DanteWuzHere talks about Indie artist challenges, the importance of mental health awareness, and using his gifts. He’s direct, and passionate as he goes in-depth about the state of the music industry, his intentional mindset, and new music.
Can you recall the moment you knew music was your gift and intended journey?
DanteWuzHere: My earliest memory of falling in love with music was around seven years old, but I must say I didn’t realize it was my intended journey until I was a teenager. At that point, where I grew up became the new music mecca, Atlanta, GA. Seeing all these stars being born in my backyard lit that extra spark.
What do you want Black and Brown youth to take away from you as an artist?
DanteWuzHere: I want Brown and Black youth to take away from me to NEVER give up on your passions, goals, and dreams. Anything is tangible if your mind, focus, and heart are connected to it. I know that we often don’t come from the best circumstances or environments, but focus, positivity, and determination can help you rise above anything.
What has been a significant struggle you’ve undergone while building a career as a recording artist in the creative industry?
DanteWuzHere: As an indie artist, I would have to say it is funding, but I am a beast, a go-getter, and always figure things out. Outside of that, I would say mental health and strength. You have to have tough skin while being a creative.
You’re putting yourself out there in the most vulnerable of ways. It takes a particular type of resilience and strength to continue to pursue and maintain a career in the arts.
What advice can you offer to those who have lost hope in their creativity during the times of a global pandemic and continued fight for racial equality and inclusivity?
DWH: My advice would be to channel those emotions into your art. You’d be amazed at how creating can be therapeutic. I would also advise seeking assistance in any form that one sees fit to help in their particular field of life at that time.
There are arts and artists grants out there, seek public assistance if needed, and I would recommend a therapist. Mental health is vital and often overlooked.
Aside from music, what other projects are you currently have in the works?
DWH: Aside from music, I am going back into apparel with my merchandise for my website. To add to that, my best friend back home in Atlanta and I have an apparel line called ‘Bad Language Culture’ I think we’ll create some amazing things. It’s his baby, but I am attached to the project as well.
What affects has COVID had on your creative process? Do you find you’re writing more music or going through creative struggles?
DWH: This pandemic and subsequent quarantine brought out a lot more creativity within me, I must say. Being able to sit and gather my thoughts and emotions, then put them into something creative, has been an enormous stress alleviator.
Thankfully I am one of those people used to being alone with themselves, so it wasn’t as stressful to me as others. However, I would be completely lying if I said I didn’t have some fears and worries, mostly since everything shut down, making it difficult for most to generate income.
You referenced that your new single ‘Follow Me’ pulls from the days of Terence Trent D’Arby. How has D’Arby influenced your musicality?
DWH: What’s interesting about that is I am a HUGE Prince fan, but I listen to Terence Trent D’Arby regularly. “Sign Your Name” is my favorite song by Terence. It just has these feels that take you to a place.
I feel like I get that same feeling when I listen to my single “Follow Me.” My former A&R from RCA Records pointed out that it feels reminiscent of D’Arby, so I can’t take the full credit for that, but I will say I feel like Terence is one of those forgotten gems who doesn’t get the props he deserves. He, along with Prince, Michael Jackson, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and OutKast, heavily influenced my sound. My love for music and my musical influences also dive into all genres and all sounds.
What advancements would you like to see in the Music Industry?
DWH: I would love to see better care for professional working musicians. Emergency relief funds, health care, dental. All the things that people in the workforce get access to. There has been some change in helping make sure we get paid more and fairly with the pass of The Music Modernization Act, but we will have to wait and see.
“The grind is real. There are no shortcuts. But what’s the alternative? Don’t quit one meter before you strike gold. Keep moving forward and creating the life of your dreams.” – Prince – The words of Prince pulled from the Bio page on your site. How are you living and creating your dream? What is your dream?
DWH: There are no shortcuts! I have been at this for a while, and I now look at it as “anything worth having doesn’t come swiftly or easy,” so I keep pushing forward.
My dream is to have a few Grammys and other music awards, and use my platform to do youth motivational speaking, travel the globe, have multiple means of residual income.
I want to own some land, take care of my family, loved ones & friends, and create beautiful music for myself and writing and arranging for others.
I love music, and I know it is my purpose.
Photo Dior Davis @diordavis
Stylist Theo Hanson @stylebytheohanson
Grooming Frederick W. Sanders @fred4face
Jewelry (Fallen Angel Cuban Necklace, Toxic Flame Cuban Link, Essential Spike Earrings) RARE-ROMANCE
Jewelry (Interger Bracelet) Vitaly
STAY SOCIAL WITH DANTEWUZHERE
www.dantewuzhere.com
IG: @dantewuzhere
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