In this gripping episode of The Hang, host Scott Saldinger sits down with D.K. Lyons, the New York City‑based indie musician whose art is profoundly shaped by Dante’s Divine Comedy. From recounting childhood influences to exploring his modern creative journey, D.K. offers rare insight into the life of an independent artist forging a unique path.

We begin with D.K.’s early awakening to music—triggered by discovering Tom Petty at age 5—which sparked a lifelong devotion to songwriting. He recounts how decades of music—influences spanning Tom Petty to The 1975—have refined his sound and voice.

D.K.’s latest work, the third EP “Darling Kiss Louder”, merges musical storytelling and Dante’s epic structure. It represents a deep dive into the Divine Comedy, the Seven Deadly Sins, and themes of social media, consumerism, and the promise of a modern renaissance. Tune in as he breaks down how each single aligns with a particular sin—like “loveseeking” (greed) and “stop” (gluttony)—and how that framework shapes not just the music, but the visual narrative that accompanies it.

During the conversation, D.K. opens up about the pressures of the digital age—platforms that reward consumerism (“It’s impossible not to think about it”)—and how these dynamics inform his lyrics and visuals. He explains his creative process, which blends raw intuition, collaboration with producer Bruce Lowe, and the insistence on strict deadlines to polish a song until it feels complete. 

An emotional highlight of the episode is D.K.’s candid discussion of imposter syndrome. He recalls “grinding through” sessions, self‑doubt, and the moment he finally knows a track is release‑ready: when it clicks emotionally and withstands his own critical ear (“I think it’s just a matter of grinding through”) .

We also dive into the importance of music videos in storytelling. With skills gained from running a visual campaign team, D.K. crafts videos that are not just promotional, but cinematic reflections of each song’s sin and theme. He teases an upcoming long‑form video piece that will bind the EP’s visuals into a cohesive narrative .

The conversation shifts to live performance, including his second annual Gemini Ball at Bowery Electric in NYC. He explains how live shows are a vital connection to his audience, and previews future plans for more concerts and collaborations with artists he admires.

Finally, D.K. reveals his dream collaborators and where he’s headed next—continuing to expand his music career, visual storytelling, and perhaps launching a renaissance of independent, thematically rich artistry.

Packed with depth, humor, and raw honesty—this episode of The Hang is a must-watch for music fans, indie creators, and anyone curious about how ancient literature meets modern music. Dive in, enjoy—and don’t stop at the surface. 

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