Interview with Dion: Exploring the Bronx, Blues, and Beyond
influence in the music I started writing.
You’ve mentioned that you enjoy storytelling in your songs. How do you approach crafting a narrative in your music?
I think it’s just something that comes from being in touch with who you are and the lives of others. A lot of it is empathy, scratching the same itch that the person has. I think that’s where the storytelling comes in. You start with a theme and need to flesh it out. But the empathy is always at the bottom of it.
Listen to Dion and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons perform “Bam Bang Boom” from Blues With Friends
In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in roots music and traditional genres like blues and country. What do you think has brought that about?
I think it’s not so much a resurgence as a hunger for meaning. People want to touch their origins, their roots, maybe the way things were before they got crazy. Blues and country speak to the deepest part of what it is to be human, how people live and what is it that they’re living for. I think those traditions satisfy the thirst for meaning. They are really the folk music, the people songs.
At this point in your career, what keeps you inspired and motivated to keep making music, whether it’s blues, rock, or any other genre?
I think we’re all discovering who we are and who we’ve become. You know, you whittle down to the bone, you reach a point where you go, “What is this about?” You become more interesting and more aware of your surroundings and your inner being. You know, I’ve heard it said that we all have a mission, that we’re living
the human experience and the spiritual experience at the same time. I believe that.
In the end, it’s about the journey. And mine has been pretty exciting. A lot of musicians would give their right arm to have the career I’ve had. I’m thankful for that.
As you look back on your life and career, and the impact you’ve had on music and fans around the world, what legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I think it goes back to taking the listener on an emotional journey, maybe by telling the truth about my life. I just want people to experience my music in a way that moves them, that makes them feel something. That’s all you can ask for, you know? To make a connection with someone and have them take something away from what you’ve done. That’s the most important thing.
Dion’s latest album, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Philosopher, along with his book of the same name, are available now. Follow him on social media and check out upcoming tour dates for a chance to experience his live performances.