Having already established himself with a breadth of dazzling delights these last few years, fast-rising artist Ian Mellencamp is back to his best once again with his progressive new single 'S&C (Dopamine Sheen)'.
Honing more of that broad and innovative aesthetic he has been cultivating since he first emerged, 'S&C (Dopamine Sheen)' makes for a brilliantly bold and adventurous listen. With its driven textures, enigmatic atmosphere, and stellar production layered throughout, he continues to shine as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
My parents had a Casio SA-1, which was this little mini keyboard that had like 100 different sounds and couple play a few different styles of backbeats. I don’t remember anyone playing it around the house, so I would just take it and mess around on it. It was so much fun to me. I wasn’t really trying learn chords and all that. I was more fascinated with the ability of this adult toy to create all sort of different sounds. Looking back, I think that’s where my “ear” for music and love of sound bending began.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Well, my first concert was Tina Turner. But I would primarily listen to all types of rock music (grunge, punk, SoCal) when skating and then hip-hop, pop and R&B when tucked away in my room.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Green Day Dookie was the first CD. But my parents had an extensive record collection, and the first album I ever put on was Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon”. I had no idea what I was in for. My adolescence brain was like “woah, this isn’t just music…this is a full on journey.”
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Closing Time.” No wait… “Happy Birthday.” LOL.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I’m always evolving and adapting my approach to keep things fresh. The most inspiring place to create new ideas, new material, “barf” drafts is in a public space or while traveling. Then, when I need to produce and finish those ideas, I like to be heavily caffeinated in my home studio.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Fun new finds have been CA7RIEL and Brutus VIII. Nathaniel Rateliff’s new album is also great. I also have a new found appreciation for Michael McDonald as of late.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I usually play Farm Aid every year opening for Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Margo Price, and Dave Matthews; so that’s really been a dream. I would be honored to open for any artist that I admire. I would have loved to open for Prince or Bowie, R.I.P. At the moment, I think my sound would be well rounded to open for Depeche Mode. If I’m playing acoustic? Cat Stevens.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The creative process and having this amazing thing called “sound” to play and experiment with. The start of creating a new piece is also my favorite part because there’s endless possibilities. I love to play in that sonic sandbox. Sometimes I get a bit lost in there. It’s wild.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Also… the creative process. Ha! Me playing a part over and over and not finding what I’m looking for. Digging through all of the bad ideas to discover the one flake of gold. Yes all of that, but truly: The promoting part. I have ADD, so branding in a consistent manner is boring to me. I think every musician can relate: We just want to play music!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Find your unique voice and stay true to yourself. Also, create, create, and then create some more.
-
Ian Mellencamp's new single 'S&C (Dopamine Sheen)' is available to stream now. Watch the new video in the player below.