Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
Hey, my name is Daniel Saad but most people call me Dėnz nowadays. I’m from Montreal Canada, I currently live in the suburbs but the 514 is where my heart is at. My stage name was inspired by Denzel Washington, a man I truly admire, a lot of my friends simply decided to shorten that name and that’s how I came up with that name.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
A lot of pain and confusion in my life led me to writing when I was a teenager. Music was a backbone to me, it helped me go through some of the hardest moments of my life. Writing is a form of freedom for me, when I’m rapping on the mic, I feel genuinely connected to my inner soul, I am “me”. I make music to uplift my surroundings, my dream is to bring my whole family and circle to the next level. I want to spread a message, convey my perspective of life to people who are lost. I still work full time at my job and go to school online, music is what keeps me going, music is the path that makes me happy. The right path is always the one that keeps you awake at night, the one that makes you want to push forward.
Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?
My new EP is about the art of thinking. The power of thought is criminally disregarded in this new age of spin. Everything goes by so fast, too fast even… I wanted to make a project that emphasizes the importance of taking a step back and reflect on yourself as an individual. We live in a world in which we are asked to keep moving forward, to forget and move on. Action is rewarded for its colorful surface, and people praise ephemeral impact over thoughtful manifestations. Thoughtless individuals are uplifted while the thoughtful are frowned upon. This project is for all those who are struggling with overthinking, those who dream and those who believe.
What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?
I stay true to myself, I like to blend various styles and jump from genre to genre. I like to experiment in my music. I try to focus on making hip-hop mainly, whether it’s old school, new school, trap or something that approaches the RnB environment.
Who are your biggest musical influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
My biggest influences are definitely J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Joyner Lucas and Drake. I would particularly love to make music with Cole and Kendrick and I would love to have Kanye as a producer for my songs.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
Releasing my first EP Better Than Before last year during Covid was quite the achievement for me, I’m really proud of this project as I had only released a couple of singles before. I am also very proud of my latest EP. Reminiscing is a totally different project than the first one.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
With covid it is harder than usual to make music, but I try to stay consistent and follow a routine and respect my work ethic when it comes to music. Other responsibilities have to come first before music sometimes, so I try to stay positive and stay patient, music can wait until the next day.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Keep working and believing, stay humble as well because there is always someone better than you. Learn to love the process and learn to learn, there is so much we do not know as individuals and we need each other to grow. This applies to every aspect of your life, I suggest artists to open other doors and try new opportunities while working on their music. There are no limitations, enjoy life!
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
Love each other! We’re all different but we need each other, that’s how I feel. Also, I would tell them to stand up for what they believe in and to never abandon their dreams, when facing haters, feel sorry for them and respond to hate with kindness. People hate when they are hurt, there is no one on earth who is genuinely happy with themselves and hates on others at the same time. Feel empathy for those individuals!
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
Yes, I am working on a big project right now, I can’t say much about it but I am always trying to outdo myself. Expect more than an EP! I enjoy the process & I do not feel the rush to make music and seek to make it in the industry as if it were the only possible outcome to find happiness. I take my time!
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