POINT OF VIEW INTERVIEW #28

PRODUCER/DJ: DNZ

From Seattle, Washington, this blissful producer, Brandon Densley, aka DNZ, brings you music that soothes the soul. DNZ, founder of Fanservice Collective and apart of Northern Natives, can inspire anyone through his minimal yet beautiful music he creates. From producing mesmerizing ambient tracks like "Lost" and "Uncertainty" to soft hip-hop jazz tracks like "Winter Loops," DNZ has a collection of wonderful works within his SoundCloud case. He has even premiered music through the popular music sharing channel, MrSuicideSheep. DNZ is an artist who is not afraid to display total emotion and vulnerability in not only his music but his photography as well. Below I had the opportunity to ask DNZ a few questions around his inspiration and music. Hope you enjoy!

Catch DNZ Friday, August 26th preform at the AMPLYFi for Fanservice's LA show! Details here!

Keep up with DNZ on:
SoundCloud: DNZ
Twitter: @brandon325
Bandcamp: DNZ
Photography on VSCO: d-n-z

Question 1: What got you into making music?

When I was in Middle school, I first got into DJing through my good friend's brother who was a DJ at the time. He gave me lessons and got me really inspired to learn how to DJ. From then on I really started to discover dance and electronic music. Once I discovered SoundCloud, it really opened up my eyes to many different electronic styles and sounds. At first I was only gonna DJ and simply post mixes, but I wanted to take music to a more serious level. Eventually I decided to pursue music production on top of DJing. After many months of learning basic music production on YouTube, I finally downloaded my first DAW ( Logic Pro ) and began learning how to produce. In the beginning I made really lame house beats, but had fun doing it. After about 2 years of learning, I finally started to develop more musically and started to make music that I truly felt was worth releasing. It took a lot of patience, but was worth the wait.

Question 2: What people intrigue you or inspire you to pursue music?

The artists that inspire me the most as of right now would be, glo, Haven, Burial, Baths, Teen Suicide, Owsey, Flatsound, Izzard, and Tomppabeats. I could probably name off 100 more, but these guys have really inspired me to keep making music and have been huge influences on my music recently.

Question 3: How would you define your style of music?

I don't really feel like I have a specific style. I honestly just make music that speaks to me. One day I’m writing really beautiful ambient music, and the next day I’m working on really dark garage tracks. I mostly release music that I like making. I don't try to force anything. DNZ isn't a sound or style, it’s just who I am and what I make. I guess it’s working out so far. My mood towards the style I want to make always changes. It really just depends on how my life is gong and what is inspiring me the most.

Question 4: What influences your work?

When writing music, I always try to replicate a specific vibe or feeling. Just like watching a movie, I want my listeners to feel a certain way when listening. I’m always being influenced by movies and specific scenes in movies. Weather it’s a very dark and moody scene, or a very bright and happy one. I always try to replicate the feelings you get when watching them.

Question 5: What is your favorite track that you have produced so far?

My track "Lost" is easily one of my favorite tracks I’ve produced so far. I still listen to it all the time.  It was a track that really just came out of nowhere. I downloaded a vocal sample that just happened to be in the same key as the song and accidentally reversed it. Oddly enough it really fit the track. It had such a nice feeling and vibe to it and was so much fun to work with. Its the one track that I didn't really stress over. Everything just felt right when making it.

Question 6: How far do you plan to take your music, any goals? Who would you like to work with in the future?

Since the beginning I have always dreamed about going on tour and playing my music in front of thousands of people. I honestly could care less about making money. I love performing and in the end if I am constantly pushing my sound out there and playing shows, I’m happy. It’s all about the music, and never the money. If I can do all that and not have to deal with all of the industry bullshit, then I’m happy. In the future I hope to one day work with my two favorite artists "glo" and "Owsey". Those 2 guys really inspire me and I feel like we could push out some incredible music if we ever had the chance.