‘A surreal experience’
Island singer-songwriter Dylan Menzie performs on national music show
Dylan Menzie is making a name for himself on the national music stage.
Hailing from Belle River, P.E.I., the 23-year-old singersongwriter recently showed off his chops and piano skills on CTV’s “The Launch”, a six-part artist discovery show. During the episode, which aired Jan. 25, Menzie impressed judges with his rendition of Procol Harum’s “Whiter Shade of Pale”.
While he didn’t make it as one of the two finalists selected to perform that night’s original song, Menzie received praise from the famed panel, which included music mogul Scott Borchetta, Mötley Crüe founding member Nikki Sixx and producer Dann Huff.
“Fantastic,” Sixx said as Menzie finished. “And your falsetto’s amazing, by the way.”
“A real singer,” Borchetta added.
Menzie said the show was a positive experience and he was excited to be one of only 30 musicians selected to perform on the program, out of more than 10,000 submissions.
“It’s pretty incredible. Looking back on it, it’s a surreal experience,” he said. “I was definitely nervous, how could you not be? I mean, Nikki Sixx has toured around the world with one of the biggest bands ever.”
Although the judges didn’t feel Menzie was the right fit for the song, Borchetta said they were “really impressed” with his talent.
“This has no bearing on the quality musician and artist you are.”
Menzie said he was fine with their decision.
“They really have to do what’s right for the song, and looking back on it, I don’t think it was the song for me, so I’m glad I didn’t get it.”
Menzie said the positive feedback was great to hear, but he said he also appreciates constructive criticism, as it’s “the only way to grow”.
“I’m starting to get into a habit of just trying to be as truthful as possible, and it was nice to have a conversation with people that feel the same way.”
Since his segment aired, Menzie has received a lot of feedback.
“The East Coast bands together when somebody from the East is on something like that. And it’s a great feeling to have that sense of community behind you.”
Music P.E.I. executive director Rob Oakie was pleased to see an Island musician make it onto the show.
“It’s great. It brings more exposure to P.E.I. artists, which I think benefits all P.E.I. artists.”
As for not making it through to the next stage, Menzie said he’s more than OK with the decision.
“I felt really good about my performance and how everything came out, and it was great to just go up and be me.”
Menzie, who is currently working on an album, will be performing his original songs at the 2018 Credit Union Music P.E.I. Week Festival Finale on Jan. 28 at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall.