Rising star: Dylan Gardner

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Franklin Franco in Features

Franklin Franco
Chronicle Reporter

From singing in his bedroom in Illinois to touring the country, Dylan Gardner has managed to rock  several cities in the US as well as the a few high schools in the country. Dylan got the Sheik crowd into a new kind of groove by performing songs from his album, “Adventures in Real Time” on Friday March 6 in the middle of the quad. This young artist seems to live for the feel of performing and took enthusiasm to a level where it became contagious.

Dylan started out writing and demoing his own music in his bedroom. His passion for making music led him to converting his bedroom into his own personal recording studio. Dylan said that his music would be sent out to different people and he would continue to meet people after people about his music and that is how he eventually got into performing. Being a novice at touring, Dylan did not know what exactly to expect but has loved the different emotions that come with the experience.

If singing and writing his own original music was not enough, Dylan is even instrumentally gifted. He plays a number of instruments including: guitar, drums, bass, piano, and mandolin; however, he said he does not have much knowledge over brass instruments and has great respect for those who do.

“I think my favorite instrument is the piano [because] in a lot of ways it can be so versatile and play different cord combinations.” said Dylan.

Although he did not play the piano during the performance, he still gave his songs a new feel with the sound of acoustic guitar playing.

One can ask, what got this boy into making music in the first place? Well, music seems have a great effect on Dylan as he listens to different sounds and feels different emotions towards each melody and music group. His songwriting all depends on his feelings on that day he is writing and the phrases just flow out once he picks up on a good melody.

Out in the quad Dylan showed to live for the feel of performing for crowds. “I love playing for high schools because I get to play to people my age. No one is better than anyone, it’s just celebrating music during lunch. I have the time of my life doing this.” said Dylan.

His family has been nothing but supportive since day one. Dylan owes his success and place in the music industry to the hard work of his family. “I have the most supportive parents in the world who have helped me achieve my dreams.” said Dylan, “Behind every great artist are his parents.”

Dylan was adored by the Sheik crowd and he too loved the feel that the school was giving off. When told about how the audience thought him to be “dynamic and thought he had music that speaks to you,” Dylan said he felt honored to hear someone say that. He wants to continue to perform and write songs until he physically cannot. He also wishes that other students at school follow their dreams of becoming an artist.

“It’s completely possible, you can do it, you just have to believe in yourself and not rely on anyone but yourself because at the end of the day, you’re the one that can make your dream happen.”