In the ever-evolving landscape of modern music, few artists manage to strike a balance between the timeless allure of classic songwriting and the innovative edge of contemporary production. Chris Considine, who performs under the name Dugway, is one such artist. A singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Chris’s music seamlessly blends the warmth of 60s and 70s songwriting with the sensibilities of modern indie-pop, creating a sound that feels at once nostalgic and refreshingly forward-thinking.
Hailing from the hills of western Massachusetts, Chris’s upbringing was steeped in music. His father, a gifted pianist and lifelong Beatles fan, played an instrumental role in shaping his musical journey. From an early age, Chris was immersed in melody and harmony, influenced by iconic artists like The Beatles, James Taylor, and John Denver. It was in this environment that his love for music blossomed, beginning with home performances at the tender age of four, dancing to Beatles records and learning to play the piano.
Chris’s childhood home on Dugway Road, the namesake of his musical persona, became the backdrop for his earliest explorations in songwriting. By the age of 15, he had begun writing his own songs, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the natural world around him. His lyrics, often imbued with themes of love, change, and escapism, reflect his deep connection to the environment and his desire to capture life’s fleeting moments in song. These universal themes are the threads that tie his music together, making it both timeless and deeply personal.
Unlike many artists who approach music from a formal academic background, Chris is largely self-taught. His independent approach to music has given him a unique perspective on songwriting and production. Over the years, he has honed his skills on a variety of instruments, including guitar, bass, drums, and piano. His ability to weave these instruments together into rich, layered soundscapes has become a defining feature of his music, complemented by his emotive and sincere vocal delivery. This authenticity in his voice connects deeply with listeners, drawing them into the emotional world of his songs.
As a young musician, Chris spent his formative years jamming with friends, performing in small venues across New England, and sharpening his live performance skills. These early experiences on stage helped him develop the confidence and presence that he now brings to his performances. By his mid-teens, Chris had also begun experimenting with production techniques, crafting songs from his bedroom and developing a sound that blended the analog warmth of classic rock with the precision of modern digital tools. His production style has since matured, allowing him to blend the influences of the past with the innovations of today, creating a sound that is both retro and contemporary.
When the world was forced to pause during the Covid-19 pandemic, Chris took the opportunity to step away from live performances and focus on further refining his production skills. The period of isolation allowed him to dive deep into the technical aspects of recording, mixing, and mastering. This intensive period of learning and experimentation has culminated in a forthcoming album, set for release in 2025, which promises to explore new creative ground while staying true to the nostalgic heart of his music.
The new album will reflect Chris’s ongoing artistic evolution, blending the timeless spirit of 60s and 70s songwriting with modern elements of indie and rock. Drawing from personal experiences and observations of life’s transitions, the album will explore themes of love, travel, escapism, and the bittersweet changes that come with time. Fans of Chris’s earlier work will recognize the optimism and nostalgia that have always been present in his music, but there is a new level of emotional depth and complexity in this upcoming release.
While his music is deeply rooted in the past, Chris is also inspired by contemporary artists like Houndmouth, Børns, and MGMT, whose modern production techniques and use of new-age instrumentation have influenced his approach to crafting music in the present day. By drawing from both the classic and the contemporary, Chris creates a sound that appeals to a broad audience, resonating with fans of both classic rock and modern indie-pop alike.
As Dugway, Chris Considine’s mission is clear: to modernize the sound and spirit of 60s and 70s songwriting without losing its authenticity. By infusing the sensibilities of that era with the polished production techniques of today, he is creating a musical experience that feels both nostalgic and new. His music speaks to the enduring power of melody, harmony, and sincere lyricism, offering listeners a journey through time that connects the past with the present.
With his 2025 album on the horizon, Chris is poised to take his place among a new generation of artists who are redefining what it means to blend tradition with innovation. As Dugway, he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, creating music that is as heartfelt as it is meticulously crafted, ensuring that the timeless qualities of classic songwriting will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.
Links:
Website – dugway.com
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/43b8i5Ap9aWwQf2HOlVuYz
Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dugway/1762906740
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@DugwayBand
Published by: Khy Talara
