This article is an instalment of the Songcards Spotlight series where we interview the humans that make it all possible.
We recommend you start by clicking the play button above and reading whilst enjoying the artist's music
Who is In Your Dreams?
Andia of IYD; the transcontinental political artist that hits up drums and vocals live to electronica punk. Solo. Exactly like those solo drummers that multiplay. See Steel Beans, Nate Wood and Louis Cole. IYD is much more on the dnb / big-beat / punk page than straight rock or fusion. Sounds like Louis Cole beats x Prodigy Punk x Chemical bros x David Bowie
What is your origin story?
Bass was my 1st instrument, followed by drums (at 13yrs old), which is my primary instrument now. I started playing in bands in London in 1984, a few years later I hit the London circuit hard in the early 90s, and toured Europe extensively in ‘94, a few times later with other bands (Consider).
A time when Faith no more ‘The real thing’ rings out across Europe, Clawfinger and the Golden era of Soundgarden. That year was an economic crash, (what luck, tnx March ‘94 and John Major).
I continued with great industry interest in bands and projects I was involved with, without hitting it big. So I moved to Finland in 2004 to get away from it all and start again. Wasn’t long before I was back into music, nicely rocking out in Finnish flavours, both rock and punk, when an idea hit me. Go solo. So I did. 2018 I released the 1st IYD solo EP 'Wide as Deep'.
When did you realise you wanted to make music?
My father played guitar, I was inspired by the energy of music from very young, we were a musical family, we sang to acoustic guitar and keys and bass and flutes etc. and rocked those 80s radio hits, (The Buggles w/ Hanz Zimmer) I was into rock and metal, Accept, and even early Metallica!
Who are your long-standing influences?
Classic rock drummer Mitch Mitchell, Rainbow in the early days for learning simple rock beats, early Metallica too, tho I struggled badly being a new drummer lol, then I found hip hop and Trouble Funk, Prodigy was a big deal, then the rave scene in London, underground parties, acid music and techo raves, with the hippie prog stuff from Ozric Tentacles and electronica with Leftfield, (I knew these people by connex to my then band Core)- all left lasting impressions on me, it was a full on experience that lasted about 20years.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a musician?
Do your homework! And be kind. I like to come to sessions tuned in ready to hit it. I learn my parts and I’m well drilled. As well as be organized with events and programs.
Also, never take 2nd best for your art. If you start compromising without stretching your abilities, you're selling yourself short and your future self won’t thank you for it. Its a slippery slope.
What are you working on at the moment?
A few tracks in the pipeline. A sped up and slowed down version of SHOCK dnb, a phonk track, a few crazy looper things, see ‘Bruce fifth’ from IG, and a new track that's more edgy politically but still with electronica in mind.
What would you tell your younger self?
Have patience. Intuition and hard work does pay off, stay true to yourself. And don't be too hard on yourself.
Which band or artist are you really excited about at the moment?
Lois Cole with Genevieve Artardi with ‘’Knower’’. Also S.P.Y. dnb, and alt rock friends Sparralimb and lately Ursus Factory (Fin). Really exciting!
Where can people find your music?
On YouTube with the official music videos and Spotify.
What’s next for In Your Dreams?
A flow of new releases! Summer is coming up with festival gigs…I’m set to disrupt 2025! Also a pioneering type of music video, if all goes well. Also i'm working to de-platform my fans into my own label. A better way to support music, including Songcards is a massive leap forward. (no trains were crashed lol) See you out there!
