Dreaming in Dopamine: Inside Slow Cozy's New EP

 

Tulsa-based band Slow Cozy, a quintet featuring Tazmen West (singer), Jason Bauer (keyboardist), Logan Meldrum (guitarist), Gavin Wendland (drummer), and Tyler Burke (bassist), has been a cornerstone of the local music scene for the past decade. The band's formation was a natural evolution, with most members having played together for nearly ten years. Jason Bauer, the latest addition, joined around 2020—a time when the band felt a significant shift in their musical direction. "We felt a new purpose and alias forming in the back of our minds, whispers of a necessary change," they recall. This change led to the birth of Slow Cozy, a name that perfectly encapsulates their new identity. 

 

Their upcoming EP, "Dopamine Dreaming," is a deeply personal project inspired by various life experiences. Tazmen West explains that nostalgia, the awareness of losing someone you love, being in love, and being present in the moment are prominent themes. "We’ve been influenced by what’s happening in our lives and have followed the songwriting where it wants to go." The EP threads together moments of life that the band members have participated in and eventually let go of, holding onto the memories created. 

 

When it comes to describing the sonic landscape of "Dopamine Dreaming," Tazmen credits producer Logan Bruhn for his significant role. "Logan Bruhn produced, mixed, and mastered these five songs, listening to our wants and needs as artists and pushing us into new creative frontiers. Together, we found sounds that made the most sense for each song, capturing nostalgic elements and weaving the message of the lyrics into the music." 

 

Their musical influences, including Glass Animals and Tame Impala, are evident in their work. Tazmen views these artists as teachers, broadening his creative receptors and inspiring new artistic directions. "Listening to sonic giants like Tame Impala and Glass Animals broadens my field of view. If I’m lucky, I can introduce a sliver of that into my own art and in my own way," he tells ASLUT. 

 

Performing at SXSW and having a residency at the Mercury Lounge are among the notable highlights of Slow Cozy's journey. Recently, they celebrated selling out their "Dopamine Dreaming" show in Tulsa and receiving the Artist Creative Fund grant to help record the EP. "Each performance and each time we step into a studio or onto a stage feels like a highlightable moment," Tazmen shares. 

 

With the release of "Dopamine Dreaming" set for August 5th, 2024, the band has high hopes for its reception. "We made this EP for ourselves because we liked what we were writing about and enjoyed creating it," say Tazmen and Logan. They aim to reach new audiences and build a community that enjoys their music and message as much as they do. 

 

The songwriting process for "Dopamine Dreaming" was an immersive experience. The band retreated to a lakeside cabin to create a "creative cocoon," producing fifteen to twenty songs, from which they selected their favorite five for the EP. "Nostalgia is a powerful feeling, and I wanted to write songs that could transport me back to simpler times," Tazmen explains. 

 

Balancing nostalgic elements with fresh and original sounds is a key aspect of their music. Tazmen mentions using actual Gameboy sounds and a needler from Halo Combat Evolved, which were twisted and distorted to create new tones that felt familiar yet new. 

 

Tulsa plays a crucial role in shaping Slow Cozy's sound and identity. "Tulsa is our alma mater. We wouldn’t be anywhere without the community of musicians, artists, fans, and philanthropists we’ve encountered along the way," Logan tells ASLUT. The supportive artist community in Tulsa has been instrumental in their growth, fostering camaraderie over competition. 

 

Each track on "Dopamine Dreaming" holds special significance for the band, especially for Logan, whose brother Ben passed away recently. "Each song reminds me of growing up with him, and they are all very special and painful to listen to," he reflects. The emotional weight of these songs adds a layer of depth to the EP. 

 

Translating their recorded music into captivating live performances is a collaborative effort. Logan has been diligently building their set in Ableton, combining production elements and the band's rigorous rehearsals to create special experiences for their audience. 

 

Slow Cozy hopes that listeners will take away something positive from "Dopamine Dreaming." "I hope it affects as many people as it can in a positive way," Logan says. The support from the Tulsa Artist Creative Fund has been invaluable, providing resources and mentorship that have lightened the burden of pursuing their artistic dreams. 

 

Creating "Dopamine Dreaming" was not without its challenges, particularly the loss of Logan's brother Benjamin. Tazmen notes, "No words can fully explain what losing Benjamin did to us. As a band, as a family, we came together to continue making this EP. This is for you, Benji." 

 

Looking ahead, Slow Cozy plans to continue writing new songs and exploring new ideas, with aspirations to tour following the EP's release. Their journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the enduring bond of friendship.