IN THE SPOTLIGHT: DreamVacation

With a sound resembling celestial layers, DreamVacation recently released a new EP, Thin World, on July 27, via Laser Ghost. DreamVacation, based in Los Angeles, California, showcases the musical ideas of Zilva Thustra (vocals, guitar), Gerry Matthews (bass, synth), and Noah Alexander (drums, synth). The trio has previously shared the stage with notable acts such as Foster the People, Airborne Toxic Event, and Matt & Kim. Taking a moment from their everyday lives, they generously contributed some time to share about the process of creating the new EP, their essential tour items, and recommended some restaurants in LA.

What’s the story behind the formation of DreamVacation? Is there any particular significance to the name “Dream Vacation”?

We used to be a band called Atlantic Line. Our guitarist, Will, had to leave the band. We had lost an integral part of our group, and were essentially forced to evolve or make the decision to part ways. We basically had to relearn how to write as a group. We thought it would be strange to continue writing as Atlantic Line, but we knew we had a solid connection and that we wanted keep going and we knew we wanted to create music that was a little more accessible.

The name DreamVacation comes from our singer Ray Silva. He was experimenting with herbs and teas that are supposed to induce more of a lucid dream state. He wanted to be more aware of when he was dreaming so that he might have the control to allow himself the time to do all the stuff he didn't have time or money for in the waking life. The idea was that he would essentially be on vacation when he goes to sleep. In essence, a dream vacation.

What sparked your interest in music, both playing and listening?

All of us have been playing for a long time now, and we all started pretty young (at least, high school). We all pretty much were turned on to music, both listening and playing, through what are likely pretty typical channels, parents, siblings, friends.

You just released a new EP, Thin World, on July 27, 2017. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing it?

The process was long, and sometimes amazing, and sometimes painstaking. The initial writing part, the spark of it (before you change anything and just let it happen), is always our favorite.  Then arrives the form where you try to make sense of the ideas and put some order to everything, more of this, less of that, etc. Once that was complete for us, we brought everything to our producer Rian Lewis. He then helps us further make sense of what is or isn't necessary to capturing the essence of the songs. Once we have locked in the potential final form, we make sure we can play it really well to save time when we go in to record. The actual songs were recorded over 2 days at Big Ego Studios in Long Beach, CA, while the overdubs, vocals, etc. carried on for months. Broken schedules, holidays, money...they all factor into how quickly we can complete everything. Sometimes, that's nice, though; you get to hear subtractions and additions, to make decisions that are less immediate and more time tested.

Who are some of your prominent musical influences?

Our influences range from weird art movies like Beyond the Black Rainbow, books like The Dark Tower, and bands like Echo and the Bunnymen. But, for more list like purposes...David Bowie, Phil Collins, Fugazi, The Doors, Serge Gainsbourg, Yo La Tengo, Girls Against Boys, Leonard Cohen, Tool, Jimmy Eat World, Led Zeppelin, Gang Of Four, Miles Davis, The Cure, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, A Tribe Called Quest, Black Sabbath, and Ennio Morricone.

What are you currently listening to?

A lot of dub reggae; it seems to always make it into the mix, especially in the summer. But, throw in some Lord Huron, The National, Nina Simone, and some podcasts to help with sitting in traffic.

While on the road, what are some of your essential tour items?

Mostly just finding good spots for good coffee. Chargers to keep our device addiction going, and healthy snacks to avoid the long drive blues.

If you weren’t in a band, what would you see yourself doing?

Probably trying to live somewhere more tropical so I could surf in board shorts instead of wetsuits. But, I'm sure I would just be creating music individually, or maybe working in some industry where I get to play music and create sound.

What are some of your favorite restaurants in LA that you’d recommend?

We really love the quick and cheap Mexi eats of La Reyna, which is downtown near our rehearsal space. Zinc Cafe has an amazing vegan burrito with avocado, and great salsa. We just checked out another place called Crossroads Kitchen that has the best veggie options; they call their burger the impossible burger because you'd swear it's made with beef.

Who is your favorite superhero character, and why?

Neo from The Matrix. The first time I saw that movie I was like, "How can I move that fast?" Moments later, I sadly became aware I would likely never realize that dream, but no other character has inspired me as much before or after. I typically like superhero characters that have less pronounced powers...I never wanted x-ray vision, or super strength, but doing some amazingly fast martial arts would be super cool. Bruce Lee was awesome!!

If there were a drink with the name “Dream Vacation,” what would it consist of?

If we were to go with the theme of the name, probably something closely resembling a Piña Colada, but more realistically something with some whiskey and a little something sweet for good measure.

A huge thank you to DreamVacation for taking the time and thought to respond to the questions, and to James for coordinating!

Stay tuned for updates from the band by following them on Twitter (@wedreamvacation), Instagram (@wedreamvacation), and liking them on Facebook (/dreamvacationmusic)!