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

⇒ Apple Music

⇒ Audius

⇒ Beatport

⇒ Deezer

⇒ Facebook

⇒ FENIX360-iOS/Android App

⇒ Instagram

⇒ Pandora

⇒ Soundcloud

⇒ Songkick

⇒ Spotify

⇒ Tidal

⇒ TikTok

⇒ Twitter

⇒ YouTube

⇒ Website

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