INTERVIEW: Dann Taye drops debut single

UK-based rapper, producer and songwriter Dann Taye has stepped out as an exciting new artist with a unique sound of wide appeal. Drawing from a varied mix of influences across UK garage, hip hop, rap, pop and other genres from both sides of the Atlantic, he brings these styles together to form an original sound that’s completely his own.

Dann Taye’s artistic vision reflects not only his deep musical knowledge but also a knack for crafting songs that balance personal expression with memorable quality. Now making his official artistic entrance, he brings us the first taste of his original musical output with the debut single titled “Candy.”

The track bursts with upbeat energy, blending pop, hip hop and dance-focused elements into an uplifting and infectious club-ready anthem. Designed to get people moving and put a smile on your face, “Candy” captures the pure carefree joy and addictive grooves, establishing Dann Taye as a must watch name in the modern music scene.

Taking full control of his sound, he crafts every element of the track, bringing it to life in spontaneous fashion in his own studio. Jumping straight into an uptempo dance vibe with a house style beat, bouncy synth bass line and silky female vocal samples, Dann’s slick rapped flows enter to glide above the grooving rhythm with razor sharp delivery.

Spinning lyrics about desire, celebration and revelry, “Candy” serves up a euphoric dance pop soundscape that’s catchy and energising from start to finish. Wrapped up in smooth production, the snapping beat and hop of the bass line combine to forge an intoxicating rhythm that carries the track throughout while the intricate interplay between Dann’s vocals and the backing voice creates an engaging dynamic.

It’s a superb debut outing from an artist who marks his arrival with a unique and entirely enjoyable sound that’s sure to win over fans across the UK and beyond. As he continues to share more of his original sound with the world, we can’t wait to see what he’s got lined up next.

We caught up with Dann Taye to find out more about his musical journey so far, his debut single “Candy” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Dann Taye below.

Hey Dann, how’s things?

Hey! Things are great, thanks!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

That’s a great question! My earliest memory would have to be at around 13 or 14 years old. There was a music college in London I used to travel to at 6 am every day to attend. It was called the Institute of Music & Technology. I lied about my age just to get in because I just wanted to learn! The tutor pulled me aside, knew I had sneaked in, and told me, “If you really want to learn, make sure you’re here every day, and I’ll let you in.”

So I did! 6 am every day at the train station to make the journey to attend college. That’s where I learned all aspects of song production. It also happened to be the same school that 90s UK pop singer Gabrielle went to! Those were some good memories.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Hmmm… I wouldn’t say there’s one artist, per se! I like to take aspects of things I like from a varied amount of artists all the way back from the 80s, 90s, and to the present day. I’m forever looking for inspiration and studying everything, looking for something that resonates and sparks creativity in me.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

The best and most honest place to find inspiration is within yourself. Just look at history, for example! Some of the greatest songs ever written are all about an emotional or tough moment. When you’re putting real feelings into music, it will move you! So drawing from your own life experiences is really a great way to forever have inspiration to draw from. “Everybody’s life is like a soundtrack! You just have to put music to it.”

What was your highlight of the year for 2024?

Well, being an independent artist, it’s hard work! You’re literally doing everything yourself and having to outwork everyone. So when I started to have major record labels appearing in my emails, asking for meetings and offering potential deals, that’s when I felt like I got to a point where all the hard work is starting to show!

I’ve also started my own record and entertainment company, and I’m excited to take it to the next level and build it into something special.

What do you love about the UK music scene?

In the UK, we are very creative! Some of the most iconic bands and musicians come from here. It’s very diverse, sometimes unique, and I think we have a good ear.

There are some artists doing some great things in the UK, and it’s a pleasure to be amongst them.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

The single “Candy”? Well, that’s an upbeat Friday or Saturday night vibe! Haha!

The album, once it’s done, will be one you can listen to from track one until the end without really needing to skip anything. It’ll be a journey, and I hope people come along for the ride. The setting doesn’t really matter—paying attention and listening does.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

Well, as I said before, I studied music, so I’m not really pigeonholed into one certain style. I can switch up the style and genre at any time, and I like that! I like being diverse and unpredictable with the kind of songs I create. I just follow wherever inspiration takes me.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Interesting, hmmm… Let me think! Well, at the top of the dream list, I’d have to say Prince and Michael Jackson!

If we’re talking about people that are still around, I’d have to say Eminem, out of intrigue! When I rap, people often compare me to Eminem, so I’d be interested to see what it would be like if we worked together. That would be interesting, haha!

But hey, there are so many talented artists out there now. It’s hard to actually choose one.
Justin Timberlake, Jamiroquai, Robbie Williams, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, The White Stripes, Tori Kelly, Kanye—and so on. The list could be endless because I’m such a fan of music, period.

How did you find making your debut single “Candy”?

Do you want to know a funny story? I actually didn’t write anything down! Once I produced the beat, I went into the studio and freestyled the lyrics to the song on the spot! That’s how this song came about, haha!

What message did you want to get across with this release?

It was always supposed to be a non-complicated, feel-good, upbeat, have-a-good-time kind of track, and I feel I achieved that. It was just an introduction to what’s to come.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Charli XCX! I’ve been browsing through her catalog recently. She has some really good tunes! I’d like to collaborate with her too at some point. And Jamiroquai! I’ve revisited his music lately.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

When the album is out, I’m going to be pulling from real emotion in a few songs, so everyone should at some point be able to relate to something. We all go through the same ups and downs, good times and bad, so there will be something for everyone to connect with when it’s all done.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I’m actually in talks at the moment about a few tours and concerts in America, so I’ll have to get back to you on that one, haha!

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Well, I’m British, so I think it’s safe to say Queen after that Live Aid performance. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be British, haha! For stage performance, I’d put Robbie Williams in there. You should really take a look at his live performances—he gives 110%, and I respect it.
And lastly… hmmm, this is a tough one. It’s a toss-up between U2, Bon Jovi, and Aerosmith.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow in your footsteps?

I would say if you have a vision and passion, follow it and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It’s not going to be easy—nothing worth striving for ever is. With hard work come lessons you’ll only learn by going through it, falling 1,000 times, and getting back up again.

There will be many times when, despite all the hard work, you have nothing to show for it and no one cheering you on. That will all come later if you really follow through with your goals. So don’t sweat it! Carry on, don’t get blinded by the shiny things, and stay focused—you’ll get there eventually.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of the year?

The release of my album is coming this year, which will be great when it’s finally out there—I can’t wait for people to hear it! Then, possibly touring.

I’m also working on launching my own podcast show later this year! I’m very excited about that and where it could go—I have so many ideas! So look out for that.

I’m expanding my record and entertainment company. And I’ve also written a TV show, that may go into production sometime soon. I’ve had a few meetings with a couple of UK television channels, so we’ll see what happens. Who knows? 😉

Listen to Candy below