Rozz Dyliams epitomizes the underground, constantly releasing quality tracks and extensive projects online since as early as 2010. Originally from Ohio, he grew up making music and rummaging CD bins for new music. His knowledge of music is like an encyclopedia, with influences ranging from funk to jazz to techno, and everything in between. Now Rozz resides in Seattle, a city where he says he can focus on primarily music. We got the chance to talk with the underground legend as he hints about projects he’s currently working on, the evolution of digital music, the key to world peace, and much more.
Underground Underdogs: So I’ll be honest man, when I was first introduced to your tracks years ago I was scared of your music. What’s your reaction to people being intimidated by your image/music?
Rozz Dyliams: It’s a natural reaction for people to be intimidated or disgusted by something ugly and unconventional. I am uncommon, but I don’t find myself intimidating, so I don’t get it. Most people are stupid, and stupid people like stupid shit. Whatever that intimidation is, it weeds those people out, and keeps them out. That’s why I don’t have fans. I have a loyal family of supporters. I suppose my reaction is humbled and grateful.
Something you witnessed firsthand was the shift from physical copies of music like CDs and tapes to where we are now in the digital age. Do you miss the days of rummaging around in CD bins? What was it like seeing this transition into purely internet streaming
I love digging, and I still cop records and CDs. The difference is, everything I get now, I had or wanted. I really miss the anticipation of a record dropping, and going to an actual store to purchase a physical copy that I can hold in my hand. Seeing a cover of something I had no clue about, and taking a gamble on it. I miss that. Digital is cool, but there is no magic, because there is no experience.
I agree, that magic is definitely gone. If you could only own three records what would they be and why?
Natas – Doubelievengod
DJ Hell – Eletronicbody-Housemusic (Disc 1)
Jandek – Blue Corpse
I can’t pick three. It’s unfair. Ha. I choose death. I cherish these three, a lot.
[laughs] I’d have a hard time too. When you’re not making music what are some of your favorite things to do?
Vegan cooking.
Building a masonic library.
Swinging kettlebells.
Have you always been into books? What are some of your favorite novels?
The Gate by Natsumi Sosēki
Fear of Flying by Erica Jong
Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block
Naked Lunch by William S Burroughs
I read a lot of non-fiction.
Currently working on A Lovers Discourse by Barthes.
Do you find that you get a lot of inspiration from media outside of music?
Yes, for sure.
When do you feel your most creative?
Right before sleep, and right when I wake up. Completely sober.
That’s really interesting, I feel like you don’t hear that much from other artists. What do you do when you hit a creative block though? How do you get the juices flowing again?
If one thing starts to feel forced, I take a break or start something else. I’ll come back to it later, and finish it or evolve it, if I need to.
What have you been working on recently?
Epiphania
Light Shows Darkness II with Purpdogg
Galeforce Beach II
Album with Wicca Phase.
Woah. You work very well with Purpdogg, and Galeforce Beach was personally my introduction to your music. What made you want to do a part 2?
Thank you. Purpdogg is the brother. We have built a real unique world, and it is going to keep expanding.
Same thing with my solo projects, like Galeforce Beach. It’s one planet on this big galaxy of my discography. So, with Galeforce Beach II, I am going back to the planet to get a detailed report on how the life over there is evolving.
So when you set out to record a project do you view it as creating something like an alternate universe? Or do you shape your projects around real life experiences ?
It’s half of each.
What would you say your most cherished track/project is, and why?
Epiphania is my most cherished project and I can’t wait to release it.
As for what is already out there, Galeforce Beach. It is a perfect execution of my vision.
It’s definitely a complete project, one I go back to a lot. One of my favorite aspects of Galeforce Beach are the techno influences. What’s some techno you’ve been getting into lately, if any?
I am listening to the same shit I’ve been listening to for years.
I am the most keen on oldschool ’92 breakbeat hardcore, and jungle.
I have recently been getting deeper into early garage and bassline.
I have also been bumping a lot of oldschool Detroit techno, and Chicago acid and hip house.
Tyree Cooper, Fast Eddie, and Mr. Lee.
I love that shit.
I really believe house music is the key to world peace.
I wouldn’t disagree with you there. How’d you first get into techno?
I first got into techno via Richie Hawtin – Decks, Efx, and 909.
My parents liked electronic music, but I never really payed attention to it like when I found the Richie Hawtin mix.
There were Jeff Mills and Surgeon songs on that. Its crackin.
I’m very curious about you deciding to live in Seattle, it seems as if you chose to live there to focus purely on music. How is the city to you, and what do you love about it?
I moved here to focus purely on music. I love this place, but still, love people not places. My few loved ones are here. This place keeps changing and expanding, but we are still here. Living like old people, clipping coupons, and looking for deals.
I noticed you said this year you plan on touring AND putting out a movie. Can you tell us anything about that?
I am going on tour in April in Europe with Antwon. Massive up Nature World.
Wrapping things up here, what are you bringing to the table in 2018?
As much I can. I love y’all.
Check out Rozz’s most recent project, Pacifictrax Vol. 1, and delve into his discography here.
