By Harriet Kaplan
Bryan Deister, whose music has been described as “experimental
rock/electronic fusions,” is a classically trained musician. Deister
is promoting his latest album entitled Spines of the Heart. The
Redondo Beach, CA artist’s music draws comparisons to Thom Yorke,
Roger Waters, Kurt Cobain, Bjork, Jeff Buckley. Spines of the Heart
is an emotional work and vast collection spanning 22 tracks.
BoC recently spoke to Deister via email to learn more about Spines of the
Heart, attending the Berklee School of Music, his songwriting process
and inspiration, and what it’s like being an independent artist.
What led you to the Berklee School of Music? Is the experience rewarding and beneficial?
How has it contributed to your sound?
Berklee is considered one of the best schools for contemporary music
and one of my good friends from middle school always went on about it.
It’s definitely an interesting place. I think I’ve learned more about
how to deal with people than anything musical though. As for my
sound, I mostly just play jazz out here.
Are you from a musical family? Did their influence inspire you to
become an artist?
Not really, my parents both like music but haven’t played much since
high school. My music doesn’t have much to do with what they like.
Why did you gravitate to the musical influences you have? What was it
about them that spoke to you?
If I knew that I wouldn’t be influenced by them. But I think what
spoke to me was probably the music.
Would say a lot of your songs are autobiographic or based on
personal observations? Do you take artistic license writing songs?
All of my songs are about the music. The lyrics are written for the
music, and so they have nothing at all to do with me but are simply
transliterating the music.
Have you toured before or do you plan touring in the future?
I’m planning out a couple tours in the next two years.
Who would you ideally like to perform with?
Friends.
Do you find it challenging being an independent artist?
It’s nothing compared to being alive.
Today, a lot artists focus more on releasing EPs and promoting singles.
Do you consider yourself a risk taker by releasing an album with 23 songs?
The album told me to make it as long as it is. I had no choice in the matter.
What is the biggest misconception about you as artist?
Probably that I’m classically trained, or that I don’t have a sense of humor.
What do you want your fans to know about they may not know and why?
The self is an illusion. Also there’s a new album on the way, I just
have to wait for the mold to dry.
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