Dylan Nash Interview - Going The Extra 5 Steps

Meet Dylan Nash, a songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and mixer based in Sydney. Dylan has solidified his position as one of the best creatives working from behind the scenes. Known for his work with Dean Lewis, Eluera, The Million, BROODS plus more, Dylan is a serious force to be reckoned with. We had a chat to Dylan about his musical journey, working with Dean Lewis, and helping emerging acts break out into the scene.

Futuremag Music: Can you talk us through your relationship with music over the years, and your musical journey?

Dylan Nash: I picked up a guitar when I was 12 because I was jealous of my cousin who’d just bought one and I quickly became totally obsessed with learning and playing music. This lead to playing in high school bands (think Sum 41/Paramore/Metallica) and naturally, wanting to make demos of our songs. My mum didn’t like the idea of me partying underage, so instead, I’d sit at home on Friday and Saturday night watching millions of YouTube videos about how to record and produce. This quickly became another form of obsession. After high-school I continued to play in bands, writing and producing a lot of the songs, and soon realised that I preferred that part of the process to performing live. I started to produce for other artists and friends I’d make through touring and eventually that took over as my main interest and I made the jump to doing it full time. It’s all I want to do all day, everyday and now I’m really grateful that my mum was so strict…

Futuremag Music: Can you tell us the story behind working with Dean Lewis? Can you talk us through the collaboration process when working with a high profile client such as Dean? 

Dylan Nash: I met Dean while on set recording this really cool live video of his song ‘Waves’, which was unreleased at the time. I think we just got on really well and off the back of the video, he gave me the chance to produce an acoustic version of one of his songs. It turned out great and since then its been a bit of a whirlwind. We’ve spent the past year working together quite a bit, most recently in LA earlier this year producing some new stuff that I’m really excited about.

I like to think that I’m extremely driven and hard working but Dean’s just on a whole other level and he really pushes me to do my absolute best, it’s awesome. There’s lots of late nights and early mornings, especially when we’re working across different time zones while he’s travelling, so we’re always trying to find little pockets of time between commitments. It’s pretty crazy at times but I think we both thrive in those situations. There’s something magic about embracing that grind. 

Futuremag Music: You've also worked with developing acts such as NSW Central Coast vocalist, Eluera who's more electro focused. How does an electro focused production differ from a more acoustic?

Dylan Nash: Other than some aesthetic production differences, to me, they aren’t too different from one another. You might start and build the song around a different instrument, for example an acoustic guitar vs. a synth progression, but the vocal and the song as a whole are always the central focus. Regardless of the genre I think it’s all about your taste and judgement and I’ve always loved blending the two worlds together anyway. Besides, there’s always some sneaky pads or samples hiding in the background of more organic productions.

Futuremag Music: What tips and tricks you suggest to those who are just entering the scene?

Dylan Nash: Accountability is everything. Being someone that an artist can trust and rely on is so important as songs are often such personal things and you’re helping bring them to life. It’s like you’re holding their baby. Be the person with great communication, quick responses and the one who’s willing to go the extra 5 steps.

Also, when inspiration strikes, just try and drop everything and chase the idea down the rabbit hole as far as you can go. Those moments are fleeting and you’ll learn to recognise them and how important they are.

You can check out more of Dylan's work, HERE.