Interview With Daniel Blade
We sit down with esteemed DJ and producer Daniel Blade. One of the purveyors of Malta’s nightlife as the head of Yakuza and resident for the infamous GRINGOS, we find out more about the artist in this exclusive interview…
Can you tell us about your forthcoming release on 7rituals, ‘Good To Me’? What inspired the tracks and what can listeners expect?
This is one of my favourite EPs i ever produced, all different to one another and have been getting some very good feedback from big artists. ‘Good To Me’ is an emotional rollercoaster, whilst ‘Akumal’ is darker. ‘Mujeres’ is groovy but melodic. I think it is the perfect fit for 7rituals.
How would you describe the electronic music scene in Malta, and how has it influenced your sound and career?
I believe we have a good scene going on, especially lately we have so many festivals going on in summer, thousands of tourists come to Malta, and every weekend you can find big names playing here. I need to be versatile, playing at Yakuza gives me more freedom to express myself whilst playing UNO in Summer. If the crowd is in the thousands you always have to adapt and keep the crowd happy whilst keeping your identity!
What’s your relationship with 7rituals like? How did the collaboration for this release come about?
7rituals are like my new family! All the people working there are on a mission to grow and all artists help each other with one aim. When i was approached to join it was an easy yes! Sky is the limit for 7rituals moving forward.
As the head honcho of Yakuza party in Malta, can you share some insights into the concept behind it and what makes it unique?
Yakuza has also been going for over 10 years and we have had all the big melodic acts… It’s the biggest melodic night in Malta and has been for the last decade, crowd is always up for it and its my favourite place to play.
With performances lined up at Trip Festival with Fisher in June, Elrow in September, and more, how do you prepare for such high-profile gigs?
I believe one should treat every gig with the same importance, so playing at a festival or small crowd event should require the same high level of dedication. It’s always an honour for me to be included in festivals like these in Malta. I played Trip last year at a melodic stage with Fideles, Colyn, Brina Knaus and Space Motion. Elrow i have played many times in Malta and once in Sicily. Festivals are always fun as you get many ravers from around the world in one place.
What drives your creative process when producing music? Do you have any rituals or routines that you follow?
For me it’s always about feelings… what you feel in the moment. I’m mostly inspired after an event, testing new music whilst performing will always give me a clear indication of what’s working and what’s not, but I still like to play around and see where the music takes me.
How do you see the current state of electronic music evolving, and what role do you hope to play in shaping its future?
The scene is always changing and evolving. Melodic is now in the big room & main stage and who knows what will happen in the next 3 or 4 years. So i believe i should try put out fresh music out there, also for my DJ sets, people don’t want you to play the obvious same tracks or else they will forget your name the minute your set finishes.
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers looking to break into the industry?
Work hard, no shortcuts… be versatile in the beginning of your career and create your own brand and identity. Always believe you can do it, you will be rejected many times but dedication and persistence in everything, Attend events and connect with others artists and promoters, put yourself out there.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your music career in the coming years?
The ultimate goal for me is playing a new city every other weekend, so a full calendar around the world will always be my ultimate goal. This can be achieved by more work in the studio ofccourse but I’m determined to make it happen.
