Dan Webb, the Melbourne producer, embarks on an extraordinary musical journey with his latest album, Sunshine/Dialogue. Inspired by conversations with a diverse range of artists, Webb intricately weaves their words and philosophies into his music, resulting in a genre-defying masterpiece. Scheduled for release on June 9, this album is a testament to Webb’s ability to reinvent established musical approaches while maintaining pop appeal.
The album’s emotional centerpiece, “A Good Song,” features a direct sample of Greg Saunier’s (of Deerhoof) philosophical musings. Saunier’s words challenge the notion of a prescribed definition of a good song, advocating for the liberation of artistic expression. Webb takes this concept and embarks on a creative exploration, offering a sonic experience that is eclectic, whimsical, and occasionally challenging.
With twelve imaginative tracks, Sunshine/Dialogue showcases Webb’s versatility as a producer. Over a career spanning 15 years, he has continuously experimented with different sounds and genres, resulting in a stylistically versatile record. Webb’s genre-less approach, inspired by his conversations with artists, transcends labels and creates a unique musical experience that defies categorization.
Webb’s early musical influences, ranging from the Beatles and Stones to jazz and classical music, laid the foundation for his artistic development. His appreciation for artists who push boundaries, such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Deerhoof, David Bowie, and The Beatles, is reflected in his own work.
Sunshine/Dialogue is an album that defies expectations and invites listeners into a world of limitless musical exploration. Webb’s ability to merge diverse influences, sample thought-provoking conversations, and create an immersive sonic experience sets this album apart as a testament to his boundless creativity. Prepare to be captivated by the magic of Sunshine/Dialogue and join Dan Webb on his artistic journey into uncharted musical territory.
Listen to Sunshine/Dialogue
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What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
I started learning piano at age 4, and saxophone around age 11. My dad introduced me to Beatles and Stones records and my mum introduced me to jazz. My step grandma used to play first violin for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and with her influence, classical music also played a big role in those early years.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I saw Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Orchestra at an open air concert, when I was 8. With my mum’s encouragement, I went backstage to talk with Wynton. I told him I was learning to play piano. He told me to keep practising. Those words really stuck with me. I met him again two decades later, and thanked him for his advice. The first rock concert I attended was Jet, supported by The Pictures and Dallas Crane at Festival Hall in Melbourne. I bought an electric guitar shortly after!
Describe your creative process.
It varies. Sometimes the melody will come to me first, other times it might be lyrics or just a rhythm. I try to record an idea as soon as it comes to me, whether on my phone or on my laptop, and I’ll file it away and return to it at a later point. For Sunshine/Dialogue I ended up stitching a lot of those ideas together. You never really know what might come of an idea. That, to me, really is the exciting bit.
What musician do you admire most and why?
I love artists that push boundaries and don’t sit still within the confines of their comfort zones. Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Deerhoof, David Bowie and The Beatles are artists that immediately spring to mind. I don’t think it would come as a huge surprise that they’re huge influences on my work.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
Probably the biggest challenge I’ve faced honestly is the fact that I refuse to be tied down to any one style or genre. In this age of algorithms, I’m almost certainly penalised for that, because it becomes hard to define what I do and recommend me to fans of similar artists.
What are your plans for the coming months?
I’m actually relocating to Singapore in a few weeks. So once I’ve settled in, I hope to buy a new guitar, upgrade my recording set up and get to work on my next album.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
I love collaborating with other artists. I don’t have anyone specifically in mind at the moment, but I’m sure something will come about, sooner rather than later.
