D4VD

MUSIC

Jun 7

Written By Simone Taylor

Visionary artist D4VD dropped his debut EP Petals to Thorns last week. In celebration of the release, we asked D4VD some quick questions about where he draws inspiration, favorite spaces and what his funeral songs will be.

Outside of your art form, where do you find inspiration?

I find my inspiration in life itself. Waking up in the morning is a reason for song, seeing trees wave to me as hands personified is a reason for song, being able to laugh, walk, see, and hear is a reason for song. Books, movies, TV shows. Anything with complex themes I can attach myself to is inspiration.

Where do you think you get your personal power from?

I get my personal power from God for sure. Heavy believer in the Christian faith.

What is your favourite space?

Alone is my favorite space.

How much of a role do other musicians play in your work?

Other musicians are the absolute epitome of my work, specifically my producers. I haven’t yet had the time to learn production myself, but I am very good with sound and structure. So to be able to express what I’m feeling to my producers and have them be in sync with me to put it together is amazing.

Is there a specific sonic theme, genre or instrument that you draw pure joy from?

The Interstellar soundtrack for sure. Hans Zimmer is my all time favorite composer, and the emotions he invokes through his scores are unparalleled.

How does visual aesthetic come to play in your work?

Visual aesthetics come to play when I want to contrast the audio. Some people use visuals as a way to explain what they hear, but I use them to avert expectations. Making a happy song appear sad / adding elements of surprise and fear to mellow tracks etc.

RAPID ROUND

Funeral song(s)?

“Even Flow” by Pearl Jam, “Ropes” by Scott James

You have a free plane ticket, where are you going?

Tokyo

Who are you taking on a date, and where are you going? (time travel is allowed)

I’d take Hayley Williams to the Eiffel Tower

If you could change the end of any film, what would it be and what would you change it to?

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. I would have Charlie fall victim to one of the candy tricks and never gets the factory.

If you could learn one new skill instantly, what would it be?

Learn how to play every instrument

You can see more from D4VD here, and listed to Petals to Thorns here / photos by Daniel Hanslow