I really shouldn’t be the one writing about Dylan Wood because I’m a fool who’s so in love with his music that I have a developed a crush [on him] *blush, blush*. Needless to say, my opinion on his drum covers will be biased. But as he has only released a handful of covers, I will attempt to critique each one as harshly as I can! Wow, this is going to be hard... Here we go:
Here’s a brief introduction to Dylan Wood:
Dylan Wood is an 19 year old drummer who resides in Pennsylvania, USA. He is “a proud drummer for Atlantic Records, and happy as hell to be endorsed by Sabian cymbals and Silverfox drumsticks.” He is also extremely attracti—oh! Ok, I’ll stop. :/ He got signed to Atlantic Records at the tender age of 17 and was chosen to be the drummer of the rock band Emphatic. And, if I'm not wrong, he is even the drummer in his brother's band, Call to Attraction (whom play some pretty good rock, alternative music), on occasion.
He usually plays along to Skrillex remixes of mostly rock music, although he has done a cover of Wiz Khalifa’s Black and Yellow liked Katy Perry on his Facebook fanpage. Hmm. Anyway, not only do his rhythmic additions elevate already GREAT music to GREATER levels that very few can manage in their entire careers, but he headbangs! To watch him, is to understand the full extent of his passion and become one with his music. Oh, and he tends to drum shirtless... Which really is, quite an experience of its own. (Ok, well, I guess... that was slightly irrelevant.) But I’m not just been a shallow, daft female; watching his facial expressions and thrashing arms really is an immersing experience and (I hope) an insight into Mr. Wood’s personality—which, I would guess, looking at his covers, to be intensely focused, determined and passionate about music, yet light, amiable, outgoing and silly (in a good way o’course!) when he isn’t breaking drumsticks and a sweat! Although it’s hard to imagine what he does, other than make perfect music. Yes, I did use the word ‘perfect’.
Dylan Wood is an 19 year old drummer who resides in Pennsylvania, USA. He is “a proud drummer for Atlantic Records, and happy as hell to be endorsed by Sabian cymbals and Silverfox drumsticks.” He is also extremely attracti—oh! Ok, I’ll stop. :/ He got signed to Atlantic Records at the tender age of 17 and was chosen to be the drummer of the rock band Emphatic. And, if I'm not wrong, he is even the drummer in his brother's band, Call to Attraction (whom play some pretty good rock, alternative music), on occasion.
He usually plays along to Skrillex remixes of mostly rock music, although he has done a cover of Wiz Khalifa’s Black and Yellow liked Katy Perry on his Facebook fanpage. Hmm. Anyway, not only do his rhythmic additions elevate already GREAT music to GREATER levels that very few can manage in their entire careers, but he headbangs! To watch him, is to understand the full extent of his passion and become one with his music. Oh, and he tends to drum shirtless... Which really is, quite an experience of its own. (Ok, well, I guess... that was slightly irrelevant.) But I’m not just been a shallow, daft female; watching his facial expressions and thrashing arms really is an immersing experience and (I hope) an insight into Mr. Wood’s personality—which, I would guess, looking at his covers, to be intensely focused, determined and passionate about music, yet light, amiable, outgoing and silly (in a good way o’course!) when he isn’t breaking drumsticks and a sweat! Although it’s hard to imagine what he does, other than make perfect music. Yes, I did use the word ‘perfect’.
Overall, he doesn’t seem to have any fancy technical equipment (like some of the other semi-famous online drummers do), seems humble enough, and isn’t famous enough yet to be obnoxious. He even replies to your comments from time to time! And that is where I get most of my info from... (I obviously have a crush, but I’m not a stalker—all you gotta do is read the top comments *shrugging shoulders*—besides, I had to research Mr. Wood because I was writing about him! I do a quick search on ALL the artists I blog either way).
To make things simpler and a little more serious now, the following are the rankings and ratings of his covers:
1) Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Skrillex 10/10
This was the first cover I had heard from him and still is my favourite. What he does with this track (which is my favourite Skrillex track) is phenomenal. However, I did notice, that it is MUCH better to watch it than just listen to it. His drum additions amplify the ordinary bass kick of the song.
Also, I laugh out loud everytime I watch him lip sync (at exactly 1: 59)-- it's THE climax of the video, especially as it comes right before the POW of his banging on those drums!
This was the first cover I had heard from him and still is my favourite. What he does with this track (which is my favourite Skrillex track) is phenomenal. However, I did notice, that it is MUCH better to watch it than just listen to it. His drum additions amplify the ordinary bass kick of the song.
Also, I laugh out loud everytime I watch him lip sync (at exactly 1: 59)-- it's THE climax of the video, especially as it comes right before the POW of his banging on those drums!
Link to Dylan Wood's cover of Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites: http://youtu.be/4dghsMgYFJI
2) Levels Avicii by (Skrillex Remix) 10/10
And he scores ANOTHER 100%! Haha, just listen to the track and tell me if you agree.
Link to Dylan Wood's Cover of Levels by Levels by Avicii: http://youtu.be/TwkrjO9KY_E
3) First of the Year (Equinox) by Skrillex 10/10
First of Year (Equinox) by Skrillex is SO STALE compared to Dylan Wood’s cover. No words. He’s done enough for a lifetime with this song. FAR BETTER than the original.
I don’t know why, but I had originally given this song a 9/10. But I thought better of it. So, just don’t be surprised if you do the same.
I don’t know why, but I had originally given this song a 9/10. But I thought better of it. So, just don’t be surprised if you do the same.
Link to Dylan Wood's cover of First of Year: http://youtu.be/79ukBRpCqkk
4) Second and Sebring by Of Mice and Men 9.5/10
Ahhhhhh! So close to 10/10. Why? Perhaps because it isn’t Skrillex so there’s no bass to kick in? Nah... the song choice is impeccable. I had never heard this song before he covered it. So... I guess I’m being a 0.5 bit harsh on him. But with this song, not only did he gain a fan for himself, but also Of Mice and Men.
Also, the original song is stronger on the guitar, but Dylan Wood makes his drumming the focus. Frankly, all he did is add to the song; this time, he didn’t take it to another level. But it was a lovely change to his Skrillex covers! I’m glad for it.
Link to Dylan Wood's cover of Second and Sebring: http://youtu.be/zYgD_ikNupQ
6) Kyoto by Skrillex ft. Sirah 8.5/10
There are two standards, 1) compared to everything else and the original; 2) compared to one's own phenomenal work. If judged the first way, this would get at least a 9/10. But I felt that it lacked the oomph of Mr. Wood’s usual works. This being said, I guess the purpose of this was to use the (hi-hat) cymbals more than the actual percussion, and I guess I just like the sound of the drums to be more dominant. That is my only justification for giving this cover such an abominably low score. :/ Sorry, guys.
Link to Dylan Wood's cover of Kyoto: http://youtu.be/Ks1kArpMj-o
7) Black and Yellow by Wiz Khalifa 7.5/10 à revised to 8/10
The first time I saw this cover uploaded, I thought to myself, wow... he’s really attempting to be diverse. The first time I heard it. I gotta be frank. This was a disappointment for me. THEN, I listened to it like a thousand times and realised by listening to it the fifth time, I realised that this was pretty damn amazing!
Once again, Mr. Wood’s additions make the famous Black and Yellow much better than the original by Wiz Khalifa. Thankfully, his drumming didn’t drown out the rapping! Originally being a hip-hop chick myself (before I got all weird and developed one of the most diverse tastes in music), this swallows any other mix Black & Yellow. Even makes the original seem bland. So, unless that’s what you’re going for, you have GOT TO listen to this.
Link for this Dylan Wood's cover of Black and Yellow: http://youtu.be/_HA16VMKegg
8) Narcissistic Cannibal by Korn featuring Skrillex & Kill the Noise Drum Cover 7/10
Ah... would I be right in saying this is the hardest I’ve seen Dylan Wood hit his drums + cymbals? Maybe. This is another rock cover. The clarity and tone of the song is slightly different, but other than that, THIS IS GENIUS! Once again, according to me, this is makes the original seem drab. Then again, to me, the two seem almost like different songs. Mr. Wood almost seems angry. This is a must watch. This is one of the only covers of his which sound just as good if you’re not watching them, or just listening.
Link to Dylan Wood's cover of Narcissistic Cannibal: http://youtu.be/SnAcRRHcbPc
I’ve just been thinking, him and people like Eric Stanley are truly musical geniuses. They must have a certain idea of what they want to add on to tracks and after repeated trial and error, they perfect their techniques and push themselves to create what their ears like to hear. I’d just like to say that whatever Mr. Wood’s ears like to hear, mine do too! And I admire his determination and dedication and much more! And I LOVE his music. I hardly write that about any artist, but I can about his music doubtlessly.
And if you seriously doubt or oppose my judgement, please comment and justify your opinions! I’d seriously like to hear them!
Dylan Wood (as well as young artists like Eric Stanley) is a true inspiration! I might pick up drums myself!
Here's a link to Dylan Wood's channel on Youtube. I didn't want to individually link each of his videos because this is already my longest blog entry and videos in between by writing would have lost your attention: http://www.youtube.com/user/dylanwoodmusic/videos
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