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 "Artwork from "Epic Fail"
There has been a lot of drama going on behind the music for you. How have you manage to handle both your personal issues and the music business? I mean I can imagine how tough it must be. I mean ,I hope we are not getting too personal with this but do you plan on speaking about the issue you had with Hot Eye Records?
-Yes. People really didn’t how big of a challenge this was for me and how much influence it had on my music. Many people think I’m taking shots at Stephanie Fierce Johnson but fact is that I was taking shots at the previous label owner. Before Stephanie Fierce took over as president and owner of Hot Eye Records, a man by the name of Christopher Wallace who now is dead, was in charge. He offered me a deal that was sort of secretly plotting to make me the next biggest thing in the pop world. He had this vision and was so hungry for the green, he was willing to do anything to make me accept the direction he wanted me to follow. Basically he felt that my artistic vision wasn’t going to sell records or help the label move forward. So, he convinced me to write a “hit song”. I was very ignorant at the time and was just happy to be signed so I sort of went with the flow.
So “Banana Boy” was the direction Christopher wanted you to go?
-Yeah but I wasn’t that robotic. I secretively wrote the Banana Boy song in a subliminal way. Christopher was so hooked on the hit factor that he didn’t even took notice as to what I was doing. Once the song took off, I was disgusted, mind raped and just ready to give it all up. I mainly hated it because it wasn’t the vision I wanted completely. But it really expanded my artistic abilities and made me look things in a different. I was ready and almost convinced to got the mainstream route. Then all of the sudden Christopher Wallace dies from a heart attack.
Do you take his death as payback?
-That was very unexpected. I will never ever take that as payback but what I will say is that things happen for a reason. You know I have a heart and people are evil. That’s how the world is, but we’re human. We all are evil in some sort of way. All I can do is forgive him. Love your enemies. .
How did Stephanie Fierce come into this?
-Stephanie Fierce at the time had plans to launch her own label from scratch. Um….. she had recently gone through some personal things you know the whole death thing…. but was ready to move forward and give back to music. Not many artists do that. That’s why I have a lot of respect for her. But anyways, She was given the opportunity to take over Hot Eye Records and that was something big for her. BUT of course, this meant that another deal or agreement had to be made. When we sat down, she really understood where I was coming from because something similar had happened to her with her fist label. She’s definitely a smart business woman and knows a lot about the industry. So we made an agreement to finish the contract under new conditions and that‘s when I went back and did my thing. If it wasn’t for Stephanie Fierce, “Anti-social” most likely wouldn’t have been released and I would have been in a wrong place right now. I owe her a lot.
Do you and Fierce plan to collaborate in the future?
-I’m not going to say no. But her lane is much different than mine and I don’t see a collaboration happening soon. She’s mainstream and I’m not. But let me tell you, she really handles that mainstream world artistically. Which I have nothing but respect for! You never know!
What earned you a contract with Hot Eye Records?
-I can’t believe I’m finally going to get the chance to talk about this but here it goes. *giggles* Oh gosh. Christopher Wallace was the one that discovered me when…….when…. when I wrote the hit single “If I Were An Angel” for Stephanie Ortiz. *short pause* She never credited me and I was basically a ghost writer. Sorry to put you on blast Miss Ortiz, but I had to do it.
Wait………you wrote “If I were an Angel” by Stephanie Ortiz?!!!!
-Yeah. I did. *laughs* Don't judge a book by it's cover.
You know that is one of Miss Ortiz’s biggest hits of her career. Why didn’t you take action at the moment?
-Because I didn’t think it was important to me and at the time I was very ignorant about these things. They made it seem to me like it was meant to be THAT way. Like if it was an honor for her to take my song. Like if she was some sort of God or something. But to be honest I was just happy someone was singing the song I had written to millions of people. That was the first time I had a taste of fame. But as time passed, the knife kept cutting deeper and I eventually woke up to it and here I am telling you this. This music business is really dirty. But, as Stephanie Fierce stated: “Massacre in the Industry, If you talk shit, I’m going to do you dirty”.
What made you go independent for a while?
-It's not necessary for me to have a mayor deal or contract. I'm here to make music and I don't mind where I am at and I'm enjoying it, having fun. So why put myself in a contract. That's just my personal preference, not trying to sound stubborn or self denial-ish. But i can work well with a contract as well and that's what I'm going to do with Junction Records.
Right! Congratulations on your signing with Junction Records! How do you feel being signed to such a respected label?
Thank you. It feels amazing and surreal. Many bands and artists want to be signed to the label because of the people signed. Its always a freaking popularity contest. That was not my outlook. I want to bring something to Junction records other artists there don't have just as much as the other artist want to bring something I don't have. I want to do my own thing and they understood and saw that. It's really exciting!
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So new album, new single, new tour. Life must be pretty freaking amazing for you right now!
-You couldn’t say it any better . I feel so lucky to be doing this. I’m really just enjoying myself. It’s so amazing, getting to do what I love. So many people fight for this. It’s just…..It’s just amazing. This time around, it’s not so hectic and hard. I have money, I have the equipment. I have the support. I couldn’t be any happier. My listeners are amazing.
You were recently seen recording music outside in your home town. Many people question the reason behind it. Was it even nerve racking to do that?
-I was actually just sharing the love of music to people. It was not for the album or anything. It was a tribute to homeless musicians, who basically do what I did that day, on a daily basis. Homeless people who play music to make some money to eat instead of selling drugs. Those hard working people really have the real passion.
I really enjoyed myself and didn’t feel one bit nervous. Plus, I got to meet some of my listeners. But why else? Well, I’m jut into this kind of stuff. I like trying new things and doing different things with music. Spreading the message in a new kind of way.
Interesting! That's a good outlook. You're also going on tour. The "All we want Is..." Tour with a total being 7 acts. What can fans expect from the tour?
-It's going to be amazing. I've been given the opportunity once again to tour. I'm done with acoustic shows for now, so fans can expect a high energy, show. It's going to be amazing. I'm only growing as a performer. I will be performing some new songs, along with most of the songs on "Anti-social".
You've also been opening for so many bands. How does it feel to be opening for others? When can we expect a tour of your own?
-To be honest, I don't mind opening for other bands. I learn and feed off of that and I have no problem whatsoever. You know how many people will like to have the opportunity that I have. Just to tour. I think people misunderstand the whole purpose of performing. It's not how big the crowd, it's not how big you are it's how big your performance is.
At the end of the day, I enjoy it and it's awesome. Talking about it now has me excited. Can't wait to tour! But yeah, a tour of my own, right now is just a dream. I have to be more known for that and I'll get there........ eventually. *giggles* I'm actually headlining my first show very soon, but it's only one show. I'm really going to show what I got.
So, you announced on your website that “Baby Virus” will serve as the lead single off the new album “Epic Fail”. But before you tell us what “Baby Virus” is about why did you name your album “Epic Fail”? Let's be honest, that was not expected.
-It’s pretty straight forward really. Everyone one on this earth is an Epic Fail. No matter how successful, how much money you have, how beautiful and popular you are. We all die in the end. We all rot. We all disappear. It’s so interesting how something beautiful and divine, will turn in to dirt in the end. It make you think? Is life really worth living for? That’s what this album is about. It’s a really strong message and I want the listeners to really take the time with it and get something out if it. I don't just make music to make it.
That’s where “Baby Virus” comes in. The song simply describes the album, just under a microscope. We all have this one thing, that destroys us. No matter how much money, love, hate, friends, family, fans we have. That one thing is destroying us. Whether is slowly or fast unfortunately we’re human beings. Everyone has the invisible virus. I’ll really get more into the song once It’s released.
My last album was more "keyboard" and "strings" driven. This album is more guitar driven. Some acoustics her and there. It's more straightforward, so it's less experimental, but it still has those elements. It's still very specific and it;s a listening experience. I'm very excited about the album!
Then there is “Britney’s X-ray. Many people think you’re taking shots at Britney Spears ?
-Lol. No way. I just like the name Britney and since I didn’t want to expose my friend’s real name, I came up with the name Britney. The song is more pop friendly. The song is about this girl “Britney” who looks for perfection . Like a goddess, but deep down inside the “baby virus” is killing her. I think people who have to put a front to society can relate to the song a lot. You know, I wrote it and I instantly thought of something more popish. I was actually listening to Gina X Performance’s “No GMD” , Gina X is actually one of my biggest inspiration and after listening to her song I contacted “Xavier” and we mixed the song and that's why the song actually has a “No GMD” inspirational vibe to it and it’s a really cool sound.
Sounds interesting, I’m actually very excited to hear it since I’m a big Gina X Performance’s fan.
-Thanks man. I’m telling you though, people are doubting me but I’m coming hard. This album is my hardest effort to date.
The song "Epic Fail" features around 10 people. What can we expect from this and how did this come about?
-This song is as Experimental as it could get. Those 10 people were actually chosen, from a contest I held earlier this month. We immediately all wrote and recorded the song. Then I realized that's what the whole album is about. Gathering these ten people together was the best thing I have ever done in my life. I look at differently and they were the reason why this album pushed through really. They will be traveling with me. But yeah, I really cannot go into detail now, I want it to be a surprise and this song is like the icing on the cake. AHHHHHHHH! I'm so excited *laughs*
How do you feel about more artists and bands taking on experimental music?
-You know “Green Leaf” was one of the first bands to come out with experimental music this year in the mainstream world. Many people were doing alternative rock, electronic, dance pop. And they were ballsy enough to do an experimental album. That honestly opened up a huge opportunity for a lot of people. But yeah…..Its great. There is no limit to Experimental music. Once I recorded my first album, that’s when I really fell in love with it.
*A quick break, Daniel returns to finish the interview*
Ok so the album comes out November 2nd. Is the album finished?
-It is close to being finished. I’m working on a few songs and I got some collaborations done. The artwork is also in the works. as i said before I'm not just a musician, I'm an artist as well. A lot of visual surprises coming with this album.
Talking about Collaborations. You recently announce that your looking forward to collaborating with more people. Tell us more about that and also what are your thoughts on collaborations period?
-I think people take collaborations way too seriously, as to the reason why they are doing it. I think people develop this huge ego, and will only want to work with people who are well respected or popular in this industry, just so they can look good. Yes it is nice, but does it really make a difference. I mean that doesn't mean you just work with anyone. But why not just get together and make music and TRY to make it work. After all, we all don't really know it until we try it.
Ok so now that I said that, I'm going to tell you. This new collaboration project, is going to be amazing. I can't go into detail but the women I'm working with, I know for a fact it's going to be amazing. We got the song, we just need to record it and mix it. It's going to be a highlight of the album.
Wow. hmm..... Now let’s look back. How would you describe the sound of Anti-social?
-The sound of Anti-social is this haunting, experimental pop rock sound. Experimental meaning not predictable. So really my sound varies, but I do have a signature sound. So it’s not like you won’t be able to identify me. That’s pretty much what “Anti Social” sounds like. My listeners love it.
You seem to have a very creative outlook in life? Do you ever think things in a “basic” way?
-Well I’m just artsy. Some people are born with it and some people are not. Either way is just something I embrace. It’s not that I’m trying too hard. It’s just the way I am.
You seem to be totally against the use of “Auto-tune” and “Voice distortion”. Why is it that you hate people who use it so much?
-*giggles* That seems to be the biggest misconception of me. I’m not this person who hates people who use it and think that it should be banned. It’s just my personal preference. I want my fans to hear me. Not the over-computerized version of me. But anyways, some people use it some people don’t. Its just my personal preference. It’s not a big deal. I will never use it though. I don’t think it’s necessary.
What are your goals in the music industry? What does your music represent?
-To touch people’s soul and not their genetelia. To keep my music career alive, but not over the top to the point I have a servant wiping my ass. To keep the listeners pleased whilst pleasing my enemies. My music is self motivational and without me noticing it motivates others., so I think my music represents inspiration. Love yourself, we’re all in this together and that sort of thing.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Part 3: Daniel opens up about him dating and being in love.
You seem not to be so open about your love life.
Oh here we go....
Come on Daniel. Are you dating anyone? Are you in Love?
Yes. Errrrr…..I think I forgot one thing about the album.
Yeah, you can tell us afterwards! *giggles* Come on man. Spill the beans.
Don’t mean to sound rude or anything, but it’s really none of your damn business. I already told you no. I'm here to talk about my music. Thank you! *snaps fingers* Edited by user 19 September 2010 08:33:13(UTC)
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