An Interview With Daniel J Dunn

Step into the vibrant world of Daniel J Dunn with SA Music Zone. In this interview, we unravel the genius behind his striking debut single ‘I Don’t Need U’ featuring Mark Haze.

Brace yourself for a journey through genre fusion, social media brilliance, and the unique artistic path he’s blazing. Find out what Daniel J Dunn had to say in our extensive interview below.

Daniel, as a young artist in the industry, what do you believe is the unique perspective that the youth bring to the musical landscape? How has youthfulness influenced your creative process and approach to music-making?

“As a young artist in the industry, I believe the unique perspective that the youth bring to the musical landscape is a fresh and unfiltered authenticity. Our generation is growing up in a time of rapid change and constant connectivity, influencing the way we see the world and express ourselves.”

“We are unafraid to break traditional norms and explore new avenues of creativity. My creative process and the way I create music are definitely influenced by my generation and how our unfiltered brains work. It’s beautiful to witness how these processes of music creation evolve over time.”

Collaborating with a seasoned Rock veteran like Mark Haze is a remarkable feat. How did this collaboration come about, and in what ways did working with Mark shape the direction and sound of your debut single ‘I Don’t Need U’?

“Mark is a great musician, and our new song effortlessly combines our musical styles. You’ll hear some of Mark’s influence, but I won’t give away all the details. Mark has been a big inspiration for me; he knows a lot and has guided me through it all.”

“Going into the recording studio for the first time was exciting, and Mark made it a really enjoyable experience. He understood what I wanted to do with the music and gave me some really helpful tips. We met on New Year’s Eve, where Mark was performing, and a year later, I got his number, played him the demo for ‘I Don’t Need U,’ and we started working together. Mark is not only a great producer and musician but also a good friend. I’m thankful for the chance to work with him.”

Looking ahead to live performances, how do you believe the dynamic energy of a live show enhances the audience’s connection with your music, and what elements are you most excited to bring to your live performances?

“I’ve been watching my favourite artists perform for years, and I hope to bring a fun, interactive vibe to performances. Although I haven’t performed live properly before, I did when I was younger, so I need some work. I can’t wait for the day I get to perform my song for the first time.”

Coming from the vibrant music scene of Cape Town, how do you infuse elements of South African musical identity into your work, and what influence does the splendour and cultural richness of your surroundings bring to your sound?

“I’ve not explored or incorporated any Cape Town influences into this first release; I’ve been fixated on finding my own voice and sound. I have a liking for the genre ‘Amapiano’ and might look at incorporating that sound in a future project.”

Daniel, your multifaceted music blends Pop, R&B, and Trap, showcasing an impressive mastery of diverse genres. How did you develop such a rich musical palette, and can you share the specific influences that contributed to this unique fusion in your sound?

“Being surrounded by music my whole life and having a dad who is quite musical, it all falls into my music side of things. I’ve been in choirs in my school and even joined a professional children’s choir, ‘The Tygerberg Children’s Choir,’ which taught me a lot about my voice and how to use it in ways I never knew. And of course, my music idol Ariana Grande, from whom I draw much inspiration.”

Beyond familial influences, are there specific musical icons or artists who have significantly impacted your artistic style and contributed to the development of your distinct voice?

“My friends might laugh at my response to this question, but I must give credit to my music idol, Ariana Grande. She brings this cool blend of pop music with heavy trap beats and 808’s that just scratch my brain. I’ve grown up listening to her music, and she is a huge inspiration to me. But I listen to a lot of genres, and I can’t wait to explore more styles with my music in the future.”

Daniel, leveraging platforms like YouTube and TikTok has become a powerful strategy for emerging artists. Can you elaborate on how you strategically use social media to connect with your audience and build a dedicated fan base?

“I started making YouTube covers back in 2020, and when TikTok became a hit during the COVID era, I decided to give it a shot. My first TikTok video was in 2022, featuring a cover of Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Decode’ from her fifth studio album, ‘Emails I Can’t Send.’ The night I posted it, I was chilling in bed watching Netflix when a notification popped up – Sabrina Carpenter had liked and commented on my video. At first, I thought it might be a fan account, but nope, it was really her.”

“It felt incredible, especially since it was my first TikTok. Recently, I posted a cover of Ariana’s latest track, ‘Yes, and?’ on Instagram, and it got 14k views, which was pretty cool. Looking back over the few years of making covers, you can see the growth in my voice and in me. I haven’t gone viral or anything yet, but it’s definitely a goal to keep growing on social media. Since the start, my audience has been slowly growing, so I keep making videos to expand it.”

As a young artist, how has your journey in music contributed to your personal growth and development? Are there aspects of your identity that you’ve discovered or embraced through your experiences in the industry?

“I genuinely believe that jotting down your emotions on paper is a beautiful way to release pent-up feelings. Expressing emotions artistically brings out a beautiful resonance with how you’re feeling, in my opinion. Identity is an evolving aspect that matures as you age, and for me, a significant part of it has unfolded through making music. But I’m only 17 and have so much room to experience things and to grow in life and in my music.”

Envisioning the future, how do you see your musical sound evolving? Are there particular genres or themes you’re eager to explore in upcoming projects, and what can fans anticipate from your evolving artistic journey?

“In the upcoming musical journeys, anticipate a variety of sounds and stories. I’m dedicated to crafting music that resonates with different facets of life, and I’m eager to unveil more for you. Come along with me on this musical adventure!”

Delving into your debut single, ‘I Don’t Need U,’ what specific message or emotions do you hope listeners take away from the song, and how does it represent a milestone in your artistic expression and songwriting?

“I strive for my music to convey both my intended meaning and to resonate with listeners, inviting a deeper connection. Recognizing toxic situations and prioritizing self-care is crucial; let’s avoid becoming vulnerable to those who bring us down. This song was also the first proper song I ever wrote, so it feels extra special to release.”

Daniel, engaging with your growing fan base is crucial. Can you share memorable interactions with fans and how their support fuels your artistic efforts? How do you aim to maintain a genuine connection with your audience as your fan base expands?

“As of now, my fan base is non-existent, or it’s just filled with family and friends. But in the future, I can’t wait to build a relationship with my fan base and to interact with them as much as I can.”

Given your remarkable debut single and its powerful theme, can you share specific initiatives you’ve undertaken to springboard your musical journey and career? From seeking advice on songwriting to the recording process and collaborating with Mark Haze, what intentional steps have you taken to carve your path in the industry, especially at such a young age?

“Firstly, doing covers on social media to build my following and to introduce myself as a singer/songwriter. From collaborating with friends and fellow musicians and seeking guidance on writing to playing my demo to Mark for the first time to get his professional view and partnering with an amazing PR Agent, Devo at Devographic Music Agency for guidance, are but a few of the things to carve my path into the industry.”

Thank you, Daniel, for sharing your insights, passion, and the story behind ‘I Don’t Need U’ featuring Mark Haze. To our readers, immerse yourselves in Daniel’s unique path and the soul-stirring melodies of his debut ‘I Don’t Need U’ (which is available to stream on all major music streaming platforms via this link).

More info about Daniel J Dunn

Daniel J Dunn, a 17-year-old artist from Cape Town, South Africa, has a deep-rooted love for music, influenced by his talented musician father. His unique music style combines pop, R&B, and trap, creating a captivating fusion of soulful melodies and beats. Daniel’s journey began in choirs, shaping his rich, airy vocals. Inspired by artists like Ariana Grande and Tori Kelly, he has honed his craft on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, catching the attention of Sabrina Carpenter.

Watch this space for updates in the Interviews category on SA Music Zone.

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