DYLAN WRIGHT IS AUSTRALIA'S IDOL
2024 has proved a wild ride for Dylan Wright. Catapulted from playing music at home in Bangalow, to the winner’s spotlight on the Australian Idol stage - his star is on the rise. Dylan opens up about his most memorable moments from the show and his dual passions of music and fatherhood.
Winning Australian Idol 2024 was a monumental achievement. How has the show shaped you as an artist?
I’m still pinching myself that I won, and I get to pursue my music as a career. I learnt so much and grew as an artist from all the other contestants and those behind the scenes. One of the biggest highlights was sharing the stage with Idol Alum, Shannon Noll, and singing “What About Me” alongside him. That was amazing and something I will never forget.
How has living in the Northern Rivers influenced your music and storytelling?
My wife and I have been fortunate to call the Northern Rivers home for the past two years. Our second daughter was born here and being able to raise our children here has particularly made us appreciate nature. There’re so many beautiful landscapes and quiet places to enjoy. It’s an incredible area to be around.
How has fatherhood influenced your music and perspective on life?
Becoming a father was all I ever wanted and to have two beautiful daughters has made my life complete. They’re my absolute world and have made me appreciate the beauty of life and to really pursue this music career. They love music, so I usually play them some of my new songs and if they don’t start bopping away then I throw those songs in the bin!
You and musician Matt Joyce (Sons of Atticus) have a long-time friendship and deep musical connection. How did you two first meet, and how has your collaboration evolved over the years?
We first met because Matt’s mum came and saw me play a solo show and said he should reach out, so we caught up for a beer and instantly hit it off. We love our county music and Mexican food, so we were off to a good start. He’s a great guy and an amazing guitarist. I’m so lucky I get to share the stage with such a best mate and take him along with this crazy ride.
Your upcoming Get a Little Lost Tour promises an intimate acoustic experience. What can fans expect from these performances?
Matt and I can’t wait to start playing these shows. It feels like it’s been so long since we’ve played in front of an audience. This run of shows are just the two of us, so we’ll get to make fun of each other and tell stories all the while playing songs that mean a lot to us. There’ll be laughter and maybe some tears.
Your winner's single 'Paper Heart' has resonated with many. Can you tell us what the song means to you?
The Top 6 each received different winners singles, and I instantly resonated with the track. Although, I rewrote the verses to make it more about my Idol journey and to kind of book end that journey in a sense. It was a fragile time while on the show and I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of my family and friends.
In addition to the acoustic tour, you're also performing with your full band in the Those September Nights Tour. How do these performances differ?
The Those September Nights Tour will be in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. When we get to play with the band it is a much bigger sound and a whole lot of fun. There’s less chats in between songs but we make up for that with the bigger sounding songs.
You've recently signed with Sony Music Entertainment Australia and released new music. How has your sound evolved since Australian Idol, and what themes are you exploring in your latest projects?
Sony have been amazing to work with. They have listened to what I want to do creatively and taken it to that next level. It’s been a real team experience. The EP we’ve been working on goes through a bunch of different themes, from road trips to friendships to dealing with mental health issues. I try to keep my music quite personal; we all have our own stories, and I think a lot of the time we share a lot of the same stories.
With so much happening in your career right now, what are your hopes and goals for the future? Are there any dream collaborations you’d love to explore?
It’s been an incredible year I just hope it keeps growing. I want to be playing more shows all around Australia and to keep releasing new music. A dream collaboration would be to work with fellow Northern Rivers fella, Matt Corby, I think we’d be able to create some amazing music together.
Dylan’s LOCALE Favourites:
Favourite beach: Torakina - Brunswick Heads, good for the little ones
Favourite local coffee spot: Happy Days, Byron Bay
Favourite place to escape: I have a few secret Ti Tree lake spots
Favourite local restaurants or places to dine: Love me some Street Sushi
Favourite spot to chill and have fun with family and friends: Eltham Pub
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