It’s the Wright time
It has been a massive year for Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright, he has released songs, set off on his first tour and recorded a two-part EP. Now as Dylan prepares for the delivery of the second half of his ‘Half A World Away’, which is due out on the 25th of October, we had the pleasure of chatting with the very likable young Dad about his whirlwind year, how he is finding touring and what can fans can look forward to from ‘Half A World Away’ Pt 2.
Firstly Dylan, congratulations on everything that has happened this year, 2024 has certainly been the year of Dylan Wright. Has it all sunk in yet or does it still feel like a bit of a dream?
Thank you! It is still all slowly sinking in. It’s been a wild ride and I’ve been holding on and enjoying every moment it has brought so far.
How are you and your young family coping with all the changes?
There’s been a lot of change happening and a lot to juggle, with two kids under 5 we’ve been doing our best to make sure they’re happy and get to see me as much as they can. I feel like the chaos of it all has subsided a lot and we’ve come to a nice balance now.
“Fast. Incredible. Eye-Opening.”
What three words would describe the journey so far?
Fast. Incredible. Eye-Opening.
Last month you released your single 'Little Lost', what inspired the writing of this one and how has the song been received?
I wanted to write a song about my wild experience from the start of the year and being pulled in so many different directions from so many different people. All I wanted to do was get out on the road and travel. So we wrote a song about just that, a little road trip type of song where I remember as a kid, singing along to our favourite albums and stopping a little road stops along the way to try some bakery treats. I’m really happy with how the song has been received. We’re currently halfway through a tour and almost everyone is singing along to that one which just makes me so happy.
“I’m up for the challenge. I think you have to say yes and go with the flow in those situations because you don’t know where they will lead”
What was your favourite part of the recording process?
I’m not a perfectionist so I love it when I’m recording and something might pop up in someone’s mind to try something a bit out of the ordinary or change a lyric or melody here and there. I’m up for the challenge. I think you have to say yes and go with the flow in those situations because you don’t know where they will lead. I worked with some great producers and I felt like they really got the best out of me. I’m continuing to grow thanks to them.
'Little Lost' comes from your EP 'Half A World Away', which you are releasing in two parts. Who came up with the concept to split the tracks up?
That was my idea to split the EP in two. I feel like these days there is so much music being put out into the world daily, I wanted people to actually listen to these songs and take them in and then process it all as a whole EP when the time comes. I think it has a nice flow and story line people will be able to relate too.
Part 1 of 'Half A World Away' is out now and Part 2 is due for release shortly, so what can fans expect from the these two bodies of work?
I think fans might be expecting something really happy and uplifting, while there are a couple of tracks like that. I have gone through tough experiences in my life and this year, while amazing and life-changing, has had its fair share of ups and downs. So this EP has been a little bit of a reflection on that chapter which has taught me many things and is leading to much happier and uplifting times.
How do you celebrate release days?
For this release I will be back in my old hometown of the Sutherland Shire, so I’m hoping to enjoy the day with the girls and then make it out in the night to one of our favourite spots, Blind Bear, for a whisky and some wings.
You're currently touring in support of the new music with the 'Get A Little Lost' tour, is being on the road everything you thought it would be?
It is my first solo tour and as with any firsts, there have been some learning curves but all with a big smile on our face. I love being on the road, seeing new places and meeting new people. I would do it all the time if it meant my girls could be with me too but they’re a bit too little at the moment, hopefully we can get a big caravan somewhere down the line and all be on the road together one day
You're touring with your long-time friend Matt Joyce (Sons Of Atticus), does it help to have a great mate with you, not only for the support but also to draw on his experience in the industry?
It’s been amazing to share this all with Matt and have him on the road. I can be a bit blazé about things but he makes sure everything is sorted and organised so we make a good team and help each other when the other one might be feeling a bit tired or talk through how we’re feeling. I couldn’t ask for a better mate to be on stage playing music with.
“I will definitely be heading back into the studio as soon as I can”
After the tour finishes are you heading back to the studio? Can fans look forward to a full-length album release in the near future?
I will definitely be heading back into the studio as soon as I can. I have a lot more to write about after being on tour. There’s no real plan as of yet for releases but I love writing, recording and touring and all of those things go hand in hand.
Where would you like to see your career in a year's time and five years down the road? What do you hope you have achieved?
In a years time, I would have loved to have toured the whole of Australia, played at festivals, and released a bunch of new songs. In 5 years time I’d love to be headlining festivals, selling out shows everywhere and hopefully having a couple of number 1’s
“I’m very appreciative ”
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
My management team does a lot for me and keeps my world turning. Making sure I’m on top of things and also listening to my visions. I’m very appreciative of them and all they do.
Do you have a message for all the Dylan Wright fans and supporters out there?
Thank you all so much for the constant support. I hope to see you at the upcoming shows, thank you if you’ve already come to the ones we’ve played and go out and buy or stream the new EP Half A World Away. See you at a show soon!
For a complete list of tour dates and to purchase tickets or merch, please visit Dylan Wright's official website: www.dylanwrightmusic.com.au
