Our latest feature here on Phoenix FM is with Wadsworth, Ohio’s powerhouse duo DreamStates – you may have heard us play their new track Impossible Me recently.
The band comprises Natalie Grace Martin, Madeline Eckhart, Jasper Lee and Jo Heil – transgender activists who make synth-pop infused with rock, jazz, and estrogen. We caught up with Madeline to talk about tha band’s lives and music.
Tell us a little bit about your yourself?
Natalie and I have both been lifelong musicians, starting very young. Jo has been thrown into the fire feet first and is doing wonderfully, and Jasper has played flute and written a song on soprano ukulele prior to joining.
Which artists did you listen to while growing up?
Nat and I are both heavily influenced by Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Prince, 311, Gorillaz, Daft Punk, the Postal Service, Bobby Martin, and Miles Davis.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?
Our music can vary from album to album but it always centres on Indie Pop or Indie Rock. Our pop sensibilities keep our lyrics and general format grounded, but being familiar with funk and jazz has enabled us to often sneak in really fun and out there chords, rhythms and melodies.
What music have you recorded and released to date?
Our discography consists of five full studio releases, a cover album filled with altered versions of classic songs, and the first of three LPs that together form the album Definition.
Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment – and do they influence your work?
We’ve been listening to a lot of Anderson .Paak, Tyler, the Creator, Jacob Collier, H.E.R., The Internet, Scary Pockets, and Snarky Puppy. The out there voicings and melodic/harmonic leading in the second two groups has been wild and definitely encourages us (Maddy) to experiment with more ‘flavorful’ chords.
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
Prince. Imagine how amazing getting to be part of his process would be. Amazing. That’s how.
What are your plans for the future?
Our plans for the future are to get back to regular performances in the second half of this summer and to continue to release Definition over the course of the year, with both “Sonder” and “Liberosis” being the second and third upcoming instalments.
You can find out more about DreamStates by visiting their official website or following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Reverbnation.
