Around The Pit: A Soulful Journey of Dalton Wright
Explore Dalton Wright's musical evolution from indie rock to lo-fi hip hop and stoner metal, culminating in The Dalton Wright Trio. With emotive lyrics and diverse influences, his music delves deep into the human experience, captivating listeners at every turn.
In the heart of Pensacola, Florida, amidst the vibrant music scene pulsating with diverse genres, there exists an artist who weaves tales of introspection and emotion through his soul-stirring melodies. Dalton Wright, the creative force behind The Dalton Wright Trio, is not merely a singer-songwriter but a storyteller whose music transcends boundaries, inviting listeners into his world of poetic musings and heartfelt reflections.
My own introduction to Dalton Wright occurred in the dimly lit corners of Chizuko, a haven for the local music aficionados and vegan enthusiasts alike. Nestled on Devillers St, Chizuko served as a melting pot of artistic expression, echoing with the sounds of indie bands, hip hop artists, and everything in between. It was here that Dalton's musical journey intersected with mine, setting the stage for a captivating exploration into his evolving artistry.
Dalton's musical odyssey began in the trenches of indie rock with the band Youth Creatures, where he honed his craft alongside fellow musicians Andrew Hynes, Matt Hanimov, and Evan Bernard. Youth Creatures ventured into experimental territory within the realm of indie rock, serving as a prime example of Pensacola's DIY ethos. Their music exuded raw energy and genuine emotion, yet was tinged with undertones of melancholy and introspection. With a three-song demo released on Bandcamp, they graced stages at iconic venues such as Sluggos, Chizuko, and The Handlebar. Regrettably, their journey came to a close with their final performance in 2017.
From there, he embarked on a solo venture under the moniker "wandering," delving into the realms of lo-fi hip hop. Wandering's lo-fi hip-hop project boasts 49 tracks available on his SoundCloud channel. These compositions serve as sonic canvases, intricately crafted to evoke mood and atmosphere, igniting sparks of creativity within listeners. To label the music as merely relaxing would be an understatement, as it transcends conventional descriptors. On his SoundCloud profile, Wandering succinctly states, "I try to make chill music and hope for the best," a modest declaration that speaks volumes about his artistic intentions. In the tumultuous year of 2020, amidst a global pandemic, Wandering's ethereal melodies provided a much-needed escape, offering solace and respite from the chaos unfolding around the world.
Shortly thereafter, Dalton discovered his musical niche within the stoner metal realm, joining forces with Tanner Yea and Cooper Dalrymple to form Slugger. Although Slugger currently has only three songs available on Bandcamp, this stoner doom metal outfit has been active since its inception in 2016 and continues to make waves on the Pensacola music scene, gracing stages at various venues across the city.
However, it is with The Dalton Wright Trio that Dalton's true essence as an artist comes to fruition. Comprising Dalton alongside Cooper Dalrymple and Drew Besancon, the trio ventures into the realm of singer-songwriter indie rock, crafting melodies that resonate with raw emotion and introspective lyricism.
Influenced by a diverse array of artists including City and Colour, Smashing Pumpkins, and Radiohead, Dalton's musical palette is as eclectic as it is profound. From the ethereal sounds of Slowdive to the poignant lyricism of Lianne Lahavas, his music draws inspiration from the depths of human experience, weaving a tapestry of sound that is both haunting and hypnotic.
Dalton's discography is a testament to his artistic evolution, marked by a series of releases that showcase his growth as a musician and storyteller. From his debut album An Evening In, released in 2015, to the beat tape 22, oblivious under the wandering alias in 2020, each project offers a glimpse into Dalton's soul, capturing moments of vulnerability and introspection.
One of Dalton's earliest favorite compositions, Star 67, serves as a confessional ode to anonymity, while The Arsonist from the album Artifacts encapsulates the intensity of a dream turned inferno. Yet, it is his latest creation, Dionysus, from the upcoming album Thought Patterns, that stands as a testament to Dalton's maturation as an artist. Inspired by the Greek god of wine and revelry, the song delves into themes of love and longing, showcasing Dalton's ability to infuse mythology with modern-day emotion.
As Dalton Wright continues to carve his path in the musical landscape, one thing remains abundantly clear - his music is not just a mere collection of notes and chords but a reflection of the human experience in all its complexity. With each melody, he invites us to journey deeper into the recesses of our own souls, reminding us that within the vast expanse of existence, it is the power of music that binds us together, transcending time and space.
Moth Edge
Moth Edge