Portland-based artist Dittomaster has released the brilliant single ‘Always’ in October 2020. Read our full interview with this superb artist!
What is the first song that captured your attention as a youngster?
Probably Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’. I used to listen to that on my walkman and cruise around on my bike. I really like the drums and guitar. R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen.
Who influenced your latest release?
My latest release ‘Always’ was written for our adopted son. We brought him home from the hospital a month after the pandemic started. We’re actually fostering to hopefully adopt him, so it’s just a wild ride- we don’t know if he’ll ultimately stay with us.
It’s an uncertain future, to say the least. Will we get to be there for him for the rest of his life? Hopefully so, but we really can’t say until the judge makes a ruling. If it was up to us, we’d adopt him immediately.
Writing the song was helpful to set the right intention for the future, no matter what happens- in our hearts, he’ll always be our baby, and we’ll always be there for him.
‘Always’ is electronic/synth-pop in genre, what attracts you to making music in that style?
The best thing about synth-pop is the fun and upbeat nature of the genre and also the willingness to experiment. Some musical genres have a tendency to be very rigid in what is allowed within the genre, but I feel like synth-pop offers more artistic leeway to try new things.
Besides, you can’t ignore the versatility of a synthesizer, that is bound to push your music to uncharted territory. You can make so many amazing sounds with a synth that will inevitably affect the songs you write- it has a much wider range than a guitar or really any other instrument, except for maybe a sampler.
Another reason I’m attracted to synth-pop is the era it originates from. The 70s and 80s was such an iconic time for music, not to mention pop culture. I’m really drawn to thinking of that time period in a romantic way. After synth-pop, my favourite sub-genres in music are Dance Punk and Electroclash, which are heavily influenced by synth-pop and punk.
With each release, you invite the listener into a world which you have created, what do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope people find my music offers them an escape from their reality, like a skateboard or a fast car that they can just peel out on and getaway.
I hope that after listening to one of my tracks, people will be tapping their feet, and their body will start moving, and it will help them move on from whatever was bothering them. Hopefully, my music offers them momentum to move forward.
What’s your favourite venue to play?
So far Dittomaster has been a studio pandemic project, so I haven’t had any live shows… but we’ll see… There are some performances of me playing all the instrumental parts on YouTube for now.
What are your other passions aside from music?
My other passions aside from music include skateboarding and filmmaking. My interest in filmmaking and music grew out of skateboarding- they’re all very closely connected.
If you’re out filming skateboarding with your friends every day, you’re going to learn guerrilla filmmaking naturally. And every skate part needs a good song to elevate it to the next level.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
It would be nice if making a living at music was more attainable. The freedom of having your own music project is really satisfying though- it’s almost worth the trade-off. Artistic freedom is so important.
What new music are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve definitely been listening to Young Ejecta’s “Crayon Cactus” on repeat. Besides that, I still go back to a lot of Dance Punk that came out circa 2000 – 2010. Artists like Justice, Kap Bambino, Tobacco, etc.
What musical plans do you have for the next two years?
My musical plans for the next two years include releasing as much music as possible and to push myself creatively and make each song a different experience.
Whenever live shows start to really come back, I will probably form a band to perform these songs and play some shows. I wish everyone well during this really strange year.
You have a really brilliant and unique style, where do you take your main influences from?
Thanks, I really appreciate that. I take my main influences from artists like LCD Soundsystem, Justice, and Depeche Mode. I’m equally inspired by synth-pop music and headbanger music.
Most of my songs are constructed while trying to combine the feelings those genres inspire and put those different energies together.
Also, every song is it’s own journey, as corny as that sounds. While I may start off with an idea of what the song is going to be, I can’t hold onto that too tightly- I think it’s important to be open to new twists and turns you may not have anticipated in the songwriting process. It’s more fun for the songwriter and the audience to be surprised.
FV Music Blog October 2020
https://www.instagram.com/dittomastermusic
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