dylAn: Rising Star from the MSFTSRep Collective - Highsnobiety Profile

image / Jonathan M. Frydman

In a revealing profile by Highsnobiety's Malcolm Musoni, dylAn (born Dylan Fabrega) emerges as a compelling figure in the contemporary music scene. As a key member of Jaden Smith's MSFTSRep collective, dylAn is carving out his own unique space in the industry. Let's dive into some of the key insights from this illuminating interview.

Early Beginnings and the Smith Connection

dylAn's journey is deeply intertwined with the Smith family. Growing up alongside Jaden and Willow Smith, he found early inspiration in their creative endeavors. After a period of separation during his adolescence, dylAn reconnected with the Smiths, joining Jaden's MSFTSRep collective and collaborating with both siblings.

The Artist Behind the Name

The capitalization in dylAn's stage name isn't just stylistic - it carries meaning. As he explained to Wonderland magazine, "The capital A in my name stands for Alfred, it's the sad, emotional, sensitive side of dylAn." This alter ego, Alfred, is described as an introspective character who transforms pain into vulnerable spoken word and rap music.

image / Jonathan M. Frydman

Woodland Hills: A Journey of Introspection

dylAn's EP "Woodland Hills" serves as a window into his world. Named after the area where he grew up, the project is deeply personal, touching on themes of identity, family relationships, and personal growth. In the interview, dylAn emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his work, stating, "None of this shit is a gimmick or a cute aesthetic."

Navigating Family and Industry

Working closely with childhood friends who are now industry powerhouses comes with its own set of challenges. dylAn candidly discusses the difficulties of mixing family and business, particularly in the transition from SoundCloud artists to mainstream industry players.

Personal Struggles and Growth

A significant portion of the interview delves into dylAn's relationship with his father. He openly discusses his "daddy issues" and how they've impacted both his personal life and his art. This willingness to be vulnerable and confront personal struggles head-on is a defining characteristic of dylAn's approach to music and life.

Authenticity in Identity

In an industry where sexuality and identity are sometimes used as marketing tools, dylAn stands firm in his authenticity. He emphasizes the importance of being genuine about one's identity, critiquing those who use ambiguity for attention.

Looking Ahead

As dylAn continued to grow as an artist, he remained focused on creating music that is true to his experiences and emotions. With a strong foundation in the MSFTSRep collective and a clear vision for his artistry, dylAn is poised to make a significant impact on the music industry.

This Highsnobiety profile offers a deeper look into the mind and motivations of dylAn, revealing an artist committed to authenticity, growth, and pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. As he continues to evolve, dylAn is certainly an artist to watch in the coming years.

You can read the full profile by Malcolm Musoni on Highsnobiety Here.

You can listen to dylAn's latest release Florida Daydream, Euphoric Horizon: Side Here.