Artist focus: Dream Commander - funky synthwave from Seattle performing live with us in the Pacific Northwave Collective in October!
My first introduction to Seattle's Dream Commander (aka, Eric Junge) took place back in July for Daniel Quasar's album release show at Twilight in Portland. Playing keys with a retro, funk influence the audience could dance to, I figured there's probably some previous band experience, then Dream Commander became a solo synth project. Fun vibes were had by all.
This time, we chatted about our upcoming show with ODDitee at No Fun Bar in Portland. So here we are getting to know Dream Commander!
Upcoming shows:
Saturday, 25 Oct 2025 at No Fun Bar [Portland, OR] with ODDitee and Velocity 128
Sunday, 26 Oct 2025 at Bad Bar [Seattle, WA] with US3R, ODDitee, and Daniel Quasar
Latest release: The Sentinel EP
What stories are you trying to tell as Dream Commander — how did you become the “commander of dreams” so to speak? ;)
DC: Dreams are usually stories with no definitive beginning, or end - snapshots of moods and feelings tinged with melancholy, sentiment or a sense of uneasiness (depending on the texture of that particular dream). Sometimes omnious, sometimes euphoric. I like to make music/art that follows this concept. I'd also like to think of myself as "commander" of my own dreams but that's just ego, and not to be trusted.
What stories inspired these releases?
DC: Timeless movies from the ages, their soundtracks, ancient aliens, classic video games, bad sitcom themes, the occasional blackout, all of my musical influences over the last 40 years + a few other random ingredients = the dreamy musical cauldron of Dream Commander.Artist's concept of Dream Commander's musical cauldron (not to scale).
Do you have a set of go-to synths and hardware, or is it a concept first?
DC: I have a few main pieces of the budget hardware variety that I use to create on. I'm a big fan of what I like to call the “Behringer Collection.” Haha...Maybe someday I'll invest in "nice" synths. I'd like to get more into VSTs. I hear there are some awesome free ones nowadays.
Ultimately, I like to stick to the DIY spirit and the idea that pretty much anyone with some musical ideas and not a lot of money can potentially do this stuff and have some fun.
Who or what inspires or challenges you right now?
DC: Trying to finish my new EP. Sticking to a production schedule. Expanding my skills as a musician and audio engineer. I only started doing this synth stuff a few years ago so I'm still relatively new at all this. My background for years was playing drums in loud rock bands, and that hasn't hurt. But we always hired outside dudes to record us. Now I'm essentially doing it all on my own and running into all sorts of challenges. But it's growth and I'm having a lot of fun.
What’s the ideal listening experience/headspace for your music?
DC: Quiet drives alone when it dawns on you that a memory that felt like it was from the other day was possibly 15 years ago.OR
Just kicking back with some homies and cracking a couple of cold ones, reminiscing about the good times.OR
Thumbling through an old photo album and wondering where did it all go wrong? Depends on the track maybe...
What are the best parts of being in Seattle’s music community? My first visit to Seattle was for Decibel. Combined with visits to Portland years ago, it made me want to move out here to the Pacific Northwest.
DC: People are generally very supportive of live music here in Seattle and there doesn't seem to be a shortage of spaces if you're willing to set things up and promote them yourself. I would like to break into more DIY communities and see what cool opportunities that could bring. I'm always looking to branch out and meet/play with folks from different musical circles - both rock and electronic. I've never had much luck with falling into a specific scene or clique so I just do my thing and enjoy myself, hoping that others will find something to enjoy too.
Does it feel like Seattle gets lost in the mix these days compared to L.A., New York, or Europe as far as synthwave or electronic music goes?
DC: Good question! For PNW music as a whole, it seems like there's always a fairly big act breaking through every other year or two. But for electronic music, synthwave or what have you, I myself am finding my own niche in this community so unfortunately I may not be the most knowledgeable on the general aspects of it, especially compared to other places you mentioned. But from what I've experienced most of the people I've met here and at shows have been pretty positive, friendly, and generally supportive. So that's good.
What seems to be lacking or could be improved?
DC: There's always room for improvement. Everyone should get off their asses and go to more shows, buy more merch, and spread the word about cool artists in their communities. And by "everyone" I'm mostly referring to myself. Haha.What can the audience expect in these upcoming shows in October, both in Portland and Seattle? We discussed the theme of funky sad boy, future dystopian discotheque. Hahaha.
DC: Hoverboards, 3 dimensional grids, and possibly a glowstick or two - and hopefully to have a good time enjoying some cool as hell live synth acts. I recently played a gig with Daniel Quasar at The Twilight Bar and Cafe in Portland. I'm really looking forward to seeing him play again that weekend here in Seattle, as well as checking out ODDitee and Velocity 128 live for the first time in Portland at No Fun. There's not doubt in my mind that it will be a pretty fun weekend!
Anything else you’d like to share or promote?
DC: Yes, when I finally finish my new EP (hopefully very soon) folks should check that out. It's going to be called Levels and the artwork is pretty sweet. It's five tracks I've developed from the last couple years that I think could possibly change electronic music forever. But if not, that's cool too!
