Chicago-based band Dyslexicon blends raw energy and introspective lyricism, drawing inspiration from Mars Volta and their own musical evolution. With a sound described as “Sum 41 if they were more depressed and feral,” they’re ready to bring their new self-titled album to the stage at Beat Kitchen on February 26th, alongside Stalled and Harvey Waters. Expect a night of moody, cathartic energy as they continue to embrace imperfection and forge a unique path in the local scene.
Check out their music here: https://dyslexiconchi.bandcamp.com/album/dracula-at-sea
Q. What is your name/name of band/band members’ names.
We are Dyslexicon, hailing from Chicago. Dan, Brian D, Brian P, Carl, Matt.
Dan is the bandleader and answering all the questions.
Q. Where did the inspiration for your band’s name come from?
It’s lifted from a Mars Volta song of the same name. I’m a fan of Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s lyricism and his way of combining words to create abstract and surrealist images in your head. Dyslexicon was one that stayed with me and has its own meaning. The way I make music and art is very personal. I struggle with putting words to what I’m feeling or want to communicate, and music feels like an easier avenue to express myself. I don’t think it’s dyslexia, but in my head that’s what I equate with the first part of the name. I used to be a lot more afraid of how things would be interpreted and wanted to make sure everything I ever said or did was absolutely perfect. Which usually meant I never did or finished anything. But eventually I came to embrace the imperfections, the friction of me putting all these inspirations and ideas together to try and form a cohesive whole. In a sense, my own lexicon. So smash some words together and you get a band name that’s cool and also hard for people to say.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about the origin your music/band?
It’s been something that’s existed for over a decade. Back in high school I was in a band called Pulse, which released a self-titled EP and we eventually changed our name to Dyslexicon. Brian D was in that band and we’d jam in our high school band room, but we never really did anything else or play any shows. During the pandemic, I started going back and listening to the Pulse EP and some of my old recordings I’ve had since high school. A bunch of those ideas were still kicking around in my head so I decided to rework, reshape, and re-record them into what became our self-titled album. Eventually, when shows started happening again, I was itching to play the songs live and decided to form a live band. We’ve been playing now for nearly 3 years and it’s been awesome seeing those songs live organically now and continue to grow and morph while writing new stuff.
Q. How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music before?
Sum 41 if they were more depressed and feral.
Q. Do you have any upcoming shows or tours planned that fans should look out for?
We have a release show for our new record at Beat Kitchen on February 26th with Stalled and Harvey Waters. They’re two of my favorite Chicago bands and it’s going to be one moody evening. I can’t wait!
Q. What is your take on social media and how it influences an artist’s career?
It’s a necessary evil for networking and finding your feet. As someone who had to start at ground level knowing no one, instagram was the best way for me to find and keep up with other local bands, local shows, finding venues and bands for booking tours, and other creatives I liked. Some artists use it in such a genuinely fun way that it’s like an extension of their show: the band Totally Cashed are amazing at this and have extended bits and lore on top of being a kickass band. But the focus on metrics and “engagement” is so bad for your head and demoralizing some days. It would be one thing if it was optional and you could get your name out there some other way, like it was just another medium for self-expression. But it’s another when it’s the only source for people to get to know you and give a shit.
Q. What are some of your favorite venues to perform at and why?
Dive bars and DIY venues. Sometimes hard when you’re in a 5-piece band, but I love being in a small intimate space where there’s so little bs between you and the audience. The Burlington is always a favorite to play and I like putting shows together with Brian and Darren there. Empty Bliss has also been a recent favorite.
Q, If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Colors by Between the Buried and Me. I’ve listened to it so much and it hasn’t lost its luster. It’s comforting to listen to at this point, despite being a progressive death metal record. It’s also a constant source of inspiration and challenge when writing new songs or practicing.
Q. What do you think is the most rewarding part of being an artist?
When you have that moment of connection with someone else, whether it’s with your bandmates or with the audience. Close second is being able to lose your absolute shit on stage and it’s socially acceptable.
Q. If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Godspeed You! Black Emperor. It’s like a punk rock orchestra, and the way they build their songs as movements and how everything flows would be so cool to be a part of. The way they can paint such a visceral picture in your head with just sound, I want to be part of that making. Also to be playing and participating in the huge torrent of sound and catharsis sounds like bliss.
Q. If your music could be the soundtrack to any movie or TV show, which one would you choose?
Definitely creepy and haunted, maybe some thriller elements. Something where a character is losing their goddamn mind. You said film or tv, but secret 3rd option: If I could do the soundtrack to a new Silent Hill game, that would be the dream. The Silent Hill 2 soundtrack bangs.
Q. Where do you see yourself/band and your music in the next five years?
Toured at least twice but doesn’t have to be anything serious. Doing collaborations with local Chicago artists/bands I admire, pushing myself and the band to always be experimenting with new things but staying true to ourselves. And continuously thinking of ways to make live shows entertaining for both us and the audience. I like the idea of being your local fun weirdo band that also rips.
Where to find Dyslexicon:
https://www.instagram.com/dyslexicon_chi
