Daktyl‘s interview with FUXWITHIT is a peek into what inspires him to create unique music that feels like the future, but feeds nostalgia.
Marrying Hip Hop rhythms with soulful vocals, and big-bass drops with ancient instrumentals, this talented creative brings together elements that seem like odd couples into tangoing relationships. Daktyl draws out their harmonies just as he has drawn out fans from across the globe. His recent release, ‘Weather’, out now through Counter Records, shows that this 20-something artist is still growing and changing. He’s navigating the terrain of sound created throughout this world-whether its sampling hang drums he played himself in a Japanese bamboo forest, smashing a coffee cup full of pebbles, or recording in isolation out in the wilderness of the western United States, Daktyl proves to be adept at finding ways to keep his music evolving and bringing it to his audience.
After playing Electric Forest’s second weekend this year, and a second performance, in Rothbury, Michigan, he headlined a show at the Brooklyn Mirage, in New York, and is now diving down under to Australia (tour dates below).
Here is what he had to tell us.
When did you first fall in love with music?
When I was 10 my school teacher gave everyone in his class a CD filled with amazing music. I heard ‘Around The World‘ by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and immediately wanted to play guitar.
‘Weather’ has a fresh sound. Where did the inspiration for that style of sound come from and did it come before or after the lyrics?
Thanks! It came around after the majority of the song structure, in terms of chords and vocals, had been written. After that the production flowed really quickly. I think I finished it in 2 weeks.
You have called ‘Weather’ your take on a love song. What do you mean by that?
I guess because it’s not really a classic, soppy love song. It’s also one of two love songs I’ve ever written so that wording felt appropriate.
What is the best part of the track in your opinion?
I really love the build up to the first chorus/drop. It feels oddly nostalgic to me, I wanted to touch on the chaotic nature of love.
Everywhere I go I try and meet local musicians and find new instruments. I have instruments from every continent now.
How has your sound changed since you have traveled, and seen the world?
It’s changed massively. Everywhere I go I try and meet local musicians and find new instruments. I have instruments from every continent now. For example when I was in Kyoto I ended up in a bamboo forest, and there was this incredible hang drum player that just sat in the middle of nowhere playing. I had never heard a hang drum, it was such a beautiful sound. It’s basically a tuned steel drum, but they’re really rare and expensive because the company only made a few thousand of them. Long story short I ended up making friends with the guy and he let me play the drum for hours. I sampled a lot of it and have been using it a lot in my production.
Can fans expect to hear some throwbacks during your upcoming performances, or will you be sharing mostly new music?
A bit of both!
The ability to switch everything off, not have any wifi and just get lost in the music that those places offer is really special to me.
I read you like to record music in isolation, such as in Yosemite Park or in the woods. What’s there, or not there, that allows you to make music?
I am definitely most creative when I’m by myself. The ability to switch everything off, not have any wifi and just get lost in the music that those places offer is really special to me. For me personally it always results in the best music.
Have any specific places inspired your songs?
Absolutely. The song ‘Lazy Susan’ was inspired by a trip to China. It uses a lot of Chinese instrumentation…the name came from every restaurant having a Lazy Susan, I found it quite interesting and funny at the time and thought it’d be a funny name for a song.
I’ve also read that you play a lot of instruments. What is your favorite and why?
Guitar…I just love the sheer number of tones and sounds you can get out of that instrument. I would definitely say I’m a guitarist before any other instrument.
Opening for Bonobo has been a huge honour and an amazing experience.
You have opened for a lot of well-known artists. Which was the most memorable so far?
Opening for Bonobo has been a huge honour and an amazing experience. His live show is so incredible and the band is so so talented. Not to mention they’re the best people, we always have a great time.
Who would you like to collaborate with next?
I would love to collaborate with someone like Jon Hopkins or Oneohtrix Point Never.. John Frusciante is still top of the dream collab list!
Do weird shit!
You’ve spoken on the importance of experimentation. What tips can you provide to producers to be unlock their creativity?
Do weird shit! Fill up a coffee mug with pebbles and record yourself smashing it with a hammer…then reverse the sound and distort it beyond recognition… idk, anything! The possibilities are endless. If you feel creatively blocked just try and do sound design till something inspires you.
What are you most looking forward to for the remainder of the year?
I’m touring in Australia in about a week, it’s my first time down there and I cant wait. I’m also finishing up so much new music which I’m beyond excited about.
Tour Dates
July 6: Mr. Wolf – Canberra, AUS*
July 7: Villa – Perth, AUS*
July 12: The Helm – Sunshine Coast, AUS*
July 13: The Metro Theatre – Sydney, AUS*
July 19: Fat Controller – Adelaide, AUS*
July 20: The Met – Brisbane, AUS*
July 21: Northcote Social Club – Melbourne, AUS*
Aug 5: HARD Summer – Fontana, CA+
