My Afterglow Moment: Dorian Zev Kweller’s Resounding Impact

Dorian Zev Kweller was an exceptional musical talent, and his memory lives on just as such. From his musical skill to kind hearted demeanor, Dorian was a light to the world, and his legacy is cemented by those who loved him most.  

Written by Rachel Yost

Image courtesy of Zev United

The first time I met Dorian, the encounter was brief yet impactful. I was walking through my neighborhood with Dorian’s best friend, Ronny, when he suggested that we should head to Barton Springs, since Dorian was going to pick him up there. At this point, I had never met Dorian before, but after hearing endless positive stories about him, I knew I had no reason to panic. My close friend Sofia consistently spoke of the days and evenings she spent with Dorian. Whether they were doing nothing at all, listening to music, or exploring the hidden trails of central Austin, Sofia always framed her time with Dorian as some of the most cherishable company. I distinctly remember her telling me of one Halloween she spent with Dorian. While they were with a group of people, she said that Dorian made her feel at ease and allowed her to truly enjoy the night for all its worth. She always had this uncontainable enthusiasm when speaking about him, which reflected his remarkably gracious character.  

Usually when faced with the challenge of meeting someone new, I feel a sense of overwhelming anxiety that I do my best to mask, but this time, something was different. I remember having this intuitive feeling of calm, like this person I was about to meet would bring only light and kindness, and for once, I was right. I could hear the music playing from outside his car; a  smooth and steady beat, like an invitation to climb in. So I did just that, and my life shifted dramatically for the better.  Boredom filled my day prior to that moment, but the mere introduction Dorian gave immediately brought so much ease, generosity, and authenticity.

Dorian and Ronny were in a band called B.H. 22. On Christmas day, a few months prior to my meeting Dorian, Ronny took me on a drive. It was Christmas day, and he was planning to utilize the empty streets to his greatest advantage. He asked me to come along, and how could I refuse? As we neared the end of the drive, he inquired about showing me the new B.H. 22 album he and Dorian, musically known as Zev, released that day, appropriately titled Christmas. Of course, I agreed, and thank goodness I did. There were two songs that stuck out to me, “MAKE ME WANNA SMILE” and “I DONT CARE ABOUT YOU,” both showcased such distinct juxtaposition between the lyrics and the musical backing, which was jarring in the best way. 

For example, “MAKE ME WANNA SMILE” establishes a steady and repetitive electronic beat. The lyrics list a few popular antidepressants, including “Zoloft / Prozac / Celexa / Lexapro,” as a playful chime rings out. Accompanied by the jovial cadence of the lyrics, the track shapes a clear metaphor for society’s dismissal of mental health improvement. In “I DONT CARE ABOUT YOU,” Dorian and Ronny deliver the lyrics in a somewhat frank manner, creating cheeky yet harsh rhymes like “I don’t need to know if you’re okay / And it wouldn’t matter anyway.” These lyrics paired with the charming and nostalgic guitar strumming build to an unexpected break in the song. Ambient noise and understated yelling provide a euphoric sound which carries over to the track’s end. “I DONT CARE ABOUT YOU” concludes the album, and leaves the listener with a clear impression of Dorian and Ronny’s feelings towards whomever that song may be about. Christmas as a whole explores an incredibly vast range of tones and emotions that differ dramatically, yet still flow eloquently together. The ride eventually ended, and I remember feeling my relationship to Ronny strengthen, along with the beginning of a connection to Dorian, simply from hearing his unshaken voice on that album.

In addition to Dorian’s part in B.H. 22, he had his own solo career primarily under the name Zev. Songs of Zev’s such as “Nobody’s Perfect” and “SH3” further highlight the remarkable dimension he used when creating music. While both leave the listener hooked on the irresistibly smooth beats, they also possess notably different qualities of sound. The confessionally soft feel of “Nobody’s Perfect” combined with the full devotion and infatuation expressed in the lyrics allows the listener to escape and join Zev in the dreamy and enamored haze of the song. In opposition to this, SH3’s danceable and intoxicating rhythm stays with the audience long after the song has ended. The lyrics express frustration and spontaneity, and the after affects of actions made when in that headspace. Dorian’s incredible creativity and intuitive nature is so apparent through all of this work. His careful thoughtfulness and attention to detail are heard through the nuanced and multi-faceted characteristics of not only these two songs, but his entire discography.  Zev’s music provides insight to the originality he brought to his craft, and acts as a crucial part of his legacy. 

I was quiet for the majority of that car ride. Listening to Dorian talk so freely and comfortably, but also with great wisdom behind his words, provoked a feeling in me that I had never really felt before. Despite my lack of involvement in the conversation, Dorian’s words provided a level of incomparable comfort. To this day, I have yet to feel that unique ease that Dorian created, especially coming from someone who did not even know my name at the time. I reminisce on this car ride often, and I always come back to that sense of contentment. In moments of stress, I try to channel the immediate ease that Dorian brought, and I thank him for it. I did not know how lucky I was to feel that connection, and I regret wasting time not making it stronger, especially since I won’t ever see Dorian again. 

Sadly, Dorian unexpectedly passed away in 2023, leaving his family, friends, and community absolutely devastated. Since his passing, I see Dorian everywhere, just not physically. Some of Dorian’s closest friends, including Ronny, have started a band called Pipe. Though Pipe’s metal sound is different from Zev’s alternative [adjective to describe Zev’s style here] musical style, his friends’ collaboration continues Dorian’s legacy in a way he would have loved. His legacy is also carried out by the work of his parents, Ben and Liz Kweller, who created Zev United in honor of their son. They formed this organization with a goal of providing support to young musicians and skateboarders, another one of Dorian’s talents, by helping them turn their passions into careers. Zev United provides knowledge, financial assistance, mentorship programs, and a voice of advocacy for creative youth. The Kweller family has done so much good in their process of cementing Dorian’s legacy and sharing his creativity and talent. 

Though I only had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, Dorian’s story holds a special spot in my heart. His passing was devastating and deeply affected some of the people I hold closest, which only goes to show what an upstanding person he was.  I will never forget the overwhelming ease he made me feel that day in the car. He may not have known it, but he made me feel understood in an unconditional way. My first experience meeting someone has never been less anxiety ridden, and I will always be grateful to Dorian for providing such comfort and humility. He did not have to; he did not know me in the slightest before that moment, but he did, and that is a true reflection of just how undeniably good he was. His music emulates that. The originality of his lyrics combined with the contagious rhythm present in all of his projects is a true indicator of not only his talent, but also his passion for creating. Whether that be creating music or creating connections, Dorian was wise beyond his years, and he will forever be missed.