Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Diamond.
Hi Dylan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up with a fascination with robotics and electronic music. I worked as an engineer before realizing my true passions were in the arts so I quit my regular 9-5 to pursue more creative endeavors. While I have been toying with music production for over ten years, I only started to take it seriously over the past year or so. Currently, I do creative freelance work to support my music and art career. My dream is to one day have a high-production immersive show with my own visuals, music, and narrative. My music project, “Manic Machines” takes influence from dystopian science fiction stories and musicians from my childhood. The name comes from my struggle overcoming and living with Bipolar Type 1 disorder and my fascination with the philosophy of robotics and artificial life. The central robot character of the project, Jarvis, is a staple of the project that I have drawn countless times and factor into visuals.
I also have two music videos I have produced, one live-action and one full CGI made in Blender. I want my visual elements to be just as effective as the music. My goal is not to make another dance floor hit but to create music and visuals that move and positively affect people. I also hope one day to incorporate my music, visuals, and digital work into game design to create a fully cohesive experience. Right now I’m playing late-night shows around Atlanta ranging from East Atlanta to Midtown. Despite not having the securities of a normal engineering job, I’m very thankful that I had the courage and opportunity to follow my dreams and continue on this artistic path I have chosen.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In college, I struggled with multiple episodes from my disorder. Several times, I was put on heavy medication with unpleasant side effects making it very hard for me to pick up where my life left off. A lot of my creative influences come from these periods of my life where I felt trapped inside my own head and an inability to connect. However, having Bipolar Disorder is what makes me the person I am today. I’m fortunate to have some innate creative traits and have a very supportive creative family. Being creative has helped me through struggles throughout my life and always serves as an escape and healing endeavor. After leaving my engineering job and embarking on my artist career, I have had to make big adjustments financially for obvious reasons. But despite having a lot less financial freedom, I am a much happier person now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a multifaceted digital artist. I produce electronic music under the name Manic Machines. I was classically trained on piano but now mostly produce in genres ranging from Electro to Progressive House. My music takes a heavy emphasis on emotion and narrative with inspiration from science fiction. To aid this, I also produce my own visuals. I use a combination of 3D software and live-action footage to create audiovisual experiences. I am most proud of my music videos incorporating both sides of music and visual artistry into one bite-sized package. I think I am pretty unique with the emphasis and effort I put into the visuals just as much as the music compared to other producers.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always interested in collaborating with people and learning new ideas. Whether it be a music production collab, live instrument recording, or even 3D work, I’m very open to new projects. I’m pretty responsive on most dms including Instagram, Facebook, and email of course. My music is available on all platforms with more on the way. I have a lot of custom visuals on my Instagram and full length videos on my YouTube. Any sharing or engagement is highly appreciated! https://linktr.ee/manicmachines
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manicmachines/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylanhawkediamond
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@manicmachines251/featured
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/zombieslushy
- Other: https://linktr.ee/manicmachines
