Around this time of the year, there seems to be a clear divide on the argument to whether Christmas music is a delight to listen to or the bane of our human existence. While that conflict might go on forever, today Dream Tonic has teamed up with fellow Producer Dojo black belt, Memory Code, to bring forth a whole new type of Christmas carol. While we all know the tune Jingle Bells, these two incredible producers have put their own haunting spin on the classic, creating an almost Tim Burton like rendition of a this song. With it’s downtempo beat and ghastly vocals, this is definitely a Christmas song we know so many will love due to its unique take. No matter if you absolute scrooge or the holiday season is your favorite time of year, this track is definitely not one you want to miss. Let’s take a deeper dive into why we are calling this special version of “Jingle Bells”, a certified bop.
“Both black belts from ill.Gates’ Producer Dojo record label, Dream Tonic and Memory Code team up to deliver a chilling, dark downtempo twist on a holiday classic – “Jingle Bells”. A bass-heavy trip through glitched out bells, haunting vocals and warm sonic textures brings the listener on a journey into the mysterious and sensual aspects of winter, delivering a highly unusual, far from typical take on a mainstay standard of holiday music.”
Diving Deep w/ Dream Tonic
1. How did you decide to get into music? Was there a certain event in your childhood/life that made you stop and realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?
I knew from the time I was a young child that I was meant to compose music. Before I even knew how to read music, I would create songs on the piano and I invented a form of graphic notation that included lines, boxes and squiggles in order to document my compositions onto paper. I lived, breathed, consumed and created music from the age of 6. I studied classical piano deeply throughout high school and college and when I eventually discovered the rave scene, it thoroughly transformed me spiritually, emotionally and musically and I knew that I wanted to do THAT to people through my music.
2. You definitely have a very unique name for your project. Does the name have a specific meaning or derived from something in your life? Is there a story fans might not know about how you came to this name for your project?
I had about a list of 50 different ideas for an artist name! Driven by the light, whispery timbre of my voice, I knew I wanted to include elements of an ethereal nature, such as space, air or sky and ended up settling on “dream” instead as there an airiness, a spaciousness to dreams and it also aligned with the dreamy quality of tracks that I like to produce. I am a water sign in the zodiac, I’ve always been drawn to water, lived near water, have emotions that roll through me like water, so I love the liquid element. I also happen to love the fact that “tonic” also doubles as the root note of a song and it appealed to my music theory nerd nature. I also loved that it could be a sort of elixir, or “tonic” that could help cure your ailments.
3. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced being an up and coming female DJ/producers in the scene? Is there anything you would change within the scene in regards to this?
I’d say the most annoying thing is that anytime anyone hears a track that I co-produced but have my vocals on, they always assume that I JUST did the vocals when in fact, I helped produce the entire track from the ground up. To others out there – don’t assume that girls can’t produce or that they only sing or topline. I have years and years of composition under my belt with songwriting, orchestration, piano, drum training, etc. and it all goes into every track I write. Because female producers make up less than 5% of the producer population, I can see why this assumption is often made. Also, less than 1% of music producers are also mothers and I am both. Having children definitely makes it challenging to find time to produce consistently, however, it has only strengthened my resolve and my commitment to my craft.
4. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned since you started making music? Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring producers hoping to follow in your footsteps?
The biggest lesson I have learned is that there is massive power in collaboration. I have had the great opportunity to partner with a variety of other producers, from ill.Gates to Zain Effendi (Star Wars) to other Producer Dojo producers and the outcome is always an incredible track. With two minds together, each contributing his or her unique skill sets, the track always seems to come out better. It also helps keep you accountable. Another lesson I’ve learned is to prioritize musical tasks, get to know your own personal workflow, learn about project management and stay committed to achieving big goals through everyday small steps.
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