Music

Music Producer David Dyson: Behind the Beat

David Dyson grew up in the countryside of Leicestershire, England, where a lack of nearby neighbors meant he could practice drums for hours without complaint. His introduction to the instrument came remarkably early. At three years old, he accompanied his grandparents to a pub, where a live band was playing. The drummer noticed Dyson tapping on glasses with cocktail sticks and gave him his first proper pair of drumsticks. The encounter ignited a passion that would take him from university and conservatoire training to international tours, prestigious recording studios, and sessions with some of the most prominent artists in contemporary music. Yet even as his reputation as a drummer grew, Dyson’s ambitions extended beyond the instrument. He was always a producer at heart.

His professional drumming career has been defined by both technical ability and an instinct for choosing the right musical contribution. Dyson played drums on Jorja Smith’s “The One,” associated with her critically acclaimed debut album Lost & Found, which received a nomination for British Album of the Year at the 2019 Brit Awards. His work with Tems includes drumming on “Unfortunate” and arranging the strings for “You In My Face,” both featured on her debut album, Born in the Wild. Released in 2024, the album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album and appeared on numerous year-end lists, including Billboard’s and Rolling Stone’s. Dyson also co-produced “Hate” on Berwyn’s Who Am I, an album that won Best Album at the 2025 Ivor Novello Awards and was nominated for the Mercury Prize.

His live credits are equally substantial. David Dyson has performed with artists including Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, Raye, Yungblud, and Louis Tomlinson, while his musical experiences have brought him into contact with influential producers such as Trevor Horn and Tony Visconti. Something of a session regular at Abbey Road Studios, Dyson has also performed with Gregory Porter and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Great Britain inside Buckingham Palace. His first show with Louis Tomlinson, at Manchester Arena in 2017, remains a vivid memory, with the roar of the audience overwhelming his in-ear monitors.

Dyson has never perceived the drummer’s job as simply demonstrating skill. He approaches the instrument as a means of shaping a song’s emotional trajectory, knowing when to intensify a groove and when to leave space. “The drums are the foundation and heartbeat of any live show, and I feel the same way about production,” he notes. The same principle applies in the studio, where a carefully chosen snare sound, a change in rhythmic emphasis, or the decision not to use drums at all can be more significant than a technically dazzling performance.

This manner of thinking developed naturally from his musical education. Initially dreaming of playing in bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dyson became increasingly fascinated by jazz and later immersed himself in classical and jazz studies at university and conservatoire. He went on to work across musical theatre, pop, jazz, orchestral, and choral music, developing a broad musical vocabulary that informs his work today. His influences include Phil Collins, whose transition from Genesis drummer to frontman and solo artist represents a seamless integration of performance, songwriting, and production; Stewart Copeland, whose rhythmic imagination helped give the Police their distinctive energy and who later became a much in-demand composer and orchestrator; and Questlove, whose work with The Roots demonstrates how a drummer can shape the entire identity of a musical project.

David Dyson’s own movement into production accelerated during lockdown, when he had time to concentrate on developing his craft. But the desire to be involved in music from its earliest stages had always been there. He thinks first about the structure, melody, and emotional character of a song, then turns to the details that bring it into focus. David’s understanding of the relationship between drums and bass helps him establish the pocket, while his familiarity with different musical traditions allows him to recognize when complexity is useful and when simplicity is more powerful. The distinction between playing drums and producing is therefore less a question of changing roles than of expanding the scope of his musical decisions. Dyson is not a drummer who happens to produce; he is a producer whose understanding of rhythm gives him deep insight into the music.

Different Artists, Different Musical Worlds

The range of David Dyson’s production work is reflected in the contrasting musical identities of the artists with whom he collaborates. His work with Oliver Malcolm, Braye, 80purppp, and Skiifall spans alternative pop, West African musical traditions, experimental R&B, and Caribbean-influenced sounds. Rather than applying a fixed production formula, Dyson adapts to the particular character of each project, helping develop the music without losing what makes the artist distinctive.

With Oliver Malcolm, that process has extended across both touring and recording. Dyson co-wrote and co-produced several tracks on Mr Malcolm, including “Baby Don’t Go,” “Ginseng,” “Cause of You,” “Station Hill,” “Ghosts,” and “Still Bleed.” Their process is rooted in improvisation, allowing ideas to emerge through playing rather than following a rigid arrangement. The aim is to capture the energy of a performance while leaving room for experimentation.

David’s work with Braye draws on a different musical vocabulary. Dyson has produced two of the artist’s EPs and is now completing an upcoming album developed across Lagos and London. The process here embraces technology to allow for the transfer of ideas across the space of international borders when artist and producer cannot always physically be in the same location. Moving between the two cities has allowed the music to evolve through successive stages of writing, performance and refinement.

On 80purppp’s forthcoming ten-track album, Dyson has taken on the executive producer role to help establish the record’s overall musical direction. Vacillating between London and Toronto’s Sony Music Canada studio, this collaboration has yielded a tone that moves between alternative R&B, darker introspective textures, and the rhythmic pull of Afrobeats with a looser groove-driven sensibility. The challenge is to bring these influences into a coherent album while preserving the contrasts that give the music its character.

Multilingual artist Skiifall blends Afro-influenced music and dub with alternative R&B, Dancehall, and Zouk. Dyson has been producing sessions in Toronto for this artist with an approach that is focused on unique identity in a cohesive presentation. Brit Award-Winner Daniel Bedingfield professes the benefits of any artist or producer working with David Dyson declaring, “He won’t let bad music happen, I want him and his ears in every session I do.” Bedingfield and Dyson are currently working on an album together featuring some of the biggest names in garage, including Bigfoot, Craig David, Wookie, Sticky, and more.

Across these projects, Dyson’s contribution is not to impose a signature sound regardless of the artist, but instead to recognize what each artist brings into the room and help it become more fully realized. His experience as a drummer remains central to that process, but the larger perspective is unmistakably that of a producer.

From Artist Production to the Language of Film

Dyson is now extending that perspective into film composition, including work on an upcoming major blockbuster featuring an A-list cast. The move represents a new creative direction but the underlying principles are familiar. Whether working with a singer, a band, or a director, David begins by considering what the music needs to accomplish and how it can serve a larger emotional purpose.

In artist production, the challenge is to help musicians develop an identity and create recordings that stand on their own. Film introduces a different relationship between sound and storytelling. The music must complement the visuals, reinforce the director’s intentions, and deepen the audience’s connection to what is happening on screen. A score can establish atmosphere, heighten tension, or give a scene emotional weight, but it can also become intrusive if it attempts to communicate what the images already express.

Knowing when not to play is as important as knowing what to play for Dyson. As a drummer, he practiced restraint in leaving space for a vocal, holding back a fill, or allowing a groove to breathe. There is a natural counterpart in film composition to this concept. Music must sometimes lead the audience into a moment, while at other times it should recede and allow the visuals to carry the story. The discipline is similar, even if the creative brief changes. An elaborate arrangement is not automatically better than a simple one, just as a technically demanding drum part is not necessarily the right part for a song.

David Dyson’s career has already taken him from the touring stage to celebrated studios and collaborations with award-winning artists. Production allows him to bring those experiences together, influencing not just how a performance sounds but how an entire piece of music develops. Film offers a further opportunity to apply that instinct to storytelling on a different scale. The constant, across every setting, is his belief that the music should never exist merely to demonstrate what a musician can do. It should make the work itself more compelling.

Written in partnership with Tom White

Music

Colorado Band Voltaire’s Ghost Shows Softer Side with Brooding Goth Dream, “‘Till The Break of Day”

By Ryan Bazinet

Is it better to have loved and lost, or better to never have loved at all? That’s the question asked by “‘Till The Break of Day,” the new single by Colorado band Voltaire’s Ghost.

The track opens with distorted guitar and piano arpeggios circling two chords in dreamy perpetual motion. Upbeat drums drive the song along, like the forces of life that pull apart the two lovers at the center of the story.

It’s a bittersweet tale. Two lovers going in separate directions, like the wailing guitar solos which pan from left to right. Ruby Juhl’s echo-soaked vocals are alternately delicate and angry as she sings,

The only thing worse than not having met you

Was having met you, baby

The only thing worse than not having loved you

Was having loved you, baby

In the end, all she can do is sigh, over and over, “Hold me ‘till the break of day.”

The love story behind “‘Till The Break of Day” shows a softer side for the band. Previous songs, like “Death Becomes You” and “Spirit Animal,” help explain why their music has been described with terms like Dark Pop and Cosmic Goth. But fans will note that the brooding remains.

Voltaire’s Ghost was created in Grand Junction, Colorado by songwriter and guitarist Magnus, who released a series of singles in the summer of 2023. Those songs caught the attention of Nashville producer Dean Miller (son of Roger Miller, “King of the Road”), who reached out with an offer to record in the “Music City.”

Realizing he needed a band, Magnus soon connected with drummer Joshua Eggstaff, who was teaching drums at a local music shop and brought a 90s alternative-inspired edge to the band’s rhythms. Next came Ruby Juhl, a singer with a background in musical theater (and a student at the local university).

Magnus asked Ruby and Josh if they wanted to fly to Nashville to make a record. The result was the five-song EP, NEMESIS, released in 2024.

Now, Voltaire’s Ghost is ready to release a new full-length record, Black Petals Fallen. Produced by Magnus, Black Petals Fallen was recorded locally in Colorado. The band then sent the tracks off to Grammy-nominated engineer Joe Ayoub of LA’s Cherokee Studios for mixing. Drew Levine mastered the album.

Black Petals Fallen is available now on vinyl via the band’s official website. Four singles including “‘Till The Break of Day” are available on streaming platforms. The full album will be released for streaming soon.

In the arc of the band, “‘Till The Break of Day” is a full circle moment. The song was originally released as a guitar-and-voice demo back in 2023, before Magnus had assembled the full band. With the latest single, Voltaire’s Ghost has brought the vision to fruition.

Magnus says, “With the new recording, the song just came to life. The demo I released was a sketch. The new version is like a beautiful painting with really vibrant and emotional colors.”

Upcoming visuals include a music video for “‘Till The Break of Day” directed by Luke Ostermiller (who recently directed the super spooky video for “Black Petals Fallen.”) The band is also planning a short film for upcoming single, “The Ballad of Colleen Gray.”

“‘Till The Break of Day” is out now with promotional support from Starlight PR. Follow Voltaire’s Ghost at the links below.

Written in partnership with Tom White

Music

Zaruflo: For the Joy of Creating Music

Zaruflo is an independent multi-genre music producer. Zaruflo Productions blends hip-hop, R&B, and electronic elements into his unique music. Working on music and his future career as a professional pilot keeps him balanced, driven, and focused.

Zaruflo, also known as Imar Forbes, is an independent, self-made music producer. Zaruflo grew up in the Bronx in New York City. A natural creative, he developed his unique sound through experimentation and learning from other artists. Inspired by Beastboi and HOL!, he explores neo-dubstep, dubstep, hip-hop, R&B, and trap.

“I started making my own music after spending time listening to my favorite artists and thinking, ‘What if I could make my own?’” says Zaruflo.

Music as a Source of Joy

For Zaruflo, making music provides a way to be creative and continue to improve his craft. He’s not interested in music fame or fortune, but makes music for the joy of it. “Growing up in a strict household, I changed my trauma into a superpower instead of sadness and worked to become the best version of myself,” explains Zaruflo. Zaruflo believes that difficult experiences in life can build personal strength and be used as motivation to create and grow.

Creating music provides both a challenge and a way to focus on fun throughout life’s ups and downs. Zaruflo continues to work on building his audience and expanding his listener base. Growth isn’t easy. Zaruflo currently works multiple jobs to support his music and his aviation education.

When independent artists like Zaruflo create, it expresses their unique experiences, struggles, and triumphs. In essence, through music, one can create connections in the world and share experiences in a positive manner.

Dual Goals in Zaruflo’s Journey

Zaruflo is not only a musician but also has a career goal to become a professional pilot. Once a pilot, Zaruflo plans to relax and expand his music through continued creation. Although music will play second fiddle to his Aviation pilot career, Zaruflo plans to continue working to gain more plays on streaming platforms and get noticed by celebrities and influencers. “My pilot career is going to be the biggest accomplishment I’ll ever achieve,” says Zaruflo. “Of course, if I ever become successful off music itself, that would be awesome!”

Future Aspirations and Direction

Zaruflo plans to dedicate himself to completing his aviation education and becoming a professional pilot. Music becomes an important, life-building hobby that brings joy and continual creative challenge. He wants to continue producing music and getting plays on multiple platforms. Achieving over 10,000 plays on a single track remains a secondary goal. The most important goal in music is continuing to learn from other artists and producing music that attracts listeners.

Zaruflo wants the world to hear his music. Knowing that listeners enjoy his creations makes him happy. It’s good to be popular, but for Zaruflo it’s mostly about having fun and enjoying life. Zaruflo’s audience enjoys listening to original music inspired by his Bronx upbringing and experience with a wide variety of genres. He is up for the challenge of attracting new listeners and continues to work on getting his music out to the public. Reaching listeners in a massively competitive market isn’t easy, but it’s possible. If you’re looking for a unique mix of sounds, check out Zaruflo’s music.

Written in partnership with Tom White

Music

Colby Kline’s Avalanche Is Her Darkest, Grooviest Single Yet

Colby Kline is an independent music artist who recently released a new album, AVALANCHE. Described as “dark, groovy, and hypnotic,” the album is a new direction for Kline, who pairs her siren-esque voice with seductive, moody synth-infused sounds.

Kline, who lives in West Hollywood, is an LA singer-songwriter who draws on her collaborative writing experience, vocal training, and love of a wide range of musical genres to create a lush, dark pop sound. The new release is a refinement of her artistic style and a step forward in her musical career.

An Early Introduction to Performance

Kline grew up in the hills above Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, the daughter of comedian and actor Richard Kline. Her father’s famous role on Three’s Company was an early introduction to the entertainment industry, and Kline describes this time as an “immersive introduction to show business.” The insight she gained from witnessing her father’s career helped her shape her future ventures in the creative world.

The multi-talented Kline soon followed in her father’s footsteps and, at a young age, began acting, singing, and modeling in commercials, film, and television. Her impressive vocal talents led to her being featured as a vocalist with the Pasadena Pops Orchestra before the age of 14.

As a young actress, Kline also enjoyed roles in the films Just Go with It (2011), Problem Child (1990), and The Last Boy Scout (1991).

Formal Training and Musical Education

Though Kline had early success in her acting career, she chose to focus on her musical talents while attending Northwestern University. She studied musical theater and vocal performance, which would become the foundation for her future indie music career. Kline’s education was essential to developing her range, her nearly perfect pitch, and her vocal style.

Though she had enjoyed early success in her acting career, Kline decided to pivot after graduating and pursue a music career.

The Transition to Songwriting and Composing

In 2009, Kline began recording professionally and collaborated with a member of Tears for Fears. It was during this time that she realized being in the recording studio and songwriting was more “creatively fulfilling” than her previous acting work. This revelation pushed Kline to explore more musical opportunities, which eventually led her to take full control of her career by creating her own imprint.

Later, she would move to Brooklyn, where she found what she calls a “grittier, more intimate creative world.” While living there, Kline was approached to co-score a feature film, Ovum. It was her experience composing for the screen that solidified her love for “dramatic, cinematic musical soundscapes” that would later influence AVALANCHE.

West Hollywood Musician

With the AVALANCHE single, Kline is pushing further into the independent music scene in Los Angeles. She has a strong commitment to maintaining creative control over her musical endeavors and the direction of her career.

Skin on Skin is one of Kline’s most-streamed tracks, and AVALANCHE confirms her relevance in the indie music scene. Her love of dramatic, atmospheric, mood-driven music pours out of her latest creation.

Kline has cultivated a distinctive sound with her cinematic indie pop and plans to continue infusing her solo work with influences from a wide range of genres. She also aspires to score for film and television.

AVALANCHE is a bold departure from Kline’s previous work and showcases her intense dedication to crafting hypnotic music that enchants listeners. As her Instagram bio says, Kline is “not your eye candy but your soul food.”

Written in partnership with Tom White