Interview
Exclusive Interview with Danny Hughes (DCPA)
Please describe to our audience how you came about on the music scene and what is the biggest difference between your first piece of music to your latest!
I was a musician growing up, and I played a few instruments (piano, guitar, trumpet). In high school I took a music production class and fell in love with the software, electronic production methods, song writing and scripting melodies. Although my passion for music took a back seat in college, I always contemplated what role it would play again in my life once I got settled as an accountant in Dallas TX in 2011. From my high school days through 2015 I watched the electronic music scene grow exponentially in the USA. I was always very much into European dance music early on. Eventually I realized that my favorite style of music and the showcase aspect of DJing went hand in hand and it all made sense. I wasn’t meant to remain a classical musician or play guitar in a band, I’m the type to go mad scientist in the studio and mesh all these different sounds together in a unique way, then bring it to a live audience while also sharing great music from other inspiring artists.
Initially, I was producing progressive house and trance instrumentals. I wasn’t too focused on the commercial aspect and had no idea where to find a vocalist or how that process worked. I outsourced some of the production work to a Netherlands based studio and eventually found a roster of vocalists via that outlet. I learned more about songwriting and producing music around existing vocals, enjoying the collaborative aspect. Over time since my first release in 2016 I’ve gotten a lot more flexible as to my style and making it commercial while keeping its integrity. I can thank the EDM stars who preceded me for acclimating society to electro-pop fusion. Lately I’m incorporating pop, electro-house, nu disco, and punk into my 2023 release plan! I’m aiming for the music to be edgy, catchy, and danceable.
What are you doing to push a positive message as the year comes to an end and there is a new beginning coming up with this new year?
I’m always looking to leave the listener feeling understood and empowered with my music. I want them to relate to it and be part of my ‘soul tribe’. It’s important as an artist to have a positive mission statement. We can be highly influential to people we’ll never meet, and in ways we don’t always see. Apart from the music I share, I only put out content with an insightful message, share my life experiences with a tempered mind, or post something funny/wholesome. Viral negativity is a real scourge these days.
Are there any rituals you have developed over the years that are helpful for any upcoming changes happening?
I try to add creative value every day whether it’s many hours on one upcoming song or jumping around to many different ones. I keep a normal sleep schedule and get outside regularly; I stay active and eat well to keep a sharp mind and body. Live gigs are big physical and mental battles and aren’t always routine in nature. So being up to date on the latest music while staying organized with older libraries is important in being ready for anything. I check my gear regularly too, the last thing you want is to show up and your stuff doesn’t work as expected.
Could you talk about a success that happened this year that you would attribute to all your hard work?
I’ve been focused on growing my fanbase and traction on streaming platforms. It’s important that those can grow organically and generate ‘true fans’, not just play counts. Based on the relevant data, my Spotify grew 56% and is getting a lot more of that algorithmic traction, so I’m happy my efforts are paying off. Also, I reached the top 5% in Spotify artist rankings this past Fall for several months, and that was a shock! It really gave me perspective on how far I’ve come. Lastly I charted on iTunes House: Poland for ‘Iconic Love’ and iTunes House: United States for ‘Filmatic – Carefully Together (DCPA Remix)’.
Could you talk about an obstacle that you persevered through?
Times of loneliness are inherent to a music career, usually those are counterbalanced with moments of abundant attention from others. Personally, when going toward my music career, I accepted a reduction of income and really challenged my physical self. It’s a different world than my prior desk job but endlessly fulfilling in so many ways! In addition I’ve used music as a way to revisit past experiences and reconcile/transmute leftover and confusing energies. My latest track ‘I Feel It Too‘ is a perfect example of this.
How do you think these experiences have helped you shape your career and approach your music?
It’s brought back a grittiness to my life; and though I value the time I spent in a corporate environment, I currently appreciate these new opportunities to fly by night and get out in front of new audiences, sharing my passion for music and a side of myself that was mostly hidden for many years. For a long time I was more reserved with my emotional energy but I’ve realized the value of honest and intense expression in life, spreading light through art and intend to fully embody this in my personal relationships as well.
How do you continue to develop your community of fans over the years?
Being present and available is important. I see fans as being collaborators on a bigger project. To make that collaboration work, I know I need to show up in conversation and in my actions. By responding to others in a genuine way and appreciating everyone’s time and input, you start to feel a larger community forming around you and feel more significant and motivated in your role as an artist.
Thank you for sharing all your music with us! Can you give us any exclusive on more music coming up?
My next song is called ‘Broken Heart’. The chorus line for this electro-pop-punk track is “Someone tell me how to let it go…I don’t wanna feel this anymore.” Look for this track to drop in February or March 2023!
Socials for everything happening NEXT!
⇒ Amazon
⇒ Audius
⇒ Beatport
⇒ Deezer
⇒ Pandora
⇒ Songkick
⇒ Spotify
⇒ Tidal
⇒ TikTok
⇒ YouTube
⇒ Website
Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.
Follow on Google News
Artist Spotlight
San Sebastian shares his creative inspiration and aspiration for the new single “Again and Again” – [Exclusive Interview]
Swedish artist San Sebastian has released his second single, “Again and Again.” Known for his danceable pop sound infused with a nod to club music, San Sebastian presents a sonic vibe that resonates deeply with his audience. Drawing inspiration from notable artists like Tove Lo, Kylie Minogue, and Troye Sivan, he creates a distinctive blend of vulnerability and optimism. His latest single exemplifies a personal journey, exploring the intricacies of navigating complex emotions within a fractured relationship. Here, San Sebastian takes us behind the scenes, providing insights into the creation of “Again and Again,” detailing the production choices that shape its emotional core and outlining his future aspirations.
Questionnaire
1. Who are the band members, if any, and were there any particular artists, genres, or band’s main influences?
San Sebastian: I’m a solo artist, though I often perform with professional dancers Alicia Gjerulf and Elsa Davidsson. My musical inspiration is drawn from renowned artists such as Tove Lo, Kylie Minogue, and Troye Sivan.
2. Where was the single recorded, and who was involved in its production? Name the record label, producer, and sound engineer who mixed and mastered the song.
San Sebastian: “Again and Again” was originally written by the well-known Swedish artist Darin Zanyar and songwriters Pär Westerlund along with Petter Tarland. I worked on re-creating the track with senior producer Johan Kronlund, who also produced my debut single, “Hear Me Out.” Both singles were released under the auspices of my record label, Metronica.
3. Regarding production, what aspects of “Again and Again” caught your attention? What were some of the critical production decisions that shaped the final sound, and how did they contribute to the overall sonic quality of the track?
San Sebastian: I collaborated with the producer, Johan Kronlund, for nearly 2 years, so we have developed a good understanding and shared vision for the desired sound we aim for in my music. The goal was to turn my flaws into something optimistic, capturing a sense of future possibility by blending a melancholy message with an upbeat, danceable rhythm.
4. What inspired you to write “Again and Again”? Was there a particular ethos, music style, or events that sparked the songwriting process for this single? Were there any collaborations on writing the lyrics?
San Sebastian: The song “Again and Again” was initially composed by the famous Swedish artist Darin Zanyar and his co-writers. I immediately liked the idea of the song’s core concept; its melodies and lyrics spoke to me. The producer and I reimagined the sound to make the song reflect entirely my unique artistic identity.
5. How did you aim to take listeners on an emotional journey with the message or lyrical narrative you are trying to convey through this song? What feelings do you hope to evoke through the music so far?
San Sebastian: I want my lyrics to be honest and resonate with many people’s feelings. I try to transform my flaws into something optimistic, showing that everything has a future. I hope that people, by listening to “Again and Again,” will find pieces of their own experiences within the song’s lyrics while still perceiving this growing hope through the positive upbeat and alongside the danceable energy inherent in the production.
6. Please briefly describe the song, the E.P./Album, and the thinking behind the Project. What does “Again and Again” mean to you personally? How does it reflect your growth as an artist?
San Sebastian: The song tells the story of a broken relationship, where one person is left behind, feeling shattered and powerless. Unable and unwilling to let go, they cling to the memories of a love that once felt real and the hope that they might reunite. Despite knowing they will get hurt again, the chance to feel happiness, even briefly, makes the pain seem worthwhile. By combining vulnerable lyrics, expressive melodies, and a more positive and hopeful production, the song illustrates those who put on a positive front and hide the absolute truth.
“Again and Again” represents my second single in collaboration with Metronica. I describe my musical style as danceable pop inspired by club music. Both my debut single, “Hear Me Out,” and my recent release, “Again and Again,” follow this musical direction. My active involvement in a DJ duo also keeps my heart closely connected to the club vibe, which naturally influences my music.
7. Do you have any favorable quotes from previous reviews or specific aspects, lines, and phrases of the song that you would happily share?
San Sebastian: My previous song and debut single, “Hear Me Out,” was recognized across various blogs internationally. The fact that it was so well received is heartwarming and makes me very happy. However, if I have to highlight one thing, it would be all the positive comments regarding my vocal abilities, specifically its range and how I deliver the songs.
8. Did “Again and Again” create any standout moments or surprises that made it a memorable atmosphere or mood for you? If so, what were your biggest challenges, and how would you describe them?
San Sebastian: A memorable highlight was our spontaneous release party, which drew almost 500 attendees. It was an incredibly heartwarming experience to see how all these people adjusted their schedules and re-booked engagements, altered travel plans, and other meetings to join. I will be eternally grateful for this display of support and gift of love.
9. How do you envision performing this song live? Are there any special events, musical tours, and performances that San Sebastian’s fans should expect soon or plan to incorporate?
San Sebastian: I have actually had the opportunity to perform “Again and Again” live on stage several times with two of my professional dancers, Alicia Gjerulf and Elsa Davidsson. I hope to present “Again and Again” on more stages in the future, incorporating additional live band support from professional musicians and dancers to create an immersive experience for audiences.
10. Is there a music video planned for this single? If so, can you share any insights into its concept? How does this single fit into your future musical plans? Is it part of a larger project, like an album or an E.P.?
San Sebastian: I’m not planning to create a full music video for “Again and Again.” However, I have already created teaser videos, which I use in the release marketing and the ongoing song promotion. I have no concrete plans to release an EP that includes “Again and Again.” Instead, I am focusing on my next single, which I plan to release in early 2025.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM San Sebastian’s “Again and Again“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH San Sebastian | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
Indie
Interview with Free Mace
Free Mace’s new album “Better off Bitter” is releasing 7/19/24. This new album was independently produced, engineered and funded from a home studio location in Jacksonville, FL. All processes were done by Mason Thomas Staub over 3 years time. Mason sat down to answer some questions in this one-one-one interview…
Mason, your new album “Better off Bitter” is set to release on July 19th, 2024. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this album and what themes, tones, and stories the listeners can expect?
The main inspiration behind this album is the evolution of artistry and production. Free Mace’s previous album, “Media,” was the transition into more Rock and Indie music. “Media” is a genre fusion set in a dystopian, technocratic, and bleak world, inspired by the global pandemic. As soon as “Media” released, I began drafting the early instrumentals to songs (such as Reality). Every album or EP has been a concept and “Better off Bitter” is no different. The main concept of “Better off Bitter” is being better off bitter. Over the 4 years of living in Jacksonville, FL and not being originally from there, I was the new guy in town. Because of this as well as the advantageous disposition of others involved in or surrounding the industry, I’ve faced ageism and superiority, judgment and prejudice, as well as seclusion and loneliness. Add an incredibly toxic relationship that consumed all my mental capacity for a bit (refer to the song Good Time Girl), and you get the varying emotions and experiences of “Better off Bitter.”
“Better off Bitter” describes the tone and tempo of the album, as well as mood of the songs. The goal of this album was to experiment and set a new standard against mainstream concepts, while not being so far removed from them that the music is unrecognizable. I have been describing “Better off Bitter” to people as a “Jazz Orchestra in a Pop-Punk band format.” I’m aware that this is a big claim to make, however, I’m confident that the unique sound that has been created is new and nostalgic at the same time.
You independently produced, engineered, and funded this album from your home studio in Jacksonville, FL, over three years. What were some of the biggest challenges and rewards of handling every aspect of the production process yourself?
Some of the biggest challenges were motivation, isolation, and insecurity. When doing everything yourself it requires an incredible amount of discipline and vision. There were countless times I found myself vacationing in the doldrums for extended periods with minimal creative output. The beginning of an album always begins as a peak that declines over a period until release. It’s simple and stressless to explore, create and form new ideas, expressions, and feelings. After this honeymoon-like period, then the reality hits of how much goes into the processes of production. The starting production is always hopeful and motivating, so it’s easy to dedicate double-digit hours in a studio. When you start getting to the nitty-gritty, like listening to the same 10-seconds of audio on loop thousands of times, that’s when things aren’t done as jubilantly. That would bring me back to a creative null for a bit, until I felt confident to approach things again with a fresh perspective. The isolation came out of my own doing when I chose solitude to separate myself from distractions, toxic attitudes, limiting perceptions, and peer approval. I prioritized myself and focused on what was important; the completion of “Better off Bitter.” I became more mindful in the process in regards to how I would spend my time in the doldrums. I had a new motivation that allowed me to be more realistic about what songs would make the album (originally 15 instead of 10), what the context and sound would definitively be, and when a deadline would be. After finally completing it, that’s where the insecurity set in when it comes to the acceptance of the album, “Better off Bitter.” 3 years of work is a lot of time to think about how things will be, but I’ll just have to wait and see.
\Which track on the album holds the most personal significance for you, and why? Can you give us some insight into the creative process and meaning behind that particular song?
I would say that the last track on the album, “The Heretic,” has the most significance to me because it’s the finale. This is the last song someone will hear and the last chapter to the story conveyed in “Better off Bitter.” The idea of “The Heretic” comes from the snake-oil sales in the name of religion. The concept that an individual with certainty can sell others with a promise rather than those individuals being at terms with uncertainty. I wanted to provide an image of an interaction between a salesperson and a potential customer. Eventually getting discovered for their fraudulence, the salesperson is forced to lead a vagabond life until the discovery of reinvention.
Over the course of three years, your musical style and influences might have evolved. How do you feel your sound has changed or matured from your previous work to this new album?
The previous Free Mace album, “Media,” was a transition into more up-tempo music. I would see how people would react at the concerts and the up-tempo would always have a better response from what I could tell. It’s not that the audience didn’t enjoy the slower tempo music, it was more about what their body language conveyed. I started to notice people would be involved dancing and moshing to up-tempo music more than standing still with a head bob to a slower tempo. I wanted to do an album that would capture this high energy from beginning to end, while telling a meaningful story about emotions, experiences, and ideologies. “Better off Bitter” is the highlight album of the Free Mace discography, available everywhere 7/19/2024.
As an independent artist, what advice would you give to other musicians looking to produce and release their own music without the backing of a major label?
The best advice I would give to anyone and everyone would be to always stay true to yourself, no matter what.
What are your plans following the release of “Better off Bitter”? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or other projects that fans can look forward to?
Following the release of “Better off Bitter,” there will be 2-3 music videos available in varying cinematic styles. Currently in the process are one animated video (Available 7/19/2024 on YouTube) and one live-action Frank Sinatra/Edgar Allen Poe inspired video. There will potentially be shows in the future, but am needed a backing band on location for performance, so if you’d like a Free Mace show where you are located and have a professional band to provide, I will see you there!
