DYLN

DYLN
DYLN live in Austin, Texas, 2018
Background information
Birth name Stephanie Jane Lang
Born (1988-12-30) December 30, 1988
Ladysmith British Columbia, Canada
Origin Vancouver, BC, Canada
Genres Pop, R&B, electropop, alternative pop
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, producer
Instruments Vocals, guitar, piano
Years active 2016–present
Labels Independent
Website Official website

Stephanie Lang (born December 30th, 1988) known professionally as Stef Lang, also known by her stage name DYLN (pronounced “Dylan”), is a Canadian pop singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Her first single, “Better Things”, premiered in March 2017 via The Line of Best Fit, a music blog in the United Kingdom. Described as pop with r&b and electronic elements, the blog wrote, "DYLN’s debut single “Better Things” is sharp, slick electro-pop with a hell of an attitude."[1] Fame magazine describes her sound as "A sultry merge of pop, R&B and electronic vibes."[2]

Her second single, “Hold”, was self-released on June 8, 2017. The song was praised by HillyDilly for its electronic pop production and her dramatic vocals. The blog states, “DYLN's style has evident influences from a number of genres, it's clear she's set out to make pure pop.”

She has performed internationally at events such as South by Southwest and Canadian Music Week.

DYLN — whose name comes from an all black carbon fiber guitar she named “Dylan” — had a tradition of naming her instruments.[3] Told that the guitar was unbreakable and able to weather any storm, she crafted songs on “Dylan” during a time she battled depression, keeping the sentiment as her name.

The singer announced that her new music will be self-released in a series of "chapters" containing three songs, which she wrote and co-produced, all with common themes.

Early life

DYLN was born in 1988 in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The divorce of her parents when she was 5 prompted her to write letters to her mother in an effort to comfort her during the time of separation. DYLN recalls her earliest memories to be a display of heightened arguments between her parents. She credits the divorce as the catalyst that made her a songwriter. “I became sensitive and aware of people's emotions early on. I wrote long letters to make sense of everything for myself. I think the trauma of it made me become a writer because it continues to be my natural way of dealing with things.”

Career

In the spring of 2006, DYLN won The Beat Music Awards, a talent competition hosted by The Beat 94.5, now Virgin Radio. She won a four-song recording deal with Hipjoint Productions. After graduation, she moved to Vancouver, where Hipjoint Productions offered her an internship in the studio to learn more about the music industry.[4] She spent this time honing her songwriting skills and learning how to run the studio. She worked part-time at a local grocery store as a check out clerk while performing at clubs like The Roxy, The Railway Club, The Media Club, The Bourbon, The Main, and The Rusty Gull. She also worked odd jobs as a cashier, retail sales clerk, server, hostess and as an extra on film sets.[5]

At 18, DYLN suffered from severe depression and anxiety, stopping her ability to write or perform for six months. She continued an abusive relationship, which ended up inspiring songs for her debut album.[6]

Within four years, she had written over 250 songs.[7] Two EPs were released, titled Birth and Blood and Bravery.

In the spring of 2009, DYLN penned a publishing deal with Nettwerk One/H-Songs, who launched the careers of Sarah McLachlan and Coldplay.[8] Other world-renowned artists such as Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Chantal Kreviazuk, k-os, Shawn Desman, Raine Maida, Barenaked Ladies, and Sum 41 have called Nettwerk home.[9]

In 2010, her debut album The Underdog earned her two Canadian Radio Music Award Nominations (HOT AC & CHR) for her single "Mr. Immature".[10] The album was also nominated for Pop Album of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards. Her follow-up single "Slave 2 Love" was dubbed the most added song in Canadian Radio that year.

Musical style

Performing at SXSW in Austin, Texas 2018.JPG
Performing at SXSW in Austin, Texas, 2018

The genre of DYLN's music has been described as pop with r&b and electronic undertones. About her songwriting process, she says, “My philosophy is to write real songs,” often crediting influences like Kid Cudi and Robyn, whose themes of darkness and sadness have molded her music.[3] She has stated that she writes about “the nature of my own demons or the complications of love.”

DYLN is also a music producer, often producing songs fully on her own. For her unusual skill set, she is often referred to as a "Renaissance woman" among her peers. Her musical style remains arty, while standing on the forefront of contemporary mainstream music. Music blog PressPlayOk referred to her music as having "unforgettable style," and later stated, "Proclaiming this NYC gal as a future pop queen. Not to be missed.”[11] Notable music blog Hillydilly wrote, “You ought to know her new song, 'Better Things.' It’s one pulsating and filled with attitude." It was added to their Songs of the Week playlist.[12][13]

Film & TV song placements

  • "Paper Doll" - LA Complex Episode 212[14]
  • "Bullet Train" - Degrassi Episode 1217[15]
  • "Diamonds" - Degrassi Episode Love Lockdown Part2[16]
  • "Straitjacket" - Degrassi Episode In Your Eyes, Season 9 Ep. 18[16]
  • "All For You" - Degrassi Episode 1311
  • "Overdrive" - Degrassi Episode 1326
  • "Vulnerable" - Rookie Blue Episode 11[16]
  • "Wild Heart" - Vanderpump Rules Season 3
  • "All This Time" - The Best Years[17]
  • "You Make Me Wanna Fly" - Delta Airlines[18]
  • "Give a Little Bit" - CTV BC "Making a Difference" campaign[19]
  • "Going Places" - Beauty and the Beast #308[20]

Vocal features

Tours

  • Winter 2007 - LA Tour
  • Spring 2010 - Western Canada Tour[22]
  • Fall 2010 - Cross Canada Tour (including US dates)[8]
  • Spring 2012 - National 'Fighting Mirrors' Tour
  • Spring & Fall 2013 - Conscious Self Tour[23]

Appearances

Backstage at The Peppermint Club 2018.TIF
Backstage at The Peppermint Club 2018

Discography

Albums

  • 2004: Stephanie Lang (independent debut release, full-length CD)
  • 2005: Music in Me (independent release, full-length CD)
  • 2010: The Underdog[4] (first commercial release, full-length album)
  • 2012: Self (full-length CD, solo project written, recorded and produced by DYLN)

EPs

  • 2008: Birth
  • 2009: Blood & Bravery
  • 2012: The Fighting Mirrors
  • 2014: RUBIX
  • 2015: Arrows Pt. 1[28][29][30]
  • 2016: Arrows Pt. 2

Other

  • 2018: "Chapter 1 - The Truth"

Singles

YearSongAlbum
2010"Straitjacket"The Underdog
2010"Mr. Immature"
2011"Slave2Love"
2012"Paper Doll"The Fighting Mirrors
2012"Bullet Train"
2012"DNA"Self
2014"Indestructible"RUBIX
2015"Burn It To The Ground"[31][32]Arrows (Pt. 1)
2015"Validation"[33][34][35]Arrows (Pt. 1)
2016"Warrior Face"[36]Arrows (Pt. 2)
2016"Not Alright"[37]Arrows (Pt. 2)
2016"Stronger"[38]Stronger
2017"Better Things"[1]
2017"Hold"[39]
2017"Colours"[40]
2018"Piece of You"[41]
2018"Truth"[42]Chapter 1 - The Truth
2018"The Difference"[43][44]Chapter 1 - The Truth
2018/19"Without You"Chapter 1 - The Truth
Featured in
YearSongCreditsAlbum or EP
2012/13"Rollin'"iSH featuring Stef LangiSH EP Up & Up

Radio success

Performing at Sofar Sounds NYC 2017.tif
Performing at Sofar Sounds NYC, 2017
  • "Mr. Immature" - Hit #5 on the Billboard Chart for Canadian Emerging Artist[45]
  • "Slave2Love" - American Music Chart - CANADA: HOT AC; hit #12 on Mainstream Radio[46][47]
  • "Castle in the Cloud" - Canadian Music Blog's Top 20 Songs of 2012[48]
  • Album Self - Canadian Music Blog's Top 15 Albums of 2012[48]
  • "Rollin" Ish - 2012 - Canadian Hot 100, peaked at #59[49]
  • "Paper Doll" - 2012 - #1 Most Added Song in Canadian Radio
  • "Better Things" - 2017 - was added to various Spotify playlists including New Music Friday Canada, New Music Friday Sweden, and H&M in Store Music

Awards and nominations

References

  1. 1 2 https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/dyln-better-things
  2. ↑ http://www.famemagazine.co.uk/2017/03/02/fm-presents-dyln/
  3. 1 2 https://www.dylnmusic.com/about-dyln/
  4. 1 2 "Stef Lang". Virginradiobestofbc.com. 2010-05-04. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
  5. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0934590/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast
  6. ↑ https://www.baeblemusic.com/musicblog/10-13-2016/baeble-first-play-stef-lang-opens-up-about-depression-with-new-single-stronger.html
  7. ↑ https://musiccanada.wordpress.com/2012/01/05/rising-star-stef-lang/
  8. 1 2 "Stef Lang Concerts in Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa | September 2010 Canadian Tour". Torontofilipino.com. 2010-08-22. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
  9. ↑ http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/musical-honour-for-nettwerk-founder-idol-producer-1.660968
  10. ↑ http://cmw.net/awards/nominations-announced-for-the-2011-canadian-radio-music-awards/
  11. ↑ http://pressplayok.com/blog/2017/03/02/upcoming-dyln/
  12. ↑ http://m.hillydilly.com/2017/03/dyln-better-things/
  13. ↑ http://m.hillydilly.com/2017/03/songs-of-the-week-feb-27-mar-5/
  14. ↑ "Stef Lang". Facebook.
  15. ↑ "Songs From Degrassi Showdown: Week 4". Teen Nick. August 23, 2012.
  16. 1 2 3 "Stef Lang | Hipjoint Music Group". Hipjointproductions.net. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
  17. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Birth by Stephanie Lang". Itunes.apple.com. 2008-11-12. Retrieved 2012-05-07.
  18. ↑ http://milkmusic.ca/?portfolio=delta-airlines
  19. ↑ "CTV British Columbia - Stephanie Lang - CTV News". Ctvbc.ctv.ca. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
  20. ↑ "Music - Beauty And The Beast". The CW. 2016. Retrieved 2016-08-06.
  21. ↑ https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/wizdom13
  22. ↑ Lang, Stef (2010-04-04). "The Official Stef Lang Blog: Western Canada Tour Dates". Steflang.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
  23. ↑ http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=bd406a479016afd6772b7a836&id=3674305962
  24. ↑ "Stef Lang". Nettwerk. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
  25. ↑ "Stef Lang @ CMJ 2010". Canadian Blast. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
  26. ↑ "NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2011 CANADIAN RADIO MUSIC AWARDS | 2013 Canadian Music Week • March 20-24, 2013". Cmw.net. Retrieved 2012-05-07.
  27. ↑ http://canadianmusicfest.com/schedule/
  28. ↑ "Stef Lang Hits the Bullseye With Arrows". Canadian Music Blog. 2015-10-28. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  29. ↑ "Get Acquainted With A Singer And Songwriter; Stef Lang". 604 Now. 2015-05-15. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  30. ↑ "Stef Lang - 'ARROWS Part 1' (EP stream) (premiere)". Pop Matters. 2015-10-22. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  31. ↑ "PREMIERE: WATCH STEF LANG "BURN IT TO THE GROUND"". galore mag. 2016-01-08. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  32. ↑ "Stef Lang - Lens Of You". Wonky Sensitive. 2015-10-27. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  33. ↑ "STEF LANG VALIDATION". All Things Go. 2015-08-10. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  34. ↑ "Stef Lang - Validation". Wonky Sensitive. 2015-08-16. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  35. ↑ "Stef Lang Isn't Searching for 'Validation'". Next 2 Shine. 2015-08-26. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  36. ↑ "Stef Lang – "Warrior Face" (single premiere)". The Revue. 2016-08-01. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  37. ↑ "Arrows, Pt. 2 - EP". iTunes. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  38. ↑ "BAEBLE FIRST PLAY: Stef Lang Opens Up About Depression with New Single 'Stronger'". Baeble Music. Retrieved 2017-11-13.
  39. ↑ https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/dyln-hold
  40. ↑ https://kickkicksnare.com/new-releases/2017/11/6/premiere-dyln-colours
  41. ↑ https://www.allthingsgomusic.com/dyln-whole-doubts-piece-of-you/
  42. ↑ https://www.dylnmusic.com/dylnblog/2018/7/27/truth-premiere
  43. ↑ https://www.dylnmusic.com/dylnblog/2018/8/17/the-difference-premieres-friday-august-24th
  44. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/IAmDYLN/posts/my-new-song-the-difference-premieres-this-friday-%EF%B8%8Fand-im-shooting-the-video-tomo/527732547667805/
  45. ↑ "Stef Lang". Nettwerk. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
  46. ↑ "AMERICA'S MUSIC CHARTS - 0 1 . 1 1 . 1 1 - powered by MEDIABASE". Americasmusiccharts.com. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
  47. ↑ "•Promo Only Canada Music Supply•". Promoonlycanada.com. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
  48. 1 2 "Stef Lang Releases Rubix". Canadian Music Blog. August 26, 2014.
  49. ↑ "iSH's Stature Is On the Up & Up". 2014-04-04. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  50. ↑ "Canadian Radio Music Awards | 2011 Canadian Music Week". Cmw.net. Archived from the original on 2011-03-06. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
  51. ↑ "TicketWeb - Order Tickets for STEF LANG + BROWN PAPER BAG (Eri". Ticketweb.ca. 2012-04-24. Retrieved 2012-05-07.
  52. ↑ "Breakout West Announces Nominees For The Western Canadian Music Awards". vanmusic.ca. 2011-07-03. Retrieved 2015-06-10.
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