Dan Webb ‘Sunshine/Dialogue’
Sunshine/Dialogue is remarkable for its unpredictability and sensuousness. Dubbed in the slight daze of psychedelia and filtered through a distorted lens, Dan Webb builds a sonic world filled with nightmarish allure and fluid bizarreness, pulsating along chill beats. Captivating, almost pop sensational melodies like a linger of sarcastic smile with so much more to ponder upon. With a collection of sonic fragments each vibrate on an unique frequency, Sunshine/Dialogue features diverse sonic palette and a playful attitude with form.
“A Good Song” immerses listeners into a reflection of the world. A laid-back vibe, bouncing off hypnotic captivation, but underneath the surface is the thundering chaos and randomness. The ever-evolving song is the interesting blend of the constant and the unpredictable.
Webb’s work is more like a sonic installation rather than an album. “Florence Street” has a sort of sci-fi, dystopian fantasy feel to its sonic world-building. The distorted, melting away of sensuousness and beauty is very intriguing to hear and interact with one’s imagination. “Sunshine” then transcends you into a sort of lucid dreaming. Like being in the backstage of a rock concert, but being caged in the distance. Authentic rock comes to you in pieces and fragments, remaining its distance. There’s the disorientation and surreal feeling that makes you question about space and time in this track.
“Ice Kachang” drives even further into the distortion and misconception of perception. It feels like the melting away of an indie pop song meets the malfunction of a cassette. A semi-nostalgic horror feeling tangled up with deep feelings.
Each Webb’s song has a unique story embedded in them. Listening to them is both an amusing and eye-opening experience. Like a grand adventure consists of many mini adventures. There’s no getting old with this album, only expansion and deepening.
Punk Head: I love your unique blend of sounds and how it's eclectic and whimsical. What are the inspiration behind "Sunshine/Dialogue?"
Dan Webb: This album was shaped by conversations I had with other musicians over a 4 year period, such as CJ Ramone, Femi Kuti and members of Parliament Funkadelic.
PH: How does this album reflect your growth as an artist?
Webb:I’ve recorded literally hundreds of song ideas and demos over the past few years. It’s easy as a musician to get hung up about whether the music you’re creating is “good enough” for release. I experienced a major shift in my thinking following my interview with Greg Saunier, which I ended up sampling on “A Good Song.” I definitely discovered a newfound sense of freedom by allowing myself to be more vulnerable. I ended up stitching together many ideas which might otherwise have gone unheard.
PH: Have you ever had any particularly memorable experiences while experimenting with your work?
Webb:The development of each track is a unique experience in itself. Having done this now for 15 years, the experiences of writing and recording some songs become more memorable than others. I will say the mixing of Sunshine/Dialogue became challenging as my 8 year old computer began to slow down and crash as I began to add more instrument layers and effects to tracks. I’m looking to buy a new computer in the coming months so I can work on my next album with some more confidence of the technology not giving way.
PH: How is the music scene in Melbourne?
Webb:The music scene in Melbourne really is world class. So many incredible artists have come and continue to emerge out of this place - Nick Cave, The Avalanches, Jet, Hiatus Kaiyote, Crowded House, The Bamboos, just to name a few. And who could forget AC/DC rocking down Swanston Street on the back of a truck. They’ve got a street named after them!
PH: What advice would you give to other artists who want to explore experimental art forms?
Webb:I’d encourage every artist to experiment with their sound. Listen to as much music as possible and don’t stick to your comfort zone.
