Dylan Rice: Press

"This Dylan loves the language too"

Chicago Tribune
Published January 14, 2005

Dylan Rice is 6 foot 1, he says, though his hair, which shoots skyward, makes him closer to 6 foot 3--maybe 6 foot 4. Spotting the singer-songwriter in a crowd is pretty easy.
He stands out for other reasons, though.

For one, there's his voice: sort of like Chris Isaak via Morrissey. The 28-year-old's singing is well-showcased on his debut album, "Wandering Eyes" (Deep Tissue Records). A collection of songs written over the last five years, the album is both coy and confessional, with the tracks balanced by a sense of humor.

"That's my way of making sure the song doesn't become too overwrought," Rice says. "I don't want to be so pretentious and serious. There needs to be some `groundedness' to it."

While his music, which Rice has described as "folk-rock crooning" or "torch-song rock," might turn heads, his background could raise a few eyebrows.

Rice was raised as an Episcopalian in Salt Lake City. He learned to sing as part of his church's choir and performed in high school musicals. After graduating, he enrolled at Northwestern University to study English--a major that would later help him sculpt his lyrics.

"Dylan is willing to challenge himself and come up with a more complicated use of language," says Dave Mendez, who plays lead guitar at some of Rice's live shows. "The lyrics that come out of Dylan have a little more depth than what you usually see."

Also while in college, Rice came out of the closet. Chicago's gay community has embraced the songwriter. But he hopes his songs--not his sexuality--are what eventually establish him.

"When all is said and done, if the music isn't really great, if it's not powerful, if it's not going to make a 75-year-old lady and a 12-year-old girl or boy interested, then no one's going to care about your sexuality, your personal life," he says.

Nonetheless, Rice's personal life gives him lyrical fodder. He says his lost loves belong in song for a simple reason: A broken heart "creates drama."

"Lost love and loneliness speak to so many people," he says. "They're universal themes. It happens to everyone differently. I think that's the greatest mystery, the human heart."

Chicago Reader
Published March 26, 2004

"Dylan Rice's WANDERING EYES (Deep Tissue) might be the only local indie record this year to be released with the imprimatur of Chuck Panozzo--Rice interviewed the Styx bassist for POZ magazine in 2001, shortly after Panozzo announced he was gay and HIV-positive, and the two struck up a friendship. Panozzo even joined Rice onstage at the Old Town School during the Queer Is Folk festival last summer for a rendition of "Come Sail Away." But Rice doesn't need the endorsement: the album, a polished but not sickeningly glossy collection recorded with the pro-sounding rock band he's since christened the Dynasties, rides on Rice's powerful, soulful voice, which in combination with his delicate affect has already earned him comparisons to Morrissey."

Chicago Magazine
Published July 2003

"Dylan Rice had never performed his own songs before a live audience until his sophomore year at Northwestern University. But after playing for a school fundraiser--and surviving his stage fright--he knew he was on to something. The self-taught guitar player has come a long way from there: his debut album WANDERING EYES is due out soon, and his sound has garnered praise from the likes of Styx bassist Chuck Panozzo, who played alongside Rice at last summer's Queer Is Folk Festival. Can a tour be far behind?"

Illinois Entertainer
Published April 2005

Singer-songwriter Dylan Rice turns in a fine performance on his debut, Wandering Eyes. His sound is somewhere between Chris Isaak and Morrissey and, although that sounds somewhat unusual, it is really quite listenable. Rice writes nicely focused pop songs, sings expressively, and is backed by an excellent band. What's not to like?

Dylan Rice
Wandering Eyes (CD REVIEW)

Chicago folkster and rocker Dylan Rice cranks up the amps for his well-rounded debut "Wandering Eyes," a full-blown heartfelt tour from forlorn soulful crooners to full out rockers. Introspective soul-stirring songs with gutsy singing. My picks: "The Lie," "Just Like You," "Drama Queen," "Barely Knew You," "One Pure Thing" and "Intangible."

**FRONT PAGE REVIEW**
"With the agility of Chris Isaak and Jeff Buckley, Dylan's prism-like vocals reflect the lightness and darkness of his emotional songs- from his striking, floating falsetto to his gutsy, bevelled chest voice, he delivers an visceral performance in every area. With fluctuating edgy, strained lines and lush, encircling textures, "Wandering Eyes" is like reaching into your pocket to find an extra 20 you'd forgotten about with your ex's phone number etched on the border- one of those gloriously, emotionally-complex albums. If acoustic-centered, male folky pop is your cup of tea, this one requires no cream."

Revolutionary: an interview with out singer/songwriter Dylan Rice


By Gregg Shapiro
Contributing writer

As career trajectories go, Dylan Rice’s is rather impressive. In a short period of time the openly gay singer/songwriter from Chicago (via Utah) has released his first CD, 2005’s “Wandering Eyes,” which went on to win him an Outmusic Award for Outstanding Debut Disc. He caught the attention of out ex-Styx member Chuck Panozzo. Panozzo closes his newly published memoir, “The Grand Illusion: Love, Lies and My Life with Styx,” singing the praises of Rice. Most recently, Rice can be heard as a contributor to the Columbia Records compilation of GLBT artists "Music With A Twist: Revolutions."

Gregg Shapiro: What does it mean to you to have your song “The Lie” included on the Music With A Twist compilation “Revolutions”?

Dylan Rice: That’s a great question! I’m ecstatic. I’m so happy that it’s going to reach people that I haven’t been able to reach before, gay and straight and all across the board. I’m also excited about the company that I’m in. The talent is incredible—The Gossip, Kirsten Price, God-dess and She, Levi Kreis.

GS: I’m glad that you mentioned that. The Gossip is probably the best-known act on the compilation, and I was wondering if you were familiar with any or all of the other artists on the compilation prior to its completion or did this also serve as an introduction to them for you?

DR: Most of them I did not know about, so it was an introduction. I didn’t know about Kirsten until very recently. I knew about Levi because we run in the same circles. I’d heard of K’s Choice, but I didn’t know Sarah Bettens (the out, former lead singer). It’s very exciting because most of them are independent, emerging, like I am, so I feel like I’m in great company.

GS: What was involved in the submission process?

DR: They solicited me to submit, but it wasn’t necessarily for the compilation. They had read an article (about me) in the Chicago Tribune. I was like, “Sure.” I didn’t know what exactly they had in mind (laughs). They also have a syndicated radio show called Radio With a Twist, and they played “The Lie,” and that was sort of like the entry. That was before I got the notice that they wanted to include it on the compilation.

GS: Were you pleased that that song was selected?

DR: Absolutely. I’ve gotten the most mileage out of that song. (Chicago radio station W) XRT has played it. Of course, there are other songs that I would like to have airplay as well, but I couldn’t be happier. It’s one of my favorite songs.

GS: You’re the only artist from Chicago on the compilation, right?

DR: Correct. I’m excited to be somewhat of an anchor here for getting CDs sold here and increasing exposure.

GS: You are an official representative of Chicago.

DR: I’m like an ambassador (laughs). I’m honored.

GS: As a gay musician, do you think it’s necessary to have a gay label such as Music With A Twist?

DR: It’s hard to say because there are so many different ways to become successful as a musician, gay or straight. For me, it’s kind of a relief because it does the job for me (laughs). The conversation has been had before I even need to (say something). They already know. Who cares? There is also gay content in my music. There is so much marketing and promotional power behind this. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, that’s how you get your music on the radio. But I’m also a firm believer that a live performance is equally as important, because I think that I’m a great live performer and I would hope that I can be compelling live as well as in the studio.

GS: It’s been three years since the release of your debut disc “Wandering Eyes…”

DR: Yes, I know, it has. I’m very aware of that (laughs).

GS: I’m sorry if I touched a nerve.

DR: No, no, no, no. I’m just teasing. As I’m sure you know, it’s a really slow process to record and write. There are a lot of songs that I think need some work, lyrics and melody and arrangements. The wheels are turning slowly, but they’re turning.

GS: Even before your inclusion on the “Revolutions” collection, you established your name as an independent gay musician, winning an Outmusic Award in 2005 for your disc “Wandering Eyes,” performing a song you co-wrote with Chuck Panozzo (of Styx) and the closing ceremonies of the Gay Games in 2007. What do you hope to accomplish with this?

DR: It kind of fell into my lap, so I basically jumped at the opportunity to do it. I’m hoping that some more doors open for me and that I get some more exposure nationally. They’re distributing it in other countries, as well. I’m looking to try and be a working musician, to find a way to be out there more.

Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, hosts the "Music With A Twist: Revolutions" CD release party featuring Dylan Rice Band and special guests, at 8 p.m. on July 22.