Each of us has our own music inside of us. Our new friend Dan Fliegel has been playing in bands around Los Angeles, California for the last 16 years. Now he is venturing out with his Sunset Rider solo project to release the music that has been building within his mind during all that experience. We caught up with him to learn more of his journey and hear about his new record Phantasmagoria.
Enjoy the interview here:
So where did the name Sunset Rider come from?
It’s an homage to an old retro arcade game called Sunset Riders. I also feel the name encompasses who I am as an artist. It sets the mood and it conjurs a certain visual element.
How would you describe your music?
My music is a reflection of the inner-world inside of me. I see the melodies and textures as colours to paint with. My thoughts and observations of both the waking life and the dream world within all of us. Sometimes it’s dark and foreboding but there’s always hope. A ray of light that shines through the opaque waters.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on the development of Sunset Rider?
There are many but to name a few.
Pink Floyd, Paco de Lucía, Angelo Badalamenti, Cocteau Twins, Omar Rodríguez-López, Depeche Mode, Thrice. As well as various film and video game composers.
How does a song come together for you? What is your process?
I like it to be spontaneous. I will usually “space out” and play something on either guitar or on the keys. When a raw idea is layed out, all the pieces fall into place. I start layering tracks and keep adjusting until’ the mood is just right. I try to feel it more than think it.
Tell us about your latest record Phantasmagoria?
For my latest release I wanted to come up with songs that encompassed elements from all my previous work. I set out to simplify the tracks while still capturing the essense and vibe of each song called for. It’s everything I was feeling up to that point emotionally and spiritually.
What do you hope the listener takes away from a Sunset Rider song?
I want them remember the way we felt when we were innocent. The feelings we had when the mind wasn’t obstructing our hearts. A journey through the depths of the subconscious, to the astral planes and far beyond the stars. A reminder that we are more than flesh, we are multi-dimensional.
What advice would you give to other artists creating unique music?
Do what feels right to you. Don’t worry about whether people will like or get it. All that matters is that you love what you’re doing. There’s always someone who will appreciate your art form. As long as it’s genuine it doesn’t matter if one person or a million people like it.
How does the future look like for Sunset Rider?
I will be collaborating with other artists. There may even be some vocals in upcoming tracks. The future is bright ☺
Keep up with Sunset Rider on his INSTAGRAM.
