Artist Spotlight: David Dann
Friends,
We have some exciting news. We are back this week with our next artist spotlight.
It’s been long overdue and we really hope you enjoyed our first one, as we definitely think you will love this one.
This next artist spotlight is with David Dann, a key figure in the electronic music space that we look up to, For those of you know who don’t know, David has a unique background. Not only is he an artist, DJ, and producer (the man literally does it all), but he is also the boss and mastermind behind independent record label, Mind Of A Genius Records (MOAG).
If MOAG doesn’t ring a bell for you, their artist lineup will. In addition to his own music career, David has brought up and worked closely with some of our favorite artists including ZHU, Gallant, Mindchatter, Peter $un, THEY., Klangstof, and more.
Let’s get started.
Alright David, for our followers who are just getting to know you. How would you describe yourself and how you got involved within music?
I’d describe myself as caring but tough. I love my friends and family dearly, and in business and life, I keep it real. I’m not afraid of sharing my thoughts and telling people what they need to hear. I’ve always been in love with music and used it as a sort of compass in my life. I was forced into piano lessons as a young boy but that really led into this organic love for music that continues to grow over time.
Growing up, did you have any specific music influences?
I had so many influences. Tupac, Radiohead, Sade, Nirvana, Incubus, Tiesto to name a few.
My taste was all over the place! I’ve never really identified with one genre or even nationality for that matter, so that perspective really bled into the type of music I sought out and loved listening to.
An eclectic taste. Did you always know you were going to pursue a career in music?
As long as I can remember, that’s the only thing I ever wanted to do.
If I wasn’t in music, I’d either be a therapist or a lawyer. A therapist because I’m pretty sensitive with my own feelings, and feel that I can also read other people pretty well. I love to help others when they’re struggling. A lawyer because I also enjoy proving a point and arguing something that I really believe in. To no end sometimes, unfortunately. (laughs)
Can you share about the backstory of what led to starting Mind of a Genius?
I started Mind of a Genius back when I was in college – it was a series of playlists on my computer actually. I then used it as a platform to release my own music because other labels didn’t want to sign my records.
Eventually when I found an artist that I thought was great (Zhu), I started to produce with him and we released his music on my label. After that I kept going and wanted to build a label that really represented my tastes across all genres. It took some start up money and really a lot of hard work and a great team to get it off the ground. Running a record label is not for the faint of heart! But like any business, you really have to put everything into it to see it through.
If you could go back in time to share a thing or two to your younger self, when you were getting into music, what would you say?
I’ve had ultimate belief in myself since I was young thanks to my Mom. She’s really strong-willed and worked her ass off and that inspired me to do the same and be the same way. I think I would tell myself what I still say today, which is keep going and eventually things will show signs and indications of growth and keep following those signs when you finally get them.
We also know you recently decided to step back into the game of producing, releasing a new single “You and Me” (featuring NICOLAS) in October (Which we love! It was actually my top song based on Spotify Wrapped).
Can you talk us through the decision to come back?
Love that – that’s awesome and thank you for the support! My own music was the only thing that I could fully control. After working with so many artists - I really felt like I needed to express myself in the ways that I wanted to without having to deal with anyone other than myself. Quarantine also gave me the time to reflect and really test this out again. I also started working with someone as my manager who I really admired and that gave me a huge push forward. Having a team that believed in me plus me wanting to get back in the game is the reason why I’m back to releasing music in such a public way.
Stream “You and Me” (featuring NICOLAS):
Outside of producing music and managing a record label, what else do you enjoy doing?
I love driving. I am obsessed with cars the same way I am with music!
We just started a Sunday Driving Club - so that's really giving me something to look forward to each week. I picked that up and started to golf a bit. I used to hate but am really starting to get into now (follow Sunday Driving Club on IG here).
It’s no secret that 2020 has been incredibly hard on those in the music space. What’s a piece of advice that you would offer to an artist who is going through these motions today?
Stick it out but also be realistic and study the internet. Learning how to market yourself is incredibly important and also finding your audience. Right now it's either a really slow build or a viral hit that takes off and you have to be committed 1000% to making your dream a reality and getting your art to the masses.
So we know you love cars. If you could choose only one car to own in this world, what car would you pick?
Oh without a doubt a 1954 Mercedes 300 SL – the Gullwing.
Picture for reference.
Final question, as we close out such a wild and crazy year, what are you looking forward to in 2021? And what can our readers and followers expect next from you and MOAG?
I can't wait to start DJing again internationally. That plus putting out my album and more music from the label. As far as life outside of that - who knows! I strive to be the best friend and family member I can be, while also reevaluating myself constantly to be a better human to everyone around me.
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Thanks again for tuning in everyone. We hope you enjoyed this piece with David, and are walking away with some new knowledge about his story as a producer and with MOAG.
You can support David with a follow on Spotify, Apple Music, and Instagram, and by supporting his recent single, “You and Me” (featuring NICOLAS).
Finally, as a special takeaway, David also curated a guest Spotify playlist of 20 of his current favorite tracks.
Until next time ✌️