Kelly Lee Owens, the Welsh electronic music pioneer, is set to release her new album Dreamstate, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Slated for release on October 18, 2024, Dreamstate is the first album to launch on dh2, the new electronic imprint of Dirty Hit, spearheaded by The 1975’s George Daniel. In an exclusive interview with NME, Owens delves into the creative journey behind her album, collaborations with notable artists like Charli XCX and Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers, and the influence of Madonna’s Ray of Light on her sound.
A New Chapter in Collaboration
Owens emphasizes that Dreamstate is rooted in collaboration, a significant departure from her usual solo approach. She shares how she ventured into new territory by working with an expanded team, including artists like Bicep, Tom Rowlands, and George Daniel. For Owens, it was a challenging yet rewarding process, explaining, “It’s not easy to work with different people on different tracks and still have it be your own, so you have to be stronger and more self-assured than ever.”
Finding Inspiration in Daydreams
Reflecting on the theme of her album, Owens reveals that Dreamstate is deeply personal, driven by her acceptance of her identity and creative process. She describes the importance of daydreaming in her life, noting, “It’s the thing that I almost enjoy the most about being human, ironically, is finding a dreamstate.” For Owens, music has always been a portal to these dreamlike states, allowing her to tap into deeper emotions and creative freedom.
More Read
The Influence of Depeche Mode and Touring Experiences
Touring with Depeche Mode was another major influence on Owens during the creation of Dreamstate. Performing for crowds of 20,000 to 75,000 people was an exhilarating experience for her. She fondly recalls being “adopted” by the legendary band, explaining how they made her feel like part of a family—a rare connection for a solo artist. Depeche Mode’s groundbreaking fusion of pop and electronic music left a lasting impression on Owens, further shaping her artistic direction.
Collaboration with Charli XCX and The Chemical Brothers
One of the standout tracks on the album, “Ballad (In The End),” features the creative input of Tom Rowlands from The Chemical Brothers. Owens recounts how Rowlands generously contributed this track to her project, calling it a “moment in time” that couldn’t be recreated. Similarly, her collaboration with Charli XCX led to meaningful discussions about lyrical authenticity. Owens shares how Charli helped her refine the lyrics for “Ballad,” encouraging her to stay true to her emotions rather than chasing clever wordplay.
Joining Dirty Hit’s New Electronic Imprint, dh2
Owens’ connection with George Daniel of The 1975 played a key role in her signing with dh2. After a serendipitous encounter following a DJ set at one of The 1975’s afterparties, the collaboration with Daniel and Dirty Hit’s electronic offshoot felt natural. Owens describes dh2 as a family, praising the sense of community and shared vision that now surrounds her music.
As Owens prepares for the release of Dreamstate and her upcoming UK and European tour, she reflects on how this album has pushed her creatively, testing her limits and reinforcing her identity as an artist. Dreamstate is not just a musical exploration but also a testament to her growth as a producer, collaborator, and visionary in the electronic music world.
