Damian Dalla Torre - I Can Feel My Dreams

Leipzig-based tenor saxophonist, composer and producer, Damian Dalla Torre has shared his brand new single ‘Acryl’, taken from his upcoming record I Can Feel My Dreams. The track is an escapist, ambient collage that stirs the senses with its oscillating reverberations and an exciting indication of what is to come from the artist’s next project. 

The new record will follow on from Damian’s 2022 debut Happy Floating, an ambitious collection of sprawling, amorphous soundscapes that recognised his ability to paint from a palette of disparate influences. With his new single, he continues to work in technicolour as he further refines his experimental blend of Jazz and Electronic music. Ahead of the release of his new single, we caught up with Damian to find out a little more about about his roots as an artist and the genesis of his upcoming record.

Growing up in Italy, what was your first introduction to music?

My grandmother had a neighbour, "Franzl," who played baritone saxophone in the local music band. I was about 4 years old, and whenever I visited, I was allowed to take a look at this honey-golden shimmering instrument in its case lined with ruby-red velvet. Since then, the fascination with this instrument has never left me.

You studied Jazz in Vienna, those early years are of course, crucial in establishing the blueprint of your artistry. What were the most important lessons you learned during your time there?

Being accepted into the conservatory in Vienna was a dream come true for me and marked the starting point for the professionalisation of my music career. I still vividly remember feeling completely overwhelmed when I first attended ensemble class; all my fellow students were at such a high level, and I could hardly believe that I would have the opportunity to grow in such an environment over the coming years. I think what these years have taught me is to work hard develop a vision, and stick to it consistently, as well as the importance of an openness to all genres of music, meeting like-minded people, connecting with them, exchanging ideas, and  learning from them.

Damian Dalla Torre: Credit - Robin Lambrecht

Your new project is inspired by time spent in both Chile and Leipzig. What about those places has made them so creatively fertile for you?

I think the most important thing is not the places but the people I meet along the way. I love getting to know new people, connecting with them on a deeper level, learning about different perspectives, and being open to viewpoints different from my own.

During your time in Chile I understand that you were also doing some teaching. What are the most important lessons on creativity that you try and impart on your students?

I find it quite easy to put myself in the position of a student because I have experienced the struggles one faces during this time. I learned the most when I talked with my professors not about music theory but about feelings, how to deal with doubts, how to engage critically, how to build self-confidence, and sometimes just through having someone to listen to. I also find it very important to have someone as an example who is actively involved in the music scene and is willing to take certain risks to try new things and discover new opportunities.

Damian Dalla Torre: Credit - Robin Lambrecht

‘Acryl’ is the first single taken from your upcoming album, could you tell us a little bit about how the track came together?

‘Acryl’ captures the profound connection between scents and our memories and emotions. The main motif of ‘Acryl’ was created during an improvised passage of a live concert. At that moment, a scent reached my nose, evoking a vivid memory of a feeling within me. As I carried this feeling, the melody and its expression naturally emerged. After the concert, a recording captured this spontaneous creation, and I was determined to use this fragment. In the studio, I tried to recreate the melody, but I couldn't capture the same intensity that had occurred during the concert, reminding me of the invisible yet powerful bond between fragrance and our deepest emotions. Thus, the song features a repeatedly played piece of this live recording, mirroring how certain scents can transport us to moments long past, stirring feelings of nostalgia, joy, and melancholy.

Where and how do you think the new single would be best enjoyed?

I think the track works well whenever you need a little time out.

How would you describe your music to anybody yet to hear it?

I would describe it as a tool for helping take stock of thoughts and emotions.

The new record is called I Can Feel My Dreams. What role do dreams play in your life and how have they influenced your music?

I like that the concept of dreams is very multifaceted and means something different to everyone. Personally, I associate dreams with desires and longing on one hand, but on the other hand, I also went through a difficult phase last year where fever dreams played a role. It was like being in a parallel world, with abstract shapes and colors that I could feel, and I have incorporated these experiences into my new album.

Who were some of the artists that you were listening to while putting together the album?

During my time in Chile, I was very fortunate to meet many South American musicians and exchange ideas about music, as well as play together. New friends took me to reggaeton parties, traditional cueca, cumbia, and bolero concerts where I learned a lot about this music. I also have a great fascination for Icelandic music, which, for me, works very well as a tool for self-reflection. I also enjoy dancing the night away at techno raves, where I find the opportunity to connect with myself within a community.

‘Acryl’ is out now via Squama Recordings