“If you were aware you were living your best memories, life could start to feel staged and fake.” Dylan Dunn says this simply, but it lands like truth — one of those quiet reflections you don’t forget.
Raised in Memphis and now rooted in California, Dylan has found his way through sound — led not by formulas, but by emotion. He writes songs that feel like they’ve been lived in, guided by melody first, story second. In conversation, he shares that his melodies already carry the meaning — “My job is just translating it into English.” You can sense that music for him isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about catching a feeling before it disappears.
His new single 80HD captures that exactly — a restless, joyful burst of energy that’s both playful and searching. The video, directed by Adam Castilla and art directed by Kelly Bohart, is just as infectious: a wild bounce house of movement and color that made me feel nostalgic in the best way. It reminded me of those carefree moments where you throw on your shoes, run toward the wind, turn in circles, and laugh just because it feels good. It’s not about escaping the chaos — it’s about dancing with it.
In our interview, Dylan talks about loyalty, emotion, and even stealing a song from a dream. Through all the rhythm and noise, his music feels like part of that search. Not perfect. Not polished. But real — and that’s exactly why it stays with you.
photography by Adam Castilla
Hey Dylan! First off, congrats on the new single – it’s such a burst of energy. The video really pulled me in. It looks like you had a lot of fun making it – and watching it actually made me feel a bit sentimental. It captures those light, carefree moments that might seem small at the time, but later feel like some of the most special memories. Do you think we only recognize the magic of certain moments once they’ve already passed?
Definitely, but I think it’s kind of beautiful in a way. I feel like if you were aware you were living your best memories, life could start to feel staged and fake.
Your lyrics talk about wanting something steady in a world that feels all over the place. Do you think people today see loyalty or ‘being there’ for someone differently than before?
The melody, which is usually my first step, really took the spotlight for this song. I feel like it’s some of my best work in that sense. As far as loyalty goes, I think it varies from person to person and probably always has. I do feel the internet is a vehicle that has exposed more people to the less desirable types.
Most of your songs feel like they’re time travelers — nostalgic but totally now. When you write, are you more guided by emotion, story, or sound?
Always emotion. The melody I start with is already telling the story I want to tell. My job is just translating it into English.
What’s the strangest or most unexpected source of inspiration you’ve ever drawn from for a song?
I once stole a song from myself. No kidding. I had this dream about a sinking bus that I was trapped in, and this acoustic song was playing in the background. When I woke up, I decided to steal it from the dream.
How’s the new EP coming along? (smiles) Are you in writing mode, recording, or somewhere in between?
Deep in recording currently. It’s what I consider my best work, but I always say that. I can’t quite commit to a single I’m writing unless I think it tops anything that’s come before it.
“I chose music over writing novels because I believe it’s the most emotional way to experience writing.”
Is there a song on the EP that means the most to you right now?
I would have to say 80HD.
If you weren’t making music, what would you pour your heart into instead?
Novelist, no doubt. I chose music over that because I believe it’s the most emotional way to experience writing.
Social media invites us to curate ourselves. Do you feel like you’re playing a version of “Dylan Dunn” online— or is that also fully you?
Definitely. I don’t believe in putting on a facade. It seems so pointless. I am who I am, and that’s okay.
If you could disappear from the internet for a month, where would you go and what would you do offline?
Hawaii, no question. I’d probably spend every day floating or doing some version of it.
The most important thing in life is?
Finding your purpose
Thank you so much for your time!
Of course thanks for having me guys (smiles)
Follow Dylan Dunn for more:
www.instagram.com/_dylandunn_
