The Blogger Lowdown w/ dysonsound

 

The Blogger Lowdown is a feature where we ask the good people who run our favorite, essential blogs to give some insight on themselves and their sites. There are some great resources for discovering all kinds of music on the interwebs and our hope is to introduce you to a few of these outlets and the people behind them.

 

Music blogs come in many different shapes and forms. Sometimes they’re behemoths; giant machines turning out content at an inconceivable level. Sometimes they’re smaller scale, but faceless; they exist to create hype and post every remix track available. And sometimes they’re run by one or a few genuine dudes (or dudettes), whose honest love of music shines through the writings, reviews, and interviews. Matt Dyson of dysonsound is one of those dudes.

How about a little backstory on yourself  to start things off.

I grew up in CT and when I received a 4 track tape recorder as a gift, it changed my life. I spent countless hours in my bedroom recording track after track of myself trying to make some music that sounded good. To this day this is why I'm so envious of guys like Zach Condon (Beirut) who can do this so well. I went off to Berklee, spent some time in NYC, and became a working stiff who needed to keep one foot in music.

When and how did Dysonsound come to be?

I always thought I'd own a recording studio called dysonsound. So I bought the domain but the studio dreams went out the window. One weekend I decided to install WordPress and start writing about music. It's been a rapid growth ever since. I never thought I'd be writing about, interviewing, or covering shows where I am now. Especially as a one man outfit. I couldn't be having more fun with it. It's my absolute passion.

Do you have a day job/alter ego?

Currently I work a 9-6 day job as a Mac computer geek/web developer. It's a great place to work but it means that I have to blog nights and weekends. I can't be the first one on the scene when I see a new release land in my inbox. That's why I write about music that really speaks to me and don't just post the hottest mp3s out there.

What kind of music did you grow up with? Did this contribute to your tastes now?

I grew up with mainly Motown blasting through my house. My father was a talented musician who could hear a song, sit at the piano, and play it. I was always envious of that. He could also do the same on guitar so we used to play a little bit and got to record a song or two together. He definitely is my main musical influence and has stood behind everything I've done.

Any interesting musical tastes or purchases early on? Any guilty pleasures now?

One of the first cassettes I bought on my own was The Traveling Wilburys. I really didn't know who was in the group when I bought it (which confused the hell out of my dad) but for some reason I needed it. At this point I'm not guilty about any music I like. I've recorded Britney Spears covers, love Wham!, and spend almost every Friday at the end of work blasting Purple Rain. (hardly a guilty pleasure though)

What’s the one album that you have the greatest emotional connection to?

It's such a cliche album that every band likes to quote if they have harmonies in their songs, but it has to be Pet Sounds. Brian Wilson must have been channeling some musical god through him when he made this album. It has some of the most brilliant production, vision, players, vocals, and lyrics ever. I've walked around the streets of NYC with this on my headphones and nearly burst into tears during 'Caroline No'. I never get tired of this record.

What’s your favorite venue in Boston?

It used to be Paradise but I haven't been there since they re-did it. So right now it has to be Great Scott. I've seen some amazing shows there and for such a small club, they manage to get amazing sound. Plus if you want to hang back and talk to friends, you can go back to the bar and do it with comfort.

Any stellar shows or purchases recently?

I've made quite a few stellar purchases recently. Probably too many to name. Over the past decade I have developed a severe addiction to vinyl. It's a pretty healthy addiction except on the wallet… I've been fortunate where all of the shows I've seen recently have been really top notch. Boston has an amazing amount of talent that lives here and passes through it. A recent late night stop at Wally's to catch some jazz reminded me just how lucky I am to be in such a diverse city.

How else does Dyson spend his time? Any interesting hobbies outside of music and blogging?

All of my hobbies are pretty well rooted in music but I've recently tried to branch out and try my hand past the point and shoot type of photography. Shot an Autumn Defense show and a model just last week. I have a LOT to learn but have some great people around me to help me out. I'm also completely into my 90lb mutt of a dog named Dylan. He's a hobby for sure.

What would be your weapon of choice in a zombie apocalypse?

Probably the Braveheart sword. I've had an obsession with owning one ever since I saw one in a store in Switzerland. But a gun would have to be my backup…