Podcast Summary: "Celebrating Dayglow's Superbloom" on takin' a walk

Podcast Information

• Title: takin' a walk
• Host: Buzz Knight, iHeartPodcasts
• Episode Title: "Celebrating Dayglow's Superbloom"
• Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Celebrating Dayglow's Superbloom," host Buzz Knight engages in an insightful conversation with Sloan Struble, the creative force behind the indie pop sensation Dayglow. The discussion delves into Sloan's musical journey, inspirations, creative processes, and his latest work, Superbloom.

Early Musical Journey

Sloan Struble traces his initial connection to music back to his childhood in Texas. Despite his parents being singers who performed in church, his household wasn't heavily musically inclined in terms of instruments or formal encouragement. Sloan recounts his early experiments with making music, highlighting a pivotal moment at age ten when his cousin introduced him to GarageBand.

Sloan Struble [05:24]: "I have so many things. Just very early development of, like, pots and pans on the kitchen floor and all that type of stuff. But I think the first time where I just knew it was, like, my career was when I was, like, 10 years old. My cousin showed me GarageBand... GarageBand was my game."

This software became his gateway to creating music, allowing him to explore his innate passion for making and understanding sound.

Founding of DayGlo

The inception of DayGlo is a testament to Sloan's independent spirit. Living in a small Texas town with limited exposure to a broader music scene, Sloan took the initiative to share his music online.

Sloan Struble [12:15]: "I decided to start putting it on the Internet just by myself and just put it as the name of DayGlo... I never thought in a million years that it would be, like, an actual career, especially to the extent that it's been already so super grateful for that."

His first album, Fuzzy Brain, was a self-released collection of songs that, thanks to platforms like TuneCore and CD Baby, found an organic path to listeners. The breakthrough moment came unexpectedly when Spotify featured two of his tracks on a new "Bedroom Pop" playlist, propelling his music to a wider audience without any direct promotion.

Musical Influences

Sloan's eclectic taste in music significantly shapes his sound. While Paul McCartney was his primary inspiration, he also draws from a diverse range of artists spanning different eras and genres.

Sloan Struble [15:40]: "I grew up listening to a lot of James Taylor. I love the Beatles and Paul McCartney, love Paul Simon. I love Phil Collins, Harmony House... Then there's also like the alternative indie stuff. So, like, this recent album was like a lot like the Strokes and like Phoenix."

This blend of classic rock influences with modern indie pop elements results in a unique sound that resonates with a broad audience.

Exploring Artificial Intelligence

The conversation takes a contemplative turn as Sloan shares his perspectives on the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence in the music industry and art in general.

Sloan Struble [10:01]: "I think that's what propels us forward, and AI doesn't have a chance with that, you know?"

He references a video featuring Rick Rubin discussing AI, emphasizing the importance of human unpredictability and mistakes in creating authentic art—qualities he believes AI cannot replicate.

Sloan Struble [11:50]: "Rick Rubin was like saying the greatest part of like things that work and art that stands out is technically like unpredictable error basically... Humanity doesn't make sense and like we are always making mistakes... AI doesn't want to make mistakes at all."

This skepticism toward AI underscores Sloan's commitment to maintaining the human element in his music.

Deep Dive into Superbloom

Sloan provides an in-depth look into his latest album, Superbloom, discussing its creative influences and the stories behind some standout tracks.

Broken Bone

"Broken Bone" is described as a jam-inspired track influenced by the prolific King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.

Sloan Struble [17:15]: "Broken Bone is just kind of like facing your fears... musically... had like this epic psych solo at the end."

The song embodies themes of confronting fears and embracing life's unpredictable nature, both lyrically and through its layered instrumentation.

Cocoon

In "Cocoon," Sloan explores the use of high-energy music as a tool to manage anxiety, drawing parallels to how some find peace in intense genres like metal.

Sloan Struble [18:47]: "Cocoon is addressing and powering through my anxiety... using high energy music to meet your anxiety."

This approach challenges the conventional notion that calm music is the sole remedy for anxiety, showcasing Sloan's innovative thinking in mental health advocacy through music.

Old Friend, New Face

"Old Friend, New Face" reflects on the inevitability of change in relationships and personal growth.

Sloan Struble [20:17]: "It's a song about facing and embracing, like, change in other people... processing change somebody else is going through."

The track combines 2010s MySpace indie pop sounds with mature lyrical themes, capturing the essence of evolving friendships.

The Role of Community and Fans

Sloan emphasizes the profound impact his community—comprising friends, family, and fans—has on his creative process.

Sloan Struble [21:15]: "I have a great connection with my fans... I feel like I'm friends with all my fans, which is really cool."

He appreciates the authenticity and mutual respect between him and his listeners, noting that many fans have grown alongside him, fostering a sense of shared journey and responsibility in his music creation.

Looking Ahead

While there are no tours scheduled at the moment, Sloan expresses his excitement about future performances.

Sloan Struble [22:47]: "I'm stoked... I love playing live. Like, I love playing shows so much. Yeah, it's the best."

His enthusiasm for live music underscores his dedication to connecting with audiences on a personal level.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Buzz Knight congratulating Sloan on his successes and creative endeavors.

Buzz Knight [23:05]: "I want to congratulate you on Superbloom and all your great work and your just your creative process. Thank you for sharing it."

Sloan reciprocates the gratitude, highlighting the enriching experience of sharing his story and music on the podcast.

Sloan Struble [23:24]: "Thanks for having me. This is great."

Key Takeaways:

• Independent Beginnings: Sloan's journey from a small-town bedroom to global stages showcases the power of self-driven creativity and modern digital platforms.
• Diverse Influences: A blend of classic and contemporary musical influences creates Dayglow's distinctive sound.
• Human vs. AI: Sloan values the unpredictability and emotional depth that human creativity brings to art, viewing AI with cautious skepticism.
• Mental Health Advocacy: Through tracks like "Cocoon," Sloan explores innovative ways to address and manage anxiety.
• Community Connection: A strong, authentic relationship with fans and loved ones fuels Sloan's creative energy and keeps him grounded.

Notable Quotes:

• GarageBand as a Gateway:

  "GarageBand was my game." — Sloan Struble [05:24]

• On AI and Human Creativity:

  "Humanity doesn't make sense and like we are always making mistakes... AI doesn't want to make mistakes at all." — Sloan Struble [11:50]

• Community and Fans:

  "I feel like I'm friends with all my fans, which is really cool." — Sloan Struble [21:15]

This episode of takin' a walk provides an in-depth look into Sloan Struble's artistic journey, offering listeners both a personal and professional perspective on what makes Dayglow a standout name in the indie pop landscape.