Local Dialect: We wanted to cultivate a feeling similar to a hallucinogenic trip

Stil Vor Talent – affiliated super-producers Local Dialect rocket into the next phase of their soaring career with the dawn of Translations, a new musical universe.

Hey guys, how are you? Thanks for joining us today!

Hey, we’re doing well, thanks so much for having us!

Firstly, you’ve just released your new EP ‘Hallucinations’ and launched your debut record label Translations. How has the feedback been so far?

Feedback has been great, we’ve gotten a lot of lovely notes from our awesome fans and we’re excited to keep rolling out all of the new music we’ve been working on via Translations.

Can you describe the atmosphere and themes you aimed to create with \’Hallucinations\’?

We wanted to cultivate a feeling similar to a hallucinogenic trip – sounds swirling all around you as you descend deeper into the experience, culminating in a breakthrough moment where the thoughts and feelings that were bubbling under the surface burst into the forefront demanding to be reckoned with.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of launching Translations so far?

It’s been an interesting journey to say the least. Prior to this we had only released on other labels, now that we’re doing everything ourselves it’s been a learning process to figure out distribution, marketing, promotion, and press. It’s been very exciting to be in control of every decision, and luckily we’ve had great partners who have helped us along the way. The most rewarding part is putting out music that we love and seeing it connect with fans!

How do you see the relationship between your music and the visual or branding elements of Translations?

We’re fortunate to be working with Laney Kough, a very talented visual artist who has helped us craft a whole new look for Translations. We wanted visuals that reflect the music – epic, powerful, and full of movement, while also leaning towards a more fun and lively feel.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to start their own label?

Be intentional about your world-building, find references that inspire you and let those guide you, but don’t forget to listen to your inner voice. Ultimately, it’s your unique blend of artistic and aesthetic choices that will differentiate your label from everyone else – be it music, artwork, or branding.

And find a good team! This can make or break a project. Meet as many people as you can and offer your services and expertise in exchange for theirs.

How do you manage to keep your sound fresh and innovative in a highly competitive industry?

We do pay attention to what others are doing in the scene, but ultimately we always come back to what feels the most natural to us – catchy melodies, a great groove, and as much feeling and emotion as possible. We play our analog synths like the Prophet 6 and Moog Sub 37 to capture little serendipitous mistakes and happy accidents that we think makes our sound stand out. Every track we release has at least one major element that was a recording of a live performance!

If you could meet and talk to one of the great people who are no longer alive, who would it be and why?

Reed – I think it would be Richard Wright from Pink Floyd. I’ve loved their music since I was a kid, and I remember reading a biography about them where they described all the experiments with synths and lighting that they tried in their shows. One passage where Rick Wright used a joystick to pan a multi-channel sound of horses galloping around a room always stuck with me. They were true pioneers.

Beyond music, are there other creative outlets or hobbies that you\’re passionate about?

Reed: I enjoy rock climbing, bike riding, and reading sci-fi novels. I also cook and am a plant dad. 🪴

Sam: In my free time you can usually find me running, doing yoga or watching anime with my fiance, and playing video games.

Beyond the beats, how do you unwind and recharge?

Reed: It’s important to know your limits – know when to push forward but also when to step back and take a break. I find just going outside really helps me, but sometimes I just need to sit on the couch and watch something silly.

Sam: Same here, I tend to go for a run in order to reset my mind and usually just hang on the couch to recharge.

Share with our readers your favorite…

…city/country/place
Reed: Chiang Mai, Thailand! My hometown!
Sam: Philadelphia for sure, it’s where I grew up and still my favorite place to be.

…track that always inspires you
Reed: Township Rebellion – Dolores
Sam: Jeremy Olander – Pinkerton

…book
Reed: The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
Sam: Once a Runner by John L. Parker

…film
Reed: Ghost In The Shell (1995)
Sam: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

…dish
Reed: Khao Soi (Northern Thai curry noodle dish)
Sam: Frutti di Mare (Italian seafood pasta)

Thank you for the interview guys!