There is a certain level of respect you have to give to the people that do it all. Whether you like them or not, it takes a lot to produce something all on your own. Personally for me, I believe those with a talent such as singing or being able to play an instrument and also write and make all of their own music, is incredible.

If you compared Beyoncé’s Run the World to Freddy Mercury’s Bohemian Rhapsody, both are great artists and songs, don’t get me wrong, but it took six writers and four producers to churn out Beyoncé’s single while Mercury did it all on his own, with much deeper lyrics. While Beyoncé has talent, she is only singing whatever is placed before her.

That is why I am loving a new, up and coming artist, Dylan Gardner. At only 17, he already has an album out, called Adventures in Real Time, where he has written all the songs, himself.

Take the band, Imagine Dragons, and combine them with Avicii, then you have a feel for Gardner’s music style. He has dark brown hair with charming eyes to match, The Beatles reincarnation. His music has an old soul feel, with lyrics displaying innocence, unlike most popular music of today, which is materialistic.

Adventures in Real Time is Gardner’s first album, consisting of 10 catchy songs, with uplifting beats. It was released Jan. 6 of this year, and can be purchased on his website at dylangardner.bandcamp.com for only $10. Gardner’s tour begins Feb. 18. Kicking off in California then making its way coast to coast. Gardner will perform at House of Blues in Dallas in March.

For more information on Gardner or if you are interested in attending a concert or purchasing the Adventures in Real Time album, visit his webpage dylangardnermusic.com.