Interview With Dan Call
What’s the story behind your artist name — and does it reflect who you are today?
Not applicable as that is my real name so it definitely reflects where I am today lol!
Which song of yours means the most to you, and what inspired it?
Well, I treat all the songs I write like they are my kids lol...no matter how they eventually turn out, all are given the same amount of time and consideration. If I had to pick just one though, I would say the title track to my latest record, 'Spunk'. At the time, I had been working on a funky, old school music idea...had some melodies in my head but no lyrics. Eventually the words started to come around but the storyline was turning into a dystopian future sort of thing. Do I dare put a sarcastic dark-comedy lyric with a slamming old school dance track? The only answer was 'of course'! It was an odd combination but somehow it worked in the end, at least for me lol
How would you describe your sound in three words — and why those?
'Contemporary Yet Classic' - I wanted a style that could stand up sonically with current music trends but at the same time, incorporate the classic sounds and artists that influenced me growing up. Familiar yet unique and hopefully, a sound all my own.
What was the moment you truly felt like an artist — not just someone making music?
It was after my former band The Villains had made a record with producer Stan Lynch (R&R Hall of Fame drummer and co-founding member of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers). The first single that I co-wrote '(My) Rainy Day Girl' broke into the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart and started climbing. As an artist, it was a great moment!
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how do they show up in your work?
Aww, man...too many to list lol! I won't bore you with a list of artists but what I can tell you is that I'm a lover of 'songwriting'...if a song hits me a certain way and it's got that X factor to it that can't be described, then it doesn't matter the genre, artist, style, etc. I'm influenced.
What’s your creative process like — from a blank page to a finished track?
An idea can pop up anytime. Usually it starts with some kind of melody but it could be lyric, a groove in my head, etc. I'll start to kick it around a bit on guitar or keyboard and let it grow, never forcing it. Could take a day to write or could take a year, just depends on the piece. At some point I'll have enough of the idea to start framing it out and demo record it. As it moves forward, if something is not working I'll change it even if that means starting over...which can suck but if that's what it needs, you know lol? Eventually the tune will get to where it feels right and that's when editing and tweaking really ramps up. Once finally in a good spot, it gets sent to my production team who will mix it and master it. Then it is ready for public consumption.
If someone’s hearing you for the first time, which track should they start with — and why?
Need to give two answers on this one lol. The first answer is whatever my latest single is because that's a snapshot of what the music has grown into from where it began. In this case, that would be 'Something About You' that is currently #36 on the US Billboard Adult Top 40 Chart. My second song answer is 'Intoxicating', the title track from my debut record as that's where it all started.
What’s been your most unforgettable moment on your music journey so far?
The first time a solo single of mine (Intoxicating) charted on Billboard and simultaneously reached 100,000 Spotify streams! I had always been in bands so when the label my last band The Villains came to me and asked if I wanted to do a solo record, I jumped at the chance. Knowing that whether it failed or succeeded, it would all be on me was a little daunting but I was up for the challenge. Thankfully it did well lol!
What do you want people to feel when they hear your music?
My hope is they feel a connection to the music that's relatable to them in their own lives, no matter what that feeling is...joy, heartache, the need to dance, excited, etc. As long as they are moved in some way, I'm thrilled.
What’s next for you — and what should fans be excited about?
Making more music of course! Gonna continue promoting the new single 'Something About You' off my most recent record 'Spunk'. Also to keep connecting with fans and hopefully create new ones in the process. At the end of the day, they are the only thing that really matters and I want them to know it!
