hop, but I’m basically a pound shop Michael Winslow.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I proposed to my fiancé at a hometown show during a freestyle, that was really special for me.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Be authentic and roll with the punches, there are big highs and even bigger lows like auditions or something for actors but if you really love it, do it.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
Really vibing Hope Tala & Giant Rooks atm for sure!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Foster The Peoples new joint is fire and Im really digging any Growler’s record atm as well.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Anime, Horror Movies & Ramen, basically be a full on weeb ! Looool!
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Its crazy right but on the real, I find If you don’t take a 2L bottle of water to a studio session you end up DEAD. Simple but really important, I love a P-bass not gonna lie, a must for me. & just good people man, if you haven’t got that, you haven’t got anything.