Eisley discuss their newest record I’m Only Dreaming!

Eisley (Credit: Bliss Katherine)

On February 17, Eisley released their latest record I’m Only Dreaming, showcasing lead singer Sherri DuPree’s vocal talent and range as well as the band’s ability to craft a moody and dreamy aesthetic that permeates each song.

Other key aspects of I’m Only Dreaming include guest vocals from Anthony Green (Circa Survive) and Max Bemis (Say Anything) and Sherri’s first extensive co-writing with bassist Garron DuPree. Sherri’s vocal deliveries also dip into an impressive lower register on multiple tracks, enriching the record’s gloomy atmosphere and Sherri’s reputation as a versatile vocalist and musician. And in order to further explore the details of I’m Only Dreaming, Sherri generously agreed to answer some questions via Email about the latest record’s creation and composition.

Cover art for Eisley’s new record I’m Only Dreaming (Credit: Boyd DuPree)

1. What do you like most about your latest record I’m Only Dreaming?

It’s the first record that my cousin/bassist Garron and I have ever specifically co-written on and also our first time working with producer Will Yip! Both of those things were new and super fun and inspiring!

2. What inspired the cover art? Who designed it?

My dad, Boyd DuPree is a graphic designer (and also manages Eisley and my husband’s band, Say Anything). The album art is his genius brain. We hardly even gave him guidelines. He’s just brilliant.

3. How do you think your sound has changed from Currents to I’m Only Dreaming?

I think when Garron and I got into the studio with Will, one of our goals was wanting to make a record that was more cohesive. We love Currents but it can slip a little in places, as far as sounding cohesive as a project I think. And some of that just comes with experience and learning from your mistakes. We’re always learning and always will be!

4. What was something you learned in the process of writing and recording I’m Only Dreaming?

That I’m capable of more than I thought and it’s OK to feel proud of myself.

5. What are you most excited about for your upcoming tour?

Playing new songs!! Also, we’ve been playing a couple of songs on this tour that we’ve never played before, and singing those is so fun. We’re also doing VIP package shows before the sets, where we have a meet and greet and an acoustic show. That’s been amazing. Getting to meet and talk to fans on a personal level every day.

6. What are some lesser-known artists making music today that you would recommend?

I’m honestly super in love with the two bands we’re touring with right now! Civilian and Backwards Dancer. SO GOOD.

7. One of the new songs on your record is “Louder than a Lion.” What inspired that song?

I’ve dealt with pretty severe sleep anxiety for years now and it’s about trying to spin it in a positive light. At least I’ll always be awake to watch over my children while they sleep.

Music video for Eisley’s new song “Louder than a Lion” (Source: Equal Vision Records on YouTube)

8. What track are you most proud of from I’m Only Dreaming? Why?

Honestly, I think it’s one that I only co-wrote with Garron and Will, “You Are Mine”! It was a piece of music that Garron sent me and I worked on it SO long and so hard to get the melody just right.

Eisley’s new song “You Are Mine” (Source: Equal Vision Records on YouTube)

9. What do you most hope a listener takes away from I’m Only Dreaming?

I hope they’re inspired and encouraged in their own lives.

10. Finally, what advice would you give a young band today?

It’s a lot of work. And it’s hard to tour. But it’s so rewarding, and, if you love it, let nothing stop you from living it out and fighting for it.

Eisley with Civilian and Backwards Dancer

Feb 16 Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall — Upstairs

Feb 17 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues — Cambridge Room

Feb 18 Waco, TX @ Common Grounds

Feb 20 Nashville, TN @ Exit/In

Feb 21 Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl

Feb 22 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle — Back Room

Feb 23 Vienna, VA @ Jammin Java

Feb 24 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage

Feb 25 Richmond, VA @ The Broadberry

Feb 26 Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun — Wolf Den

Feb 27 New York, NY @ Webster Hall — Studio

Feb 28 Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall

Mar 02 South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground

Mar 03 Ithaca, NY @ The Haunt

Mar 04 Buffalo, NY @ Waiting Room — Studio

Mar 05 Pittsburgh, PA @ The Club at Stage AE

Mar 06 Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry at The Fillmore

Mar 08 Columbus, OH @ The Basement

Mar 09 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop

Mar 10 Detroit, MI @ Shelter

Mar 11 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean

Mar 12 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry

Mar 13 Indianapolis, IN @ The HiFi

Mar 15 Austin, TX @ SXSW — Central Presbyterian Church

Mar 19 Greeley, CO @ Moxi Theater

Mar 20 Denver, CO @ Lost Lake Lounge

Mar 22 Portland, OR @ Star Theater

Mar 23 Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey

Mar 25 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill

Mar 27 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour

Mar 28 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues — Voodoo Room

Mar 29 Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues — The Parish

Mar 30 Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar

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