Raw, organic guitar-driven sound is the focus of new music album The Light by Dylan Wade Lajunen.
The Coromandel-based singer-songwriter and guitarist has produced a work of introspection and healing, probing deep into the heart of the human condition as he aims to uplift his listeners and grow towards the light.
“As a songwriter and as a person I’m always looking for ways to elevate and lift my own consciousness, and hopefully the consciousness of everyone I have contact with. That’s what inspires me to write music,” Dylan told The Profile.
“I noticed over the years from playing these songs in so many different places, there is a collective upliftment that happens and I think music is such a great medium for that.”
The album came together in pieces as Dylan worked towards a Masters degree in music in 2017-18, and was largely recorded at Auckland’s Roundhead Studios.
It comprises 16 songs covering a varied and eclectic range of musical styles, something Dylan attributes to his musical upbringing.
“My dad was a guitar player so the guitar is the instrument I usually write with. And I’ve studied and taught guitar, in my own way, for so many years,” Dylan said.
“I just love interesting guitar stuff. As a teenager I got really into blues and Jimi Hendrix, Stephen Ray Vaughan, Led Zeppelin – all that amazing historic rock music. But as I grew up I became more aware of my Celtic roots… I have done a lot of blues and rock and funk and I love reggae but I also love the softer stuff.
“I just love so many different styles and I like to think that as I’ve matured I’ve become more open to styles that I didn’t really think were cool when I was younger, like country and pop.”
Other tracks were recorded with Dylan’s portable studio as he collaborated with artists around the Coromandel Peninsula, chipping away at the works over the next few years.
“A lot of the artists on the album were all living here in the Coromandel at the time,” Dylan said.
“There’s 11 of us on the album, so even though it’s under my name every song has some really great performances from all those people.”
Among the guests featured on the album are award-winning pianist Liam Ryan, Coromandel flautist Helen Lee, drums by Dylan’s long-term bandmate Yair Katz, bass by Wouter Schild, and vocals from Caitlin Smith. Dylan’s daughter, Nur Peach, a musician in her own right, also provides backing vocals.
The Light was released online on Bandcamp on March 22, and Dylan has plans for an eventual physical release on CDs and vinyl. For now, he’s focusing on forming a band to tour with to promote the new songs.
“Just give it a good listen, and if you like the album get in touch,” he said.
“I’d love to hear what people think, and I’m always keen to collaborate – I’m a live player and I’m looking to tour and play in interesting, beautiful places.”
DETAILS: The Light is available now, go to https://dylanz.bandcamp.com/album/the-light to find out more or get in touch with Dylan.
