Creative Conversations 034: Daniel Allan's Delightful Dance World
Words by Luke Byatt
We caught up with Daniel Allan following the release of ‘Kiss N Tell’ on trusted label and curator CloudKid. The single marks the third time the LA based artist has teamed up with Perrin Xthona, which comes into form as a lush dance pop powerhouse collaboration. Delve into Daniel Allan’s world as he talks through his brand new single, relationship with music and the future of the project.
Futuremag Music: Hey Daniel, how're you doing in this COVID world?
Daniel Allan: Hey guys! Thanks for having me. I moved to LA in January so COVID has definitely thrown a wrench in things but I'm trying to hang in there! I'm doing all I can to control what I can control and getting adjusted on a daily basis. Doing zoom sessions has definitely been a challenge but I've also written some of my best stuff over quarantine so I can't complain too much!
Futuremag Music: You've had quite a year of releases, each positioned as an electro pop hit! Could you give us some background to your relationship with music over the years?
Daniel Allan: Thank you for the kind words! I've been trying to be consistent with releases so it's cool people are noticing!
Music has always been a part of my life. My mum grew up going to conservatory in the former soviet union and my dad grew up playing in a bunch of bands; he actually gave me my first CD when I was a kid (it was the Beetles' Sargent Pepper). My brother was never involved in music but always had a great taste for it too. He gave me his iPod Classic when I was in second grade which ultimately got me into lyricism and production down the line. I took piano lessons as a kid but quit because I couldn't really read music. In high school I started recording local rappers in my closet and started making beats when I realised they didn't have a lot of beats to work with.
Futuremag Music: Congratulations on the release of 'Kiss N Tell', it's a wonderful follow up to 'Stay the Night' and 'Peanut Butter'. Could you talk us through the production and writing process of the record?
Daniel Allan: Thank you guys! I'm stoked on ‘Kiss N Tell’. I actually made ‘Kiss N Tell’ over quarantine in my parents' basement the same week that I made ‘Peanut Butter’ and ‘Stay The Night’. I actually recall making the beat in one session and after sending it around Perrin was down to write it with me. After writing it together we sent it to a few vocalists but in the end we decided to go with the original vocal from Perrin because we felt it captured the essence of the song best.
Daniel Allan (Provided)
Futuremag Music: What does the future hold for you?
Daniel Allan: More music! Putting out music and pushing the envelope sonically has always been one of my biggest priorities. Next year's music will be a bit different, but I couldn't be more excited about sharing it.
Futuremag Music: To wrap it up, if Daniel Allan was a cocktail, what would be in it to best describe your sonic?
Daniel Allan: I'd close my eyes and throw in everything I have in the liquor cabinet because I approach my music the same way; throwing shit at the wall and seeing what sticks!