When it comes to dialing into one’s particular sound amid the endless possibility of actually creating something, people may wind up surprising themselves. You pick up an instrument or poke around on a plug-in you haven’t tried yet, and something synthesizes. Perhaps a note progression strikes your ear differently than before, or a combination of drums and hats twists your face into the mild impression of having eaten a just-sweet-enough lemon; but the sensation is there! Experimental and conceptual work seems to have a way of thriving when the right kind of creative juices are flowing.
For the past some odd years, Keith (professionally known as D3RT) has been harnessing both the power of storytelling and music production to conjure an original world that seeks to envelop the audience through exciting visual animation and snappy music.
Before getting too ahead of myself, I am going to let my e-interview with the man behind the madness do the talking. Transmitting from the interwebs of Area 51 and beyond, clap your hands, paws, or whatever you have for D3RT!
MBM: Welcome Keith! To start…what would you say moves you the most about music?
D3RT: Hey Sheldon! Appreciate you having me on. Music is a uniquely human outlet of creativity and emotion, whether that’s being joyful, relaxed, regretful, etc. The music that sticks with me is the stuff that gets you into the artist’s heart and head and makes you experience what they’re experiencing. When the arrangement, sound design, and lyrics line up to deliver a cohesive message, that’s what gets me.
MBM: What inspired you to make a cast of characters for your music?
D3RT: Ah yes, the animated band. For those of you unfamiliar, the members of my band are 5 cartoon characters.
A couple of things! I lived abroad for a couple years and had this experience on a long train ride where something in the landscape just electrified my creativity and I thought of all these crazy ideas for a world, then characters, then a story, and it eventually became the as-of-yet unpublished book, Dirt. At the same time, I was thinking about what the next step for me musically would be and I really wanted to bring some of those characters into a Gorillaz-esque project.
The possibilities still get me excited but the execution of it all has been slow since it turns out animating is tough, especially for a guy who can’t even draw. (Shameless plug, if there are any animators out there who want to team up, please reach out!)
MBM: Do you have many story arcs planned for your music or do you just play it by ear?
D3RT: I do indeed! You may remember the tagline for D3RT is “The world’s only band from Area 51.” There’s an alien, a couple cyborgs, and a sentient A.I. living down there that contribute to the songwriting but so far haven’t shown up for the live performances.
I’d love to use the music to tell the stories of the band, short film style. Each new EP would be the soundtrack for the anime. Throw a party in a local theater and toss it on the big screen. That would be so sick.
I’ve also got an idea for turning the book into a Netflix show, but one step at a time.
That’s been the goal since Day 1 but again, the execution has been a bit slower than anticipated.
MBM: Any instruments you haven’t explored that strike your fancy?
D3RT: If you’ll allow me to talk out of both sides of my mouth for a second, I’m both focusing on learning how to better use what I have while also incessantly popping into pawn shops to see what knickknacks they have that I absolutely don’t need (but will absolutely get.) If you gave me any amount of money I would be able to spend it on gear, haha.
In the near future you can expect to hear more intentional sound design and richer use of vocal layers and harmonies.
MBM: What will the D3RT experience look like heading into 2024?
D3RT: I slacked on 2023, straight up. Met my goal of playing a few local shows and met some awesome folks but didn’t do anything career-moving.
2024 seems like a good year to record some new songs 👀 and figure out how to be more effective online. Appreciate you reaching out, it’s always a pleasure to talk with people about their passions. And of course, I’m everywhere as @D3RTmusic and my character’s bios are on the website d3rtmusic.com.
Speaking of slacking…since starting this article, much of my life has happened quickly and heavily…I won’t make this too extensive because this article is for D3RT, not me, but long story short…big moves have happened both literally and metaphorically.
It was hard to devote time to this blog when I had so much else racing around in my head and throughout my life…I could totally stretch out the details like an extensive journal entry but alas…that’s not why I’m here to finally complete this piece.
Formally, I give a resounding apology to Keith for taking so damn long to finish and publish this. Dude is a talented musician, thinker, and artist who has released some killer new material. His trajectory in the Upstate South Carolina music scene is on a groovy up.
With an incredible DIY mentality and immense heart for how he fuels his sound experience, D3RT is here to wow you with whimsy and help you dance with his incredible talent and cast of characters. Follow this link to discover more about this modern alt-rock/indie pop genre-blender!
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