Upcoming100: How long have you been in the music industry and has music always been a part of your life?
Dillon Lee Cronan: I’ve been playing in bands and gigging since my late teens, always been into music. Didn’t really record anything til 2015 though.
Upcoming100: Was there a specific moment in your life when you thought, “Music is what I want to do”?
Dillon Lee Cronan: I always had an affinity for music in general, but it wasn’t until I heard the song One Mic by Nas that I knew I wanted to make music myself.
Upcoming100: What inspires you (or your music)?
Dillon Lee Cronan: Life, beauty, struggle, style… Anything that can make people feel something.
Upcoming100: Who’s on your iTunes playlist?
Dillon Lee Cronan: A lot of local Dallas acts, Sunny Dispostion, Flozilla the Flower Child, Camp Anawanna, Blue Ajay.
More mainstream stuff I listen to is all older, Green Day, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, 2pac. Just a lot of different stuff…
Upcoming100: How did the idea for your single “Learn How to Smile” come about?
https://youtu.be/enQ6V2dsLG4
Dillon Lee Cronan: My mother told me to write something positive for once. lmao
Upcoming100: There are thousands of artists trying to do what you are doing, what do you think gives you an advantage to break into mainstream America?
Dillon Lee Cronan: I think Hip-Hop has a lyrical renaissance coming, lyricism has been lacking for the most part for a long time. I think I have a place in that coming soon, not really at the front of it but my flow is a return to that technical lyrical dexterity. I’m gonna do my part. On the flip side, I don’t really expect a Punk revival in the mainstream but there’s a lot of Punk out there and I think most would appreciate my sound and what I got going.
Upcoming100: What are your thoughts on the evolution of artists and music today?
Dillon Lee Cronan: I don’t really see much evolution to be honest. Most artists I like are better in their earlier work in my opinion. That’s just my take, I don’t have a lot of input for that one because I generally avoid the mainstream.
Upcoming100: Do you have other passions in life? Do you believe passion is an essential part of success?
Dillon Lee Cronan: I like to draw and paint. I’m a huge Ninja Turtles fan also and not really, I mean it should be but I’ve seen some pretty uninspired people achieve monetary success.
Upcoming100: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in his or her career who doesn't even have a studio to record but would love to do what you are doing now?
Dillon Lee Cronan: Focus on your craft and save up. By the time you have money for studio time, you should have your songs perfected. So don’t rush. They say life is short but it ain’t that short.
Upcoming100: Where can potential fans find out more about you?
Dillon Lee Cronan: Facebook, Instagram. -- You can find me on either if you just search Dillon Lee Cronan. I post updates on music pretty regular.
