We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dillon Sleper. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dillon below.

Dillon , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I am a self taught producer/DJ. Ever since I was a young kid i’ve been pretty good at achieving whatever I set my mind to. Im not special, but I firmly believe the discipline I learned early on is the main factor. Starting anything new is not easy. It feels aimless, like the odds are stacked against you. But once you dive in you begin to find the flow and what works for you. Like most, I started just watching Ableton tutorials on Youtube. Basically immersing myself in all things dance music production. It took a couple years honestly, to get to a point where I didn’t sound like complete trash. Luckily I personally tend to not get frustrated with myself. Patience and consistency allowed me to power through. When we were all locked indoors during 2020 is when I really started to dive in. The music producers I looked up to started live streaming. From there I could just watch how music production is done at the highest level. Im a very visual learner, so watching people make great music helped so much. Ive always enjoyed every minute of the process. Most want results fast, but I tell myself I will get there no matter how long it takes. However, one thing I would do different is search for a mentor. Someone who shares your worldview and values is most important. Being able to fast track your way to a desirable sound never hurts. I believe allowing yourself to learn from people who have achieved way more than you is an essential part of the process.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Dillon Sleper. Ive always just wanted to be me. I believe leaning into your true self is the only way to avoid eventual self destruction. I’ve always had this weird attachment to music. Luckily I was able to experience all sides of the musical spectrum. My mom would jam disco classics in the car whenever she would take me school. My dad was into classic rock and 80s hair metal. Some of those albums are still my favorite to this day. Oddly enough growing up in a rural area of Spanish Fork Utah. I quickly became attached to hip hop music. My first physical copy was Kanye Wests 808s and Heartbreak when I was about 10 years old. For me, music was everywhere. I was mostly alone in school growing up. Turning to wrestling and the gym for my Solace. It was always just me, my thoughts, and the music. I didn’t get into EDM until much later in life. I was about 20 yrs old when I realized I wanted to pursue Music. In particular, Seeing Porter Robinsons “Virtual Self” was when it hit me . It was a complete audio/visual experience. And I found it so fascinating that everything your senses latched onto was from that one mans brain. I then realized there are those who create, and those who consume. The rest is history. I became a man on a mission. I find immense fulfillment in “climbing this mountain” or “taming the dragon” that is music production. The road to mastery is long and dark. But how can you truly become one with yourself without at least starting the journey? Becoming the best version of myself is what it boils down to. Im the type of person who needs to feel busy all the time. So naturally one thing led to the next and I went from bedroom music producer to now co-owner of my own music studio (Lucid Nightmares Recordings) where I help artists bring their visions to life. All I want to do is be a guiding light along that dark path for artists who need direction. Ive been able to offer music production lessons as well as mixing and mastering for artists in need. I value my skills and what I bring to the table. But I want everyone to experience this feeling. Being able to offer an affordable solution is very important to me. Its tough for most new producers to keep the fire within. Especially when it just feels like you cant get it right. Self doubt sets in and continuing feels pointless. I just want to help feed that fire. All it takes is a little bit of excitement. Maybe you now finally understand how to use a synth. Finally happy with the sound you are able to put down and boom you’re off! These things are not easy. I want to be the mentor for others that I never had myself. Being able to teach people and see the lightbulb in their eyes only strengthens me as a producer and most importantly. As a man.
I want to be a reliable source for knowledge and to provide a space to allow creativity to flow. Ive been lucky enough to work with many established local artists. Ive dipped into the rap realm and recorded artists. Ive been able to help people achieve the sound of their dreams. Ive done mastering for some very talented artists across Utah.
To me, being a helping hand is what its all about.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I believe community is paramount. Building a dedicated community is what is most important to me. However, I must be clear. A community centered around the artistry is all that matters. A raw love for the art/craft. Not what the art/craft can provide for you (money, attention, artificial connections). Its very clear in todays world the love for the artistry takes the back seat. Its unfortunate, but I strive to be a pillar of hope in such a bleak time for art. The world is scary for artists. Turning to a ghost producer or a team to run your social media is all too common these days. The advancements in AI is scary enough. Im on the side of those fighting back against the system. Those who are in this for the pure love of the art. Those with their head down working, standing for something. Its well known the evils of this industry. You either submit to it or claw your way up that mountain. They wont ignore you forever. I believe staying true to yourself and the things you like is most important. Dance music is special. Its supposed to be a judgement free environment where you forget about the outside world. Those moments of singing and dancing alongside those closest to you. Its important. Keeps you truly alive.
Im no different then you. I value an escape from the hardships of everyday life. Those intimate dark spaces where the music is pounding and you’re surrounded by the ones you love. Thats what its about. We are in this together. Never conform. And lets push culture forward! THIS is the community the world is missing.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The only way for this community to thrive is to support those fighting for something. Be aware, show up and acknowledge what we are up against. Rising costs and corporate greed really seems to be making these experiences difficult for a lot of people. Why? I don’t think anyone should be deprived of these experiences. We need to support those fighting to make these things accessible. Be able to differentiate those looking to cash grab and those really fighting to provide a unique experience. Its difficult and takes time to be creative at a high level. Those people should not be punished for trying to stand apart from the soulless quick and easy cash grabs. Support local. Its simple really. “Be good to good people”.
I believe the underground can thrive if we can understand why it is so important.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dillon_sleper_sound/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LucidNightmaresRec
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dslepersound

Image Credits

huy’s studios | huy tran