Benjamin Ashford|Singer DPR IAN reflects on 'Dear Insanity,' being open about mental health

Since he was young,Benjamin Ashford Christian Yu, better known as DPR IAN, has always dreamed big.

"I was always the one to be very on the edge, very adventurous, and I don't think that's ever disappeared," the 33-year-old says. "I've always liked to imagine a lot."

This imaginative nature has manifested throughout DPR IAN's life, making its mark in his work as a singer-songwriter, director and creative. IAN's latest EP "Dear Insanity...", out now, captures his essence as a storyteller, diving deeper into the expansive universe he creates within his music.

"For me, this whole EP just encompasses a journey into your consciousness," he says.

Meet DPR IAN

IAN was born and raised in Australia. Though he is currently based in Los Angeles, IAN is one of several artists under Dream Perfect Regime, or DPR, which based in Seoul, South Korea.

Since its inception, the collective has become known worldwide for its dynamic multimedia work and roster of talent, with IAN serving as its chief director and editor. In 2021, IAN released his debut EP "Moodswings in This Order", followed by his first studio album "Moodswings inTo Order" in 2022.  

IAN's ethos is personified by his creativity. Through his releases, IAN has meticulously constructed his own universe, which he calls "The Other Side."

He has come to represent his mental health through the personas "MITO" and "Mr. Insanity," with the former serving as the "the main attraction" of his discography, says IAN. His second EP "Dear Insanity..." expands the story of MITO and Mr. Insanity, chronicling the artist's introspection.

'Dear Insanity...' lays foundation between MITO and Mr. Insanity

The seven tracks on "Dear Insanity..." detail IAN's journey as each acts as a "snapshot" into certain moments of his life.

When IAN was a teenager, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This has influenced his creative work, with it serving as an outlet and extension of himself.

"MITO represents my manic lows and Mr. Insanity had to rebuttal that, so representing my manic highs," he said.

He likens this Batman and the Joker.

"You understand the Joker more by looking at Batman and seeing it through his eyes of how he sees the Joker and vice versa," IAN says. He wanted to do the same for MITO and Mr. Insanity, building a foundation between the two.

"For me, it's to have people further understand who MITO is," he says. "I had to show them what he was fighting up against."

Links by way of layers

Storytelling is a key aspect to IAN's work, whether it be visually or sonically. With this, he opens the door for deeper understanding of his past.

"The deeper you go in, I sometimes feel like there are certain things that you unravel, that you had no idea about," he says.

IAN portrays this unraveling in a fanciful, inventive way with bright visuals, as well as via distinct tones and genres. This underscores the intricate approach of IAN's art. Everything has its link and can be drawn back to an earlier point.

"I've always loved being taken on a journey because essentially that means you're linking so many things," he says. "I thought, 'Why just make a concept that's going to change every single time?'"

The intersection of comfort and relatability

IAN hasn't shied away from vulnerability. But he recognizes the responsibility that comes with being open.

Showing the highs means you also have show the lows and IAN is cautious of this. "If you've been vulnerable, you can't always share the goods," he says, adding he remains careful of what he speaks about.

With his work, IAN believes he provides something to relate to. "I don't think what I do solves problems. I think what I do gives people relatability," he said. "It's just that comfort in knowing, 'Oh my artist also feels exactly what I'm feeling.'"

"With my understanding and knowledge of learning as I go, I can also just give my two cents of what I'm discovering," he says.