Releasing Music With All Day I Dream: Dim Kelly Shares His Experience Signing His Latest EP With Lee Burridge

Today, we delve into an exclusive interview with DIM KELLY, a versatile artist returning to the revered All Day I Dream label with his latest EP, Pianologic. Following the success of previous releases like Nocturna Animal and Mangrove, the new EP is a sophisticated blend of house, classical influences, and dynamic soundscapes. With a musical journey spanning over two decades, DIM KELLY showcases his rich sonic palette in Pianologic, a testament to his evolving artistry and unique identity in the music industry.

In our conversation, DIM KELLY opens up about his artistic evolution, starting from a humble studio in Brussels to signing high-profile labels such as All Day I Dream. He also shares the details of his latest EP, from the rhythmic complexity of its opening track to collaborations with other artists like Stereoclip and Maya Safar.

As you read through, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of not just DIM KELLY’s music but the man behind the masterful compositions. This article is a must-read if you’re looking for insights on navigating the music industry, drawing inspiration from challenges, or appreciating an evolving artist’s work.

Can you describe your journey from emerging as an artist to now signing with All Day I Dream?

At the beginning, I was destined for visual art, but it was my encounter with the producer Kid Creme that changed the course of things. One day, I ended up in his studio, back when everything was analog.

He was working with an Akai S 3000 sampler and an Atari with Cubase, while I only had a PC at home. I installed a small program called “Fast Tracker” and started making music all in. I would bring my demos to Kid Creme, who at the time couldn’t understand how I was doing it with just one machine. However, he recognized a “certain talent” in me, and so every month, I would visit him, play my demos, and he would give me his feedback (always quite decisive, sometimes harsh, but objective).

Around the age of 24, I was living in Brussels, and financially, it was very challenging. I had a tiny, poorly soundproofed studio and lived in a shared apartment. One day, he came by and said, “How do you produce in these conditions? If you want, I have a house with a spare room and space for you to set up a studio. Give up your apartment and come live with me. We’ll talk about money later.” We built my studio together, he bought me my first Mac, and from there, a music career unfolded, spanning hip-hop, music for advertising and films, and ultimately, club music. Throughout this time, I lived with him. He supported me financially at the beginning and then technically, and he continues to do so today. I learned everything from him. He’s my mentor, friend, and the guy with whom I’ve had the most beautiful projects of my life. I have immense love, respect, and gratitude for this guy. To me, he’s a genius in many ways.

So, about four years ago, I already had some demos for this project, and one day, my friend Pole Folder told me he was interested in signing them to his label. He also believed that this project deserved a bigger platform. He gave me Lee Burridge’s email, and I sent him the three demos. Two months later, he responded with undisguised enthusiasm. I sent him more demos, and he said, “Okay, we’re going to make an album with you, and I’ll take you to the USA. People are going to adore you.” hahaha And that’s how Nocturna Animal was born.

What were your first reactions when you found out you’d be joining the ranks of artists on All Day I Dream

I couldn’t believe it at first. When Lee didn’t respond to my emails within a week, I thought it wouldn’t happen, and he had forgotten about me, haha.

But he always sent me a kind and reassuring email at some point. Also, I didn’t know about this label before Pole Folder told me about it. Still, the more I talked about it with people, the more I realized how perfectly it aligned with what I wanted, musically and personally.

And I was absolutely right about that.

Were there any specific challenges you faced during the signing process or after?

No, none at all, everything has been fantastic.

Lee fully supports me and allows me complete artistic freedom. The people working at the label are all genuinely good individuals, and there’s a real human spirit within this label. I believe that Lee’s project goes far beyond just running a music business; it’s a life project for him, and he infuses it with boundless energy, incorporating everything that gives meaning to his own existence. I think that’s what makes All Day I Dream so unique.

What feedback or guidance did you receive from All Day I Dream veterans like Lee Burridge?

Believing in myself and my music, love, and unconditional support for me, but also for Maya Safar, the singer and friend I have worked with extensively, and now Stereoclip. He gives so much of himself; I can’t emphasize it enough.

What advice would you give to budding artists aiming to sign with labels of All Day I Dream’s stature?

Make music for yourself. Try to discover what makes you unique. Don’t set signing with a certain label as your goal. Create the music that’s specific to you, and then find the label that fits it.

By trying to make music specifically to sign with a certain label, you risk losing your identity. I believe labels look for that in artists – a strong identity. In fact, when I signed with ADID, Lee first told me that even if my music didn’t align perfectly with the ADID label, it precisely matched the direction he wanted to take.

Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you knew before embarking on this collaboration with All Day I Dream?

Absolutely nothing. I have no regrets, and I’m happy with everything that’s happened (so far). Even the day I wanted to release tracks with my friend Stereoclip on the Armada label, All Day I Dream didn’t raise any objections.

Not even an email to mention it; Lee was happy for me; that’s all he said. In truth, I’ve received many offers to sign tracks elsewhere and with larger entities, but for now, I feel content with ADID. I often compare my relationship with ADID to a romantic one – when there’s no possessiveness or jealousy, you don’t need to look elsewhere.

I have been surrounded and supported by kind-hearted people throughout my career, and I want to thank them. Especially Souldust and Emmanuelle Mulongo were the first to believe in me. Ultimately, this project is more than just music for me; it’s a personal accomplishment. As an “artist,” we often have a lot of doubts and frequently feel inadequate or see qualities in others we think we lack. It reflects a part of our personality.

For me, it has been a long process to overcome this, but even in the greatest moments of doubt, I have never stopped composing.

Connect with DIM KELLY:

Spotify | SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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