Glded’s Only Alpine Dream
Photos by Aaron Sweatt
Glded has a sound that melts you into the present moment, taking in what’s around you and that’s powerful. His new EP Her Only Alpine Dream, recorded here in Chicago’s Noble Square neighborhood, opens our minds for reflection, space and tranquility through the blends of various instruments and synthy vocals. We sat down with the singer-songwriter to learn more about his latest release, his creative process and what he is most looking forward to as the city transitions into summer. Get aquatinted with the new project below and for those of you interested in experiencing the music live, you don’t have to wait long; Glded headlines the Hideout this Saturday May 14th accompanied by fellow local favorites artists Morgan Powers and Joyfriend.
Hey Ben, nice to see you again. Last time we saw you was our photoshoot in early 2020 - how has everything been for you since?
Likewise! I’ve been up to a lot! It seems like a lot has changed since then. I’m back in school now, which has been a tremendous learning experience. Both for the subject matter and I’ve also learned a lot more about myself. Between school and work, I’ve spent way too much time on video calls lately. Other than that, I’ve also been focussed on writing new music. It’s been nice to be at home with full-time access to guitars and my recording station.
Your new EP Her Only Alpine Dream released today! Can you tell us a bit about it?
Absolutely! I wrote this record over the last year and a half or so. I recorded most of it in my house, and some final recording at Gravity Studios here in Chicago. The concept for “Her Only Alpine Dream” was born out of a mountaineering trek last year. Near the top of the mountain, there were harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and admittedly I was pretty fatigued. This created a euphoric, dreamlike experience while getting to the peak. The record is written about that duality between reality and illusion. I spent most of the time working on this record individually. It was a healthy departure from my last few records, which have included more collaboration with other musicians. I’m so excited to finally share it.
I’ve really resonated with your latest single “All Ready”. You mention this track focuses on believing things will work out during times of change and uncertainty. Was there a pivotal moment that inspired the song?
I’m so glad you like it! “All Ready” was written at a pretty pivotal point in my life. I wrote the song after I was in a car crash on I80 near Iowa this time last year. Luckily, no one was injured, but my car was totaled. It was a pretty scary experience that I had no control over. The other driver just drove off after crashing into me! This experience really put things into perspective, and how fleeting life really is. That same week I met someone I care very deeply about today. It made me think about how lucky I am, and the reaction of events in the continuum of life.
You shared an earlier version of the song last summer as part of your Audiotree set; how was that whole experience for you?
It was great! The recording crew at Audiotree is phenomenal. It was so fun. I’ve never played a recorded live set like that. It was a pleasure to be featured on their channel, and I hope to play another one sometime soon.
What is your process for creating music? Are there any artists that influence or inspire your sound?
As I mentioned earlier, a lot of my songs are about other life experiences. I typically write and record song sketches at home. Sometimes I’ll go into a studio to finish them up. For this record I really like relying on the tools I had available. Lately I’ve been listening to Hovvdy, a band from Austin. I’ve also been listening to Hailaker, a band from the UK. Guitar music! But really I’m influenced by all kinds of music. I try to incorporate seemingly disparate elements that I find interesting to create my own sound.
I see you have a show at the Hideout on 5/14. Are there any tracks you are most excited to perform? Do you have any other shows on the horizon?
I’m so excited for the show. It’s been almost 5 years since my last show at a venue. Over the last year I did have the opportunity to play some outdoor shows at local parks and even one in my home. For right now, I don’t have any other shows on the horizon, but I’m looking forward to playing more. Come out on May 14th! I would love to see you there.
I love the landscapes you include in your covers. Are these places you’ve traveled to?
Some are, especially for my first record, Transmissions and Yours Truly. Some of those are from Patagonia, Italy, and Utah. But for the other records (Moraine, Cascades Come Around, and now Her Only Alpine Dream) my friend Aaron Sweatt took the photos. It’s pretty remarkable how he captured these images that perfectly encapsulate the mood and themes of each records. He has been a great partner to work with.
As we transition into summer, what are you most excited for?
Honestly, I’m just excited to be in the sun. As I mentioned, I’ve spent way too much time inside working on school, work, and music lately. I’m looking forward to playing basketball, walking by the lake, and maybe even drinking some leisurely light beers/wine outside. I’m also excited to check out new artists and venues. After being away from live music for so long, I’m interested to check out any and all shows.
What do you want listeners to take away from your music?
I’d like my listeners to be able to relax to my music. I’m more concerned about how listeners can experience my music during listening, rather than what they can take away from it.
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