Following the love and praise he received for his 2019 album 'Velvet Shedding', US singer and songwriter Daniel John is now back to share another warm and enticing collection of acoustic-led compositions with his new EP 'Sudden Spring'.
Taking his bright and uplifting cues from the likes of Benjamin Francis Leftwich and The Shins, the 'Sudden Spring' EP makes for a wonderfully bold and dazzling release. Filled with his usual guise of glimmering production, woozy aesthetic, and his comforting vocals, his newest release is definitely one to unwind to after a hard day's work.
So with his new EP brightening our day throughout right now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been his biggest inspirations over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar. Definitely. I stumbled across my great grandfather’s acoustic guitar in the attic at a young age and kept it in my room just to stare at. It was not playable in any way, but it looked pretty. My father also helped me build a rudimentary guitar out of a cigar box for an elementary school project. The guitar intrigued me for a long time before I started playing.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
In a general sense I would say observations of my surroundings. I’m always thinking of a place or a feeling. If music isn’t triggering some sort of emotional response I tend to lose interest.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I loved whatever was in the blogs or on the radio, but my obsession was definitely U2. I’m a walking U2 encyclopedia. I had my father take me to 3 of their concerts. I’m not really fond of any of their recent albums but I was deep into their back catalogue back in the day.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
“Bad” by U2 from the album “The Unforgettable Fire.” It was the first album Brian Eno joined them on and it changed their trajectory forever. The song is completely unconventional with The Edge acting as the rhythm section on guitar. Larry Mullen Jr.’s drumming is melodic and Adam Clayton’s bass is constantly moving. There’s also just no ceiling to Bono’s voice. When the song reaches its emotional peak it sounds like his vocal cords are shredding. It changed my expectations of what music could be. It made me feel like it could be anything.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
How could you not love the new Phoebe Bridgers album? I’m also really into “The Greatest Part” by Becca Mancari. If you haven’t heard it yet you should check it out. Beautifully written and recorded. The new Waxahatchee album “Saint Cloud” also got a lot of spins from me this year. I also love the new Dan Deacon album “Mystic Familiar.” As for this moment specifically – I recently discovered the artist Tasha and I can’t get the song “But There’s Still the Moon” out of my head. Beautiful.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
To be honest I haven’t really written many songs with people I know as the subjects. As I’ve gotten older I’ve been more interested in my personal experiences, problems, questions, surroundings, etc. I’m sure my perspective will change in the future but at the moment it almost feels like it would be airing out dirty laundry if I started writing about people I know. The only exception would be if I were able to write a true love song – but it would probably be a fool’s errand to chase that one. Whatever a true love song even is.
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
Probably pretending like I have any sort of semblance of a career. At this point I mostly make music because I love it. I spend as much time as possible doing it. There hasn’t really been much of a payout but it’s okay. In a way the most unusual moment has been realizing there’s nothing stopping anyone from doing it. If you want to make music then go for it – it’s very liberating.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
I paint somewhat often. I’m in a miniatures club with my grandmother and there’s an exhibit we enter in every year. I would also have to say ceramics, but I haven’t really done much of it since I’ve lost access to the studio I was working in. I also run – a lot. I’m not very good but I love getting outside and clearing my head. Often times I’ll write in my head and come back with all sorts of notes.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
It would have been really great to go back to school with a focus on ceramics. If I had the right degree I could have possibly become an instructor. My heart just wasn’t in it the same way. I suppose I still can go down that path, though.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
I wouldn’t bother with it if the goal was to become famous or well known. Obviously there needs to be some sort of financial success to continue doing it but that’s sort of a necessary evil. I think the most important thing to focus on is being yourself. There’s a lot of joy to be had in personal growth. It’s also incredibly rewarding to make something out of nothing. Just be in it for yourself.
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Daniel John's new EP 'Sudden Spring' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in full via the player below.