04/28/2026
A few of the same questions keep appearing in my inbox, so I'll address them publicly to the extent that I can.
1. Venues - I get asked frequently why some venues are no longer on my schedule when they seemed to be frequent performance destinations in the past. The honest answer is each venue is independent and have various factors that go into booking. Some I reached out to and they never responded after years of performing there....some perhaps didn't like me personally, didn't like my performance, didn't think I fit into their vibe or didn't like the way I do business. Some I made the decision to not return based on my own expectations and standards. I am sincerely thankful for the venues that do continue to book me and the few new ones I choose to add along the way. If you have a question about a specific venue you can message me and I'll be happy to share. I will not address specific venues publicly.
2. The Wayne Dylan Songbook - I've caught some heat from musicians for this. On the flip side, I've also received a lot of praise from folks who enjoy good storytelling in a song...something the industry as a whole lacks at times. I've apparently pi**ed some musicians off because it's not me singing and the songs are "fake". Let's set the record straight: the words and messages of my songs are written by me (unless co-written). I dictate the arrangement, composition and ultimately the finished product with a lot of creative input. I have chosen to not sing the songs myself because I'm no longer trying to promote myself as a performing artist. I've been one of those my entire life and that's a chapter that eventually will close. The truth is I'm getting older and so is my voice. Though I'm still holding my own, I'm not able to vocally punch out some of the stuff I once could 20 years ago. I've moved on to my next chapter and one I've always wanted to pursue and that's songwriting. This is allowing me to share my songs with the world, some of which I've never been able to produce due to cost constraints and time availability. I'm proud of the creativity and work that have gone into my songwriting ventures and I will continue to do so. A
I hate that I even have to address this but shame on anyone who tries to limit someone's creativity by tearing them down...especially those who are supposed to be supporters of those ideals and who themselves also want the support for what they create. The sad part is I recorded a full length album a view years ago, writing all of the songs, playing most of the instruments myself and doing all the vocals....and I didn't hear any of these people compliment the amount of work that went into that project with me doing the majority of the instrumentation myself. But they're quick to criticize this work. I get it...music, as with all art, is subjective and open to criticism as well as compliments....but we can be better than that.
As always, THANK YOU for the continued support. The venues that continue to book me, the people who show up and enjoy what I do and everyone who gives me a moment of their time to allow me sharing my gift and love of music.
- WD
