Purely Provocative: Electronic Artist dreamcat on Trying New Things, Happiness, and Near-Death Experiences

Anchorage-based up-and-coming alternative artist dreamcat is the solo project of Colton Ciufo, who uses music as an escape for coping with alcoholism, social anxiety, and depression.

His newest single, “Fresh Air,” is a prime example of the beacon of light and hope his music brings. Written and produced in the middle of an Alaskan winter, the synth-pop track boasts a groovy overtone, supported by falsetto vocals and intricate layering of electronic vibrations, providing listeners with a positive energy, encouraging them to find joy and love within the simplicity of life. “Fresh Air” is the first tease of dreamcat’s upcoming EP, which is largely thematically tied to his journey with sobriety.

With the goal of creating positive yet heartfelt music that makes him feel good and inspires listeners from whatever place they find themselves in life, dreamcat was eager to sit down with us and dive into some of his inner musings in our newest installment of Purely Provocative.

Cover art for “Fresh Air” by dreamcat. Photo Courtesy of dreamcat.

When was the last time you tried something new?

dreamcat (Colton Ciufo): “Last winter, I did karaoke, sober, when I was in treatment. I did The Beatles ‘With A Little Help From My Friends.’ Nailed it.”

What would you try if you knew you wouldn’t fail?

“American Gladiator. I used to watch that with my friend Neil (shout out) and I just googled it and found out that it’s coming back this year. That would be quite an accomplishment. Or steal the Declaration Of Independence or the Mona Lisa, make a documentary, rob a bank. Possibilities are endless.”

Which one of these is most like you: upholder, obliger, questioner, or rebel?

“I try to oblige when it comes to keeping my job. But I don’t like to be told what or when I should do something. I tend to do my own thing/rebel when it comes to making music or doing anything creative, which is actually a lot of things in life.”

What is your ideal form of happiness? Should you ever have it?

“Lately it’s been watching UFO or Sasquatch documentaries with my girlfriend and my cat, and making her laugh. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

What is something you’re terrible at but wish you could do well?

“I wish I could sing like Peter Gabriel or Cher. The songs ‘Sledgehammer’ and ‘Believe’ freaking rip. I love the hits.”

Do you have a personal mantra? What is it?

“Not gonna lie, I say the Serenity prayer from the Big Book of AA every day. And I have ‘believe in yourself’ written on my mini whiteboard on my fridge. It’s a nice reminder.”

Any near-death experiences?

“When I was 15 I flew out the window of our dad’s work truck, my brother completely flipped it. I landed on the other side of the road, about 20 feet away. I had a concussion and some scars. A few weeks later, I started taking piano lessons! Also, a few years ago, I was in the hospital with a blood/alcohol level of 0.98 percent.”

Colton Ciufo (dreamcat). Photo Credit Em Glaves.

Name some of your biggest pet peeves.

“I definitely have misophonia. When I hear people eating certain things it drives me bonkers. I’ll cover my ears or walk away and everything.”

What’s a conspiracy theory you actually think is true?

“I don’t care about any conspiracies really but I’ll believe in bigfoot/sasquatch. Why not? Do they have paranormal abilities? Sure! It’s not hurting anyone. And everyone knows E.T.’s are among us at this point.”

What’s the hardest you’ve ever laughed?

“When Emily (my girlfriend) mispronounces things by accident or talks like a little kid, stuff like that, it’s the best.”