After following up his much-loved 2022 EP 'OPEN' with a string of powerful anthems throughout last year, fast-rising artist DAJÉ returns for 2024 with his emotive new single 'I Wanna Know'.
Teaming up with Trey Havens for his latest release, 'I Wanna Know' makes for a wonderfully smooth and driven returns. Adopting more of that fresh and tantalising aesthetic he is known for, he is certainly returning for the new year in fine form here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and influences over the years.
What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
Michael Jackson was the first artist I've ever had an infatuation with. His music was so inspiring in every aspect that there was no way you didn't want to become him. When I was younger, around 9, I found out about him and just copied his every move—"Stole his whole damn flow," as some people would say—and I even had my aunt buy a hat for me to wear like his iconic fedora. There was something about Michael being perfect in every aspect of his performance that made me fall in love with his music and everything he did. And I now strive to be just like him in every aspect and to have it all be positive as well.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger, and if so, what did they sound like?
I've never been in a band, but as a kid, I always fantasized about being in a band and being the lead singer. I have three siblings, and when we were kids, we used to love just making stuff, so as kids, we would always make our songs and show them to our parents, and our parents would always watch and be supportive. I'm sure at that point, as kids, we sounded terrible. I mean, we were kids with lots of imagination after all, but looking at it now, it was amazing to have a vision of forming a group when I was that young. And if you think about it in a way, a band is just like a management team or PR team. Each person plays their instruments at their best to lead the whole group to a successful show, and my team and the people around me would say is my band'.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
My major life experiences have been my primary inspiration, and I hope that never changes. Most people now, I feel, are making music to make money, and that's far from my goal. When I feel things, I write and sing, almost as if my gift on this earth is to feel. When I go through a breakup, I compose and write a song. If depression comes back, I will compose and write a song. If I go broke, guess what? I compose and write a song, and that's just how I work and where my inspiration comes from. Making music is almost like therapy for me; inspiration is just another vessel for you to create, and that's exactly what I do.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
No song at all. I feel everyone who has written and created a song is entitled to their own words, and you should not wish to have created it. You should create something like it. That is exactly why influence is such a great thing in music. For years, things have been reused, chopped, sped up, and maybe even deleted, and all that means is that we have years and years of music to keep creating and taking inspiration from. If I were to sit here and wish I had written a song, I would have less time to focus on writing one myself. And that's how I truly feel.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
I would relive the joy of creating my first song and being in that moment. In my opinion, one of the greatest parts of making music is the progress, and when I was making my first song, I had no idea I'd be where I'm at today. Reliving the first time I discovered what I could do with layers and my voice and the joy I felt from that, I would want to be able to experience it one last time. The start of my dream seems to be the part I look back on the most and smile to myself, and honestly, even though that song may be completely worse than all of my others following, I still have a love for it and the time I took to create it.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
I want to share the stage with Tyler, the freaking creator. It's my dream; Tyler's energy and positivity are infectious, and he's not afraid of being himself. His music embodies himself, and that's something that I love and a quality I wouldn't give away for any price of money. I believe that one day I will share a stage with him; whether he is old or it was all by accident, I believe and manifest that it will happen.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
Oh, there are tons! To name a few, of course, Tyler the Creator, Lil Nas X, Trippie Redd, Teezo Touchdown, Benee, $uicideboy$, Lil Yachty, Iann Dior, and so many more. If there was one I had to choose immediately, it would be with 'Ye', formally known as Kanye West. Despite the controversy, that man inspired me as well to be the artist I am today, and I feel like I could make one of the greatest songs ever if me and Ye were on the same track!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
When people hear the name DAJÉ, I want them to think of many different things, not just the music. Within the next 5 years, I feel that it will be almost the start of a brand. I pride myself on including everyone in my life and my artistry as cohesive, making the next 5 years emphasize the importance of the people supporting me. I will be doing shows and touring across the world, spreading positivity and the messages in my music, and creating and capturing music videos and audio storytelling experiences. I will continue to grow my business and let others discover how they can do the same too. In 5 years, DAJÉ should be a word and name somebody can smile about, and I'm determined to make that happen.
DAJÉ's new single 'I Wanna Know' is available to stream now. Check it out below.
Comments