DYLN
Stephanie Lang (born December 30, 1988), currently known by her stage name DYLN and previously known professionally as Stef Lang, is a Canadian singer and songwriter. After winning a recording deal through a Canadian radio talent contest in 2006, she released two extended plays before her commercial debut album The Underdog (2010), which saw the success of the single "Mr. Immature". After the release of her second commercial studio album Self (2012) and three additional extended plays, Lang adopted the stage name DYLN in 2016 and independently released her debut single under that name the following year, "Better Things", which was well received.[1][2][3]
DYLN | |
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DYLN live in Austin, Texas, 2018 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Stephanie Jane Lang |
Born | Ladysmith, British Columbia, Canada | December 30, 1988
Origin | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
Genres | Pop, R&B, electropop, alternative pop |
Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, producer |
Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano |
Years active | 2006–present |
Labels | Independent |
Website | dylnmusic |
Early life
DYLN was born in 1988 in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The divorce of her parents when she was 5 prompted her to write letters to her mother in an effort to comfort her during the time of separation. DYLN recalls her earliest memories to be a display of heightened arguments between her parents. She credits the divorce as the catalyst that made her a songwriter. “I became sensitive and aware of people's emotions early on. I wrote long letters to make sense of everything for myself. I think the trauma of it made me become a writer because it continues to be my natural way of dealing with things.”
Career
In the spring of 2006, DYLN won The Beat Music Awards, a talent competition hosted by The Beat 94.5, now Virgin Radio. She won a four-song recording deal with Hipjoint Productions. After graduation, she moved to Vancouver, where Hipjoint Productions offered her an internship in the studio to learn more about the music industry.[4] She spent this time honing her songwriting skills and learning how to run the studio. She worked part-time at a local grocery store as a check out clerk while performing at clubs like The Roxy, The Railway Club, The Media Club, The Bourbon, The Main, and The Rusty Gull. She also worked odd jobs as a cashier, retail sales clerk, server, hostess and as an extra on film sets.[5]
At 18, DYLN suffered from severe depression and anxiety, stopping her ability to write or perform for six months. She continued an abusive relationship, which ended up inspiring songs for her debut album.[6]
Within four years, she had written over 250 songs.[7] Two EPs were released, titled Birth and Blood and Bravery.
In the spring of 2009, DYLN penned a publishing deal with Nettwerk One/H-Songs, who launched the careers of Sarah McLachlan and Coldplay.[8] Other world-renowned artists such as Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Chantal Kreviazuk, K-OS, Shawn Desman, Raine Maida, Barenaked Ladies, and Sum 41 have called Nettwerk home.[9]
In 2010, her major-label debut album The Underdog earned her two Canadian Radio Music Award Nominations (HOT AC & CHR) for her single "Mr. Immature".[10] The album was also nominated for Pop Album of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards. Her follow-up single "Slave 2 Love" was dubbed the most added song in Canadian Radio that year.
Musical style
The genre of DYLN's music has been described as pop with r&b and electronic undertones. About her songwriting process, she says, "My philosophy is to write real songs," often crediting influences like Kid Cudi and Robyn, whose themes of darkness and sadness have molded her music.[3] She has stated that she writes about "the nature of my own demons or the complications of love.”
DYLN is also a music producer, often producing songs fully on her own. For her unusual skill set, she is often referred to as a "Renaissance woman" among her peers. Her musical style remains arty, while standing on the forefront of contemporary mainstream music. Music blog PressPlayOk referred to her music as having "unforgettable style," and later stated, "Proclaiming this NYC gal as a future pop queen. Not to be missed."[11] Notable music blog Hillydilly wrote, “You ought to know her new song, 'Better Things.' It’s one pulsating and filled with attitude." It was added to their Songs of the Week playlist.[12][13]
Film & TV song placements
- "Paper Doll" – LA Complex Episode 212[14]
- "Bullet Train" – Degrassi Episode 1217[15]
- "Diamonds" – Degrassi Episode Love Lockdown Part2[16]
- "Straitjacket" – Degrassi Episode in Your Eyes, Season 9 Ep. 18[16]
- "All For You" – Degrassi Episode 1311
- "Overdrive" – Degrassi Episode 1326
- "Vulnerable" – Rookie Blue Episode 11[16]
- "Wild Heart" – Vanderpump Rules Season 3
- "All This Time" – The Best Years[17]
- "You Make Me Wanna Fly" – Delta Airlines[18]
- "Give a Little Bit" – CTV BC "Making a Difference" campaign[19]
- "Going Places" – Beauty and the Beast No. 308[20]
Vocal features
- "Last Chance" – Kaskade – Grammy-nominated album Atmosphere
- "Rollin" – Ish (ft. Stef Lang) – Warner Music Group
- "Consciousness of Love" – Delerium – Music Box Opera
- "Chrysalis Heart" – Delerium – Music Box Opera
- "All These Wounds" – Ilan Bluestone & BT (ft. on Anjunabeats Worldwide05)
- "Forever" – Wizdom – off the album The Next Step[21]
Tours
Appearances
- 2009 – Canadian Music Cafe during TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival)
- 2010 – NXNE (North by Northeast) (Toronto)[24]
- 2010 – CMJ (College Music Journal) (New York)[25]
- 2011 – Canadian Radio Music Awards (Toronto)[26]
- 2011 – S.L. Feldman & Associates Showcase at Canadian Music Week (Toronto)
- 2013 – S.L. Feldman & Associates Showcase & CMF Acoustic Session at Canadian Music Week (Toronto)[27]
- DYLN has opened for K'naan, Fefe Dobson, Simple Plan, Ron Sexsmith, Matt Good, Shawn Desman, and Sum 41.
Discography
Albums
- 2004: Stephanie Lang (independent debut release, full-length CD)
- 2005: Music in Me (independent release, full-length CD)
- 2010: The Underdog[4] (first commercial release, full-length album)
- 2012: Self (full-length CD, solo project written, recorded and produced by DYLN)
EPs
Other
- 2018: "Chapter 1 – The Truth"
Singles
Year | Song | Album |
---|---|---|
2010 | "Straitjacket" | The Underdog |
2010 | "Mr. Immature" | |
2011 | "Slave2Love" | |
2012 | "Paper Doll" | The Fighting Mirrors |
2012 | "Bullet Train" | |
2012 | "DNA" | Self |
2014 | "Indestructible" | RUBIX |
2015 | "Burn It to the Ground"[31][32] | Arrows (Pt. 1) |
2015 | "Validation"[33][34][35] | Arrows (Pt. 1) |
2016 | "Warrior Face"[36] | Arrows (Pt. 2) |
2016 | "Not Alright"[37] | Arrows (Pt. 2) |
2016 | "Stronger"[38] | Stronger |
2017 | "Better Things"[1] | |
2017 | "Hold"[39] | |
2017 | "Colours"[40] | |
2018 | "Piece of You"[41] | |
2018 | "Truth"[42] | Chapter 1 – The Truth |
2018 | "The Difference"[43][44] | Chapter 1 – The Truth |
2018 | "Without You" | Chapter 1 – The Truth |
- Featured in
Year | Song | Credits | Album or EP |
---|---|---|---|
2012/13 | "Rollin'" | iSH featuring Stef Lang | iSH EP Up & Up |
Radio success
- "Mr. Immature" – Hit No. 5 on the Billboard Chart for Canadian Emerging Artist[45]
- "Slave2Love" – American Music Chart – CANADA: HOT AC; hit #12 on Mainstream Radio[46][47]
- "Castle in the Cloud" – Canadian Music Blog's Top 20 Songs of 2012[48]
- Album Self – Canadian Music Blog's Top 15 Albums of 2012[48]
- "Rollin" Ish – 2012 – Canadian Hot 100, peaked at No. 59[49]
- "Paper Doll" – 2012 – No. 1 Most Added Song in Canadian Radio
- "Better Things" – 2017 – was added to various Spotify playlists including New Music Friday Canada, New Music Friday Sweden, and H&M in Store Music
Awards and nominations
- Canadian Radio Music Awards (CHR) 2011 – nominated[50]
- Canadian Radio Music Awards (HOT AC) 2011 – nominated[51]
- Western Canadian Music Awards (Best Pop Album) 2011 – nominated[52]
References
- https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/dyln-better-things
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 14, 2017. Retrieved October 4, 2018.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- https://www.dylnmusic.com/about-dyln/
- "Stef Lang". Virginradiobestofbc.com. May 4, 2010. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0934590/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast
- https://www.baeblemusic.com/musicblog/10-13-2016/baeble-first-play-stef-lang-opens-up-about-depression-with-new-single-stronger.html
- https://musiccanada.wordpress.com/2012/01/05/rising-star-stef-lang/
- "Stef Lang Concerts in Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa | September 2010 Canadian Tour". Torontofilipino.com. August 22, 2010. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/musical-honour-for-nettwerk-founder-idol-producer-1.660968
- http://cmw.net/awards/nominations-announced-for-the-2011-canadian-radio-music-awards/
- http://pressplayok.com/blog/2017/03/02/upcoming-dyln/
- http://m.hillydilly.com/2017/03/dyln-better-things/
- http://m.hillydilly.com/2017/03/songs-of-the-week-feb-27-mar-5/
- "Stef Lang". Facebook.
- "Songs From Degrassi Showdown: Week 4". Teen Nick. August 23, 2012.
- "Stef Lang | Hipjoint Music Group". Hipjointproductions.net. Archived from the original on November 22, 2010. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- "iTunes Music – Birth by Stephanie Lang". iTunes Store. November 12, 2008. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
- http://milkmusic.ca/?portfolio=delta-airlines
- "CTV British Columbia – Stephanie Lang – CTV News". Ctvbc.ctv.ca. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- "Music – Beauty and the Beast". The CW. 2016. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
- https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/wizdom13
- Lang, Stef (April 4, 2010). "The Official Stef Lang Blog: Western Canada Tour Dates". Steflang.blogspot.com. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=bd406a479016afd6772b7a836&id=3674305962
- "Stef Lang". Nettwerk. Archived from the original on February 9, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- "Stef Lang @ CMJ 2010". Canadian Blast. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- "NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2011 CANADIAN RADIO MUSIC AWARDS | 2013 Canadian Music Week • March 20–24, 2013". Cmw.net. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
- http://canadianmusicfest.com/schedule/
- "Stef Lang Hits the Bullseye With Arrows". Canadian Music Blog. October 28, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- "Get Acquainted with a Singer And Songwriter; Stef Lang". 604 Now. May 15, 2015. Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- "Stef Lang – 'ARROWS Part 1' (EP stream) (premiere)". Pop Matters. October 22, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- "PREMIERE: WATCH STEF LANG "BURN IT TO THE GROUND"". galore mag. January 8, 2016. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- "Stef Lang – Lens Of You". Wonky Sensitive. October 27, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- "STEF LANG VALIDATION". All Things Go. August 10, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- "Stef Lang – Validation". Wonky Sensitive. August 16, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- "Stef Lang Isn't Searching for 'Validation'". Next 2 Shine. August 26, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- "Stef Lang – "Warrior Face" (single premiere)". The Revue. August 1, 2016. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- "Arrows, Pt. 2 – EP". iTunes Store. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- "BAEBLE FIRST PLAY: Stef Lang Opens Up About Depression with New Single 'Stronger'". Baeble Music. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
- https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/dyln-hold
- https://kickkicksnare.com/new-releases/2017/11/6/premiere-dyln-colours
- https://www.allthingsgomusic.com/dyln-whole-doubts-piece-of-you/
- https://www.dylnmusic.com/dylnblog/2018/7/27/truth-premiere
- https://www.dylnmusic.com/dylnblog/2018/8/17/the-difference-premieres-friday-august-24th
- https://www.facebook.com/IAmDYLN/posts/my-new-song-the-difference-premieres-this-friday-%EF%B8%8Fand-im-shooting-the-video-tomo/527732547667805/%5B%5D
- "Stef Lang". Nettwerk. Archived from the original on February 9, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- "AMERICA'S MUSIC CHARTS – 0 1 . 1 1 . 1 1 – powered by MEDIABASE". Americasmusiccharts.com. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- "•Promo Only Canada Music Supply•". Promoonlycanada.com. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- "Stef Lang Releases Rubix". Canadian Music Blog. August 26, 2014.
- "iSH's Stature Is On the Up & Up". April 4, 2014. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- "Canadian Radio Music Awards | 2011 Canadian Music Week". Cmw.net. Archived from the original on March 6, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- "TicketWeb – Order Tickets for STEF LANG + BROWN PAPER BAG (Eri". Ticketweb.ca. April 24, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
- "Breakout West Announces Nominees for the Western Canadian Music Awards". vanmusic.ca. July 3, 2011. Archived from the original on June 12, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.