Catalyzing A Lucid Vision
When purpose meets passion, the combination ignites the path for a vision to take way, and that’s exactly the fuel leading Lucid Vision in his ultimate pursuit to use music as a catalyst for change and awakening. I felt it exuding from him from the second we sat down, just a few days away from his co-headlining show at The Bluebird Theatre.
With a defined dream, raw determination, and the mindset, “I will continue until my last ounce of energy” it’s no wonder Dalton Kieta aka Lucid Vision is a staple in the Colorado music scene who’s gaining national attention through upcoming projects like The Untz Festival taking place in Mariposa, California. You’ll only learn about the man behind the vision and how we’ll stop at nothing to make it lucid in this exclusive interview.
Aryonna Richard: So you believe in ‘Spreading light through sound.’ Can you tell me about some of the early musical influences that inspired you?
Dalton Kieta: “I’ve felt the power of music, and I’ve seen it bring thousands of people from their homes to obscure places. I’ve seen music bring people to tears. I’ve felt the inspiration and meaning that music brings to life. It’s an art form that is never complete, but continuously evolving.”
AR: What instruments do you play? When did you begin?
DK: “I play the guitar, piano, and computer (which I do consider an instrument). Much of what I do involves layering, resampling, and massaging with various effects. When I started, I had no musical background, was never in a band in school, never studied music theory or audio engineering, and then I dove right into composing electronic music. I began about five years ago from square one, but I feel like I’ve had the ability to articulate myself through music since about two years ago.”
AR: What can your fans expect from your upcoming show at The Bluebird Theater?
DK: “One aspect of the event that I am extremely excited about is that we are bringing out a top line professional visual experience that incorporates a twenty foot wide, custom built lighting rig. I’ve been working with Cole Kegans of JC Lighting and SSS Productions, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve put together.”
AR: In January of 2011 you followed your passion and started producing music as Lucid Vision can you tell me about a particular experience, from this period, that pushed you to turn the dream into a reality?
DK: “I had a friend that started creating music, and after he got over that initial learning curve and the music began to get good, I realized that I couldn’t just stand by and watch someone else live my dream. What do I have to lose except my life? I thought. There’s a famous quote by Slug of Atmosphere, “ The only guarantee in life is a life worth dying for” I realized WHY NOT go for this.
As a senior in high school, I asked myself how I could obtain the $3,000 needed to get the equipment I needed to make music. I decided to sell my car (an Infiniti i30t). All my friends thought I was crazy. Exchanging my freedom and social life to produce music. I guess I was crazy because the music sucked for a while, but I kept going.
I took AP Music Theory at Cherry Creek High School, and I couldn’t get it, and I ended up failing the course the first time I took it. I knew if I could get a four or higher on the AP test that I could pass the course as a whole. So I said to myself ‘If you can’t pass Music Theory 1 how are you ever going to be good enough, if not better, than Pretty Lights? I had to keep going. I worked hard, figured it out and received a four on my AP test. This experience was one of my defining moments that and the decision to sell my car. The first walls are always the toughest.”
AR: How did you come up with the name Lucid Vision?
DK: “Through seeing musicians I admire like Pretty Lights and Emancipator Ensemble I started to get a vision of my fullest potential or my higher self. Music compelled me to chase this idea and make it lucid. One of my intentions is to inspire people to build their dreams. No one can motivate other people to do that without, first, living their dream. I wanted a name that encompassed my motives.“
AR: How would you describe the sound you’re creating now?
DK: “Honestly I would describe it with two words, ‘Colorado Style’. My influences come from early Glitch Mob, Pretty Lights, and Emancipator. I’d like to think that my music tests the boundaries of soundscape and reaches extremes at times, but does it in a tasteful way.”
AR: What can you tell me about the experience of prepping for your co-headlining show at the Bluebird with Skydyed?
DK: So one thing a lot of people don’t know about me is that I am very active on the music business side of things as well, and I am the event manager for this show. I had some help from a colleague Cody Brubaker, but for the most part, I hired all the acts, rented out the stage production and lighting, organized the deal with AEG Live, employed the graphic designer to create the flyer, and contacted the sponsors.
Every day I am in communication with around 15 to 20 people and sometimes I need to step away from my phone, emails and social media just focus on what brought me to this in the first place. The music."
AR: Tell me about the ultimate vision you would like to create with your Lucid Vision persona?
DK: “Ultimately, I am in the music scene to share the feeling of inspiration and determination that’s ignited within me through music. My vision is to use the music as a tool to help catalyze the awakening and empowerment of society. My intention is to inspire people to create their dreams as well, and the only way I can do that is by living my own first.”
AR: As a growing force in the Colorado music scene, do you feel like there’s anything specific about this area that attracts so much creativity?
DK: “A large amount of smaller local venues catalyzes the scene and gives musicians who are just starting out a chance to test their skills.”
AR: Our company Motto is “Live Life. Have Fun. Get Down.” Is there a particular saying that guides your life?
At the end of the day, remember to maintain a mindset of growth and always welcoming new opportunities. Lucid Vision’s ability to innovate is the distinguishing trait that truly separates him from other musicians. In regards to the place he’s at right now in his career Dalton ultimately feels, “I am a novice, and I know that I still have a lot of learning to do. I will always look up to other musicians and be open to other ways of doing things.”
Be inspired by his funky, soulful style by checking out Lucid Vision’s latest EP with Homemade Spaceship titled So Alive. The song “See Through” is original with no samples and I can’t stop jamming to it! Check out his tour dates below and stay connected with his musical journey by following Dalton’s social platforms. I hope you experience this innovate artist, first hand, by supporting his upcoming shows!
~Aryonna Richard - Expert.
Get Your Tickets By Clicking on Any of the Dates Below!
The Bluebird Theater in Denver on Friday, January 8th
Hodi’s Half Note in Fort Collins Tuesday, January 26th
The Untz Festival in Mariposa, California: June 3-4
Get Social with Lucid Vision!
Soundcloud | Lucid-Vision Instagram | @mrlucidvision
Facebook | Lucid Vision Music Twitter | @mrlucidvision
