INTRO

I had a blast running through your catalog the last couple weeks. And with Mind in the Matter released, and a month old, i’ve had enough time to really sit with the album and digest it. If you’ll grant me the leave to wax poetry for a second, I was blown away by the album.

I’d almost describe this album as acoustic RnB, with the simple beat choices, and lack of layers. Yet, I believe this was a considered choice, and one that plays beautifully to your unique cadence, and voice. It’s a synonymous fact for the whole album, but it allows your gravely delivery, yet melodic riffs to escape the confines of the track, and echo through my mind for days at a time. And the imagery that repeatedly played through my head was of a…

Wind blown desert before dusk. Cigarette in one hand, and a dozen ghosts hounding your every step. Each track, a mark in your journey. Each feature, a friend met along the way. And a final goodbye, as HNY rifts through the air.

Bah, that’s enough for now, let's get to the interview.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in the music industry? What inspired you to pursue a career in RnB, and how did you come up with the name Dimes?

Wow Hash, you described the EP so beautifully, thank you! I’m Dimes, Vancouver based producer, artist, producer and writer. I started tracking myself after a 10 year hiatus from music in 2019. I never really imagined I would do this professionally because of mostly , self doubt. My family & partner pushed me in the right direction at the time and it slowly became my favorite thing. Music has been more of a therapeutic tool for me nowadays. R&b is a wonderful genre however I don’t want to be placed in that box- hiphop & grunge are my two main influences/inspo at the moment.

Your latest Album, "Mind in the Matter," delves into themes of longing, betrayal, and finding yourself adrift. Can you share the inspiration behind the Albums title?

Matter usually describes any substance that has mass and volume. When the mind is in service of the matter we become slaves, subconsciously. In a perfect universe, the matter will always be in service of the mind.

‘Mind in the Matter’ also marks your very first Album. Where were you leaning to for lyrical and melodic inspiration?

There’s so much inspiration around this , hard to point at one specific artist/song/genre or even the experiences that led me to create the EP. Around he making of the project my playlist consisted of Mac Miller, KTF, Smino, Ama Lou, JID, Kenny Mason.. and two features on the EP were definitely influenced by the collaborators sound (GRAVEHEART & Maya Jade)

My track of the album has to go to Jellyfish. As the Album begins with one of your finest contemporaries joining you for the ballad of the year. Did you find yourself having a favorite, or did the dreaded ear fatigue begin to kick in by the end of the process?

jellyfish has to be my all time favorite too! But since it’s your pick I’d say Stolo is my 2nd greatest. Both of the tracks were such a great hands down experience for my production skills, and having Mdknight produce by my side was what I needed to fine tune everything. Not to mention both Grave & Maya were amazing to work with and I’m honored artists on their level trusted me with their music. Also I love every track and I could run them all on repeat, no ear fatigue. if a track gives me that it might not be ready yet to be released..

The launch of the album was also accompanied by a release party, I was fortunate enough to be a part of. Did the event end up living up to your expectation?

The event was wonderful, it was a celebration of local female artists and I enjoyed every second of the night. Palm street studio is my second home at this point and phantom helped in every aspect including hosting the night. I felt the love from the crowd- it was magical. Cee Boots decorated the walls with her artwork for us too.

Any words for the phenomenal all women, all RnB lineups you performed alongside?

Maya, Sofja and Melanny delivered beautifully. A show I will forever remember. Maya has such a beautiful tone and working with her in the studio and throughout the live performance was inspiring. Her songs on repeat on my playlist since I found her music - my personal favorite is ‘never know’. Also Sofja cover of ‘at last’ was a mind blowing performance. Exceeded my expectations and beyond.

As a Vancouver-based artist, how has the city and its culture influenced your music and creative expression? Are there any specific experiences or aspects of Vancouver that you draw inspiration from in your songwriting?

Vancouver has been that place that I wasn’t born in, yet from the moment I seen it out of the plane’s window in 2014, first thing that ran through my mind was ‘home’. It’s my chosen home, chosen family. I came here with nothing and created a family. I feel safe here and slowly healing towards the best version of me.

July also brought a brand new track to your catalog alongside some of your illest contemporaries in the scene. What was your favorite moment from the Cookie Doughs recording process?

It felt very natural, we wrote the track and in a short session it was mix ready. A nice proof that sometimes simplicity wins.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with your fans or potential new listeners? Any messages or insights you'd like to leave us with?

Such a crazy world we live in, I hope we can bring the community back. I pray our brothers & sisters in the holy land, Palestinians and Israelites will achieve true peace and solace soon enough. I hope we’ll start creating from fulfillment, and not hurt & grief. Bring the love back.

AND LASTLY, are we likely to see an album by the end of the year?!

I have a 4 track EP coming soon with shell & deadpoet, and a solo project planned for the beginning of 2025 if everything goes according to my timeline. Thank you for having me Hashnain , always a pleasure to collaborate with you and I adore your support for the local scene 🫶🏼 stay blessed

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: DIMES.