Born in Massachusetts and based in Brooklyn, 2020 will see D.K. release his debut album and convert his years of acoustic live sets to a full electric experience. He likes to dance. He likes to be bold. But he also values humility and authenticity above all else.
Among the many things that drive D.K.’s relentless passion and need to write and create music, catharsis tops the list. And wherever and whenever you listen, his hope is that you feel something too.
Read our full interview with D.K. below.
For those who don’t know, how long have you been making music and how would you describe your style?
I’ve been writing songs since I was 5 years old, beginning with just song titles and the melodies and lyrics in my head. It’s just something I’ve always had to do. My style is definitely rooted in rock music that is story and character driven, but more recently I’ve been branching out and trying to include influence from all forms of music into my work. You can certainly hear that on my debut record which jumps from alt rock to 90s pop rock to emo country to synth pop to bluegrass in the first 5 tracks.
Could you briefly describe your music making process?
Originally my process was lyrics and melody in my head blossoming into songs, eventually turning into me sitting with my guitar, writing a song that way, and then building the production from there. In recent years, I’ve kind of taken a multi-route approach, with some songs starting with a drum loop first or a synth part or just a lyrical concept, and then building around whatever core idea I start with from there.
What can you tell us about your latest album?
I released my debut album in June, but with the pandemic forcing musicians to really focus on their digital promotion, I decided early on I was going to release a new music video every month for a year to kind of keep the promotion cycle going. So the latest video is for Run to Me, which is by far the most emo song on the album, with very ethereal production. So it was cool to build a concept that accompanied the emotion and feeling of the song well and shooting it in Manhattan where I’m based now.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would you choose?
Tom Petty was my absolute hero, so getting the chance to work with him like he worked with Cash, Harrison, Dylan, Perkins and the like would have been incredible. In terms of present, George Daniel, the drummer and primary producer for the 1975, is an absolute genius and so creative at using analog sounds yet still making it feel modern and high-fidelity. So working with him at some point would certainly be an amazing and humbling moment.
What track would you play for a new listener if they’ve never heard your music before?
I tend to play Danger for people listening to me for the first time since it’s definitely the most catchy and modern song on my record, but if I want people to really know who I am as a writer and a person, Long Way Home is certainly my favorite in terms of lyrical content. And it’s been really cool in the months after the album came out to see Long Way Home climbing in streams, as I think it’s really resonating with people.
Where would be your dream venue to perform at and why?
I think any artist immediately thinks of iconic venues like The Forum or the O2, but I grew up going to shows in Boston at places like the House of Blues or The Paradise, so getting to play a hometown show at one of those venues in the future would be electrifying.
Which of your songs means the most to you?
I go back to Long Way Home a lot as it’s really a look into my own head trying to navigate the world I was in at the time, yet 2 years later after writing it and my life changing so much, the song and the meaning still resonate so powerfully for me. And it’s got some references to my dad who died when I was 6 and who has always been a spiritual guide for me, so that one will always stand out among the rest in terms of personal meaning to me.
How has your city influenced your music?
Boston was a great place to grow up going to because it has a homely feel to it, but New York is really where I’ve drawn a ton of inspiration since moving there a few years back. And I think Boston is reflected in the music I’ve put out to date for that homely feel, but New York and the energy, diversity, and vibrance somewhat represents where my music is going.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Most people are astonished to find out that I’ve written over 1,500 songs in my life, but in terms of pure weirdness, I used to make ski movies in college and I filmed a lightsaber battle on skis junior year with me dressed in a wig as an 80s hair metal outlaw and my 6-4 friend in a dog costume. It was as ridiculous as it sounds, and the craziest part was no illicit substances were involved in the ideation or creation of it. And yes, it’s still on YouTube if you know where to look.
What do you have planned creatively for the upcoming year?
Well I’ve got 7 videos down and 5 to go to get me through March, so continuing to craft and create those is certainly at the top of my current to do list! But I’ve actually begun work on a new batch of music after getting contacted by a producer duo in the U.K. recently. So I’m in the beginning stages of that process now with some really exciting demos.
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