Check out our interview with queer synth pop artist and producer Gregory Dillon who just released his new pop-punk single, “Hot Scars, Pretty Lies” on Sad Magic Records today!
Written and produced by Dillon, “Hot Scars, Pretty Lies” is a razor sharp, tell-all anthem about trying–and failing–to make it in Los Angeles. The track blazes with fiery guitars and a chorus drenched in cinematic allure that lends to Gale’s “ABCDEFU.” But Gregory’s signature touch of melancholy still remains, reminding us why NOTION deemed him the “the internet sad boy of our dreams.”
Follow Gregory @iamgregorydillon
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Big synth energy ????
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’m a formally closeted gay boy who was raised on 80’s synthwave, 2010 pop punk, and gregorian chant. Kind of a paradox but attending Catholic Prep School had such a complex influence over me. It’s the darker side of nostalgia that I love to savor. I gravitated so much to those genres because they found ways to rebel within those rigid structures. Plus, I look hot in a prep school uniform.
What instruments do you play?
A retro synth is my drink of choice (If i’m drunk, make me do my air trumpet)
Do you ever get nervous?
I’m nervous to get a new therapist. The worst part is catching them up on all the cute trauma so I’m making them a sickening PowerPoint to help 😛
Tell us about your new single “Hot Scars, Pretty Lies?”
I won’t sugarcoat it: I tried moving to Hollywood for stardom but reality hit me like a failed stunt scene. But it was also the train wreck that helped snap me out of it- legit the night before retreating back to nyc, I was in a CRAZY car accident with my bestie Bentley Robles (ps it wasn’t our fault). This crash was like a wake-up call. I left LA with some unknown fire to get back up and try this all again.
What’s the story behind the song?
Well out of that crash came ‘Hot Scars, Pretty Lies.’ Its Warped Tour for the modern age with a “burn it all down” energy. It’s really for every kid who’s been sidelined, and a reminder to get back up and move on. (To Hollywood, this love letter is for you…penned w/ a clenched fist)
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
There’s a painful ego death that has to happen in order to fully commit to all this, but it’s worth it: Growing up I’d go to Warped Tour with my friends and I was always thinking I wasn’t punk or edgy enough to fit into the scene, like I didn’t have the guts. Now I’m ready 2 reclaim that stage of my life both for myself and also any emo kids who are navigating all the crap that comes with growing up queer, different, and insecure. Truly doing this for them.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Oh man, in 5th grade, my mom got her first kids’ book published and came to read it to my whole grade. Mega cringe at the time, not gonna lie. The book’s all about desert animals vibing to coyotes’ tunes under a full moon. Back then, I was embarrassed, but now I get how dope it is that she put her creativity out there. She was like the original indie artist in my life, and it’s about time she gets her props. go read “Coyote Concert on the Full Moon Night,”
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Stop forcing yourself into the wallflower role ’cause you’re scared. Your desire to be seen isn’t something to mute; it’s the vibe that’ll make you stand out.
How would your best friend describe you?
sexual adhd chaos pulling pranks in motocross pants
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“He fucke*d his way through snake river.” Inspired by my most difficult journey on the Oregon Trail 2001 PC game
What’s next for Gregory Dillon in the last months of 2023?
Ur about to get my sophomore EP, which is a plot twist against my 1st. It’s a 6 single saga that will hit starting September. This project is in response to an unexpected move to suburbia after leaving LA which as of late feels like a dystopian nightmare- tbh it’s a bit of a reckless response to the conservative “American Dream” I escaped as a teen.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I got two I invented in college: 1) ‘poops on a log’: it’s a dried date topped with peanut butter and chocolate covered blueberries. The second is called “bubble but” it’s a blueberry oat milkshake mixed with fireball whiskey. very good for day raving yet none of my friends will drink it.
And your favorite cheat food?
I DEEP THROAT HOT PRETZELS.
How would you explain your fashion style?
This fashion era is all about flames, motocross gear, dark suburbia, and maybe some pokemon inspired color blocking
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness for no reason
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I still am waiting to swim with the dolphins. I’ll take that over any human meet & greet
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Me and those dolphins get to take over a water park and there’s all you can eat hot pretzels
Best advice ever given?
“When is the best time to order a pizza? 45 min ago.”
Do you support any charity?
I havent talked about it much yet but I had a friend commit suidice this year and have personally dealt with depression so it’s my goal to get more involved with a support group that helps with this specifically. Will get back to you on this!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
For all I hope/know I will be making crop circles in my free time and scoring an A24 film while touring a theatrical pop punk opera.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
I sing best while delivering pizza’s while on rollerblades: I’m belting Boys Like Girls, All Time Low, and Metro Station.
What do you think of Social Media?
*spits in palm and slaps himself
Where we can follow you?
Instagram is @iamgregorydillon and TikTok is @imgregorydillon
Photos: Danica Robinson
