Romantic Homicide is out now!
Image: Hope Obadan.
Houston-based emerging artist d4vd recently shared his new single, Romantic Homicide. We caught up with the musician to chat about the release, his DIY creative process, gaming and so much more!
Could you tell us a bit about how you began your musical journey, and your background in music?
My music journey as a whole is quite unorthodox. Until the age of thirteen all I was listening to was gospel. I had no intention of making music at all up to that point. I started uploading Fortnite video game montages in September 2018. As the community of the game progressed, the only way to get views on your content was to use popular mainstream music, which was categorized in gaming as “algorithm music”, but with the views and publicity that came with it, also came copyright strikes which would prevent you from collecting revenue on your videos. I would cry to my mother about the issue constantly, until one day she just told me to “make my own songs”. I didn’t even hesitate and immediately looked for ways to make music with what I had. Simply an iPhone and earbuds. Dabbling in the presets and different techniques, I quickly was able to make a few songs with no YouTube tutorials or help.
You’ve recently released your new single Romantic Homicide. Tell us a bit about the thematic exploration of the track and what prompted you to delve into it on the song?
It was a Tuesday afternoon. I wake up wanting to make a new feeling of music all the time. When it comes to heartbreak songs, they usually come from a place of preparation and expectation. I’ve never experienced heartbreak before nor have I fallen in love. I also wouldn't say I'm the most optimistic person and I tend to overthink a lot. So when I’m writing love songs, nine times out of ten there is a devastation story to follow suit. When it comes to Romantic Homicide, it was so euphoric because I really embodied the feeling of heartbreak and was able to transmit that in the lyrics and emotion.
What’s one line from the song you find at times could be stuck in your head? Or a line that you come back to?
“And I’m Sick Of Waiting Patiently For Someone That Won’t Even Arrive”
How did you craft the dark bedroom-pop-meets-grunge sonic realm the track exists within?
I actually didn’t intend for it to be placed in any pocket really. The instrumental kind of told me what needed to be said and I used the mellow tone I use in most of my songs and tried not to force the emotion, because heartbreak usually isn’t loud. It breaks you into a silence where sometimes you want to scream, but can’t.
You’ve recently shared a great music video for the track. Would you be able to explain a little more about the concept and themes behind the clip?
When thinking about a music video, I often try to grasp exactly what the listener is hearing and simply put a visual to the sound that matches the world. So when you watch the video you instantly connect it to the music. I have always been a huge fan of Japanese anime & noir films - so some of the inspiration for the base of the aesthetic came from that and then I attached themes of desolation and loneliness by only having me and one other person in the video.
How important is building a visual identity for your music to you?
It's the most important thing to me. There’s nothing more rewarding than having an identifiable visual presence. It’s something I think about and work towards everyday.
You’re an avid video game player and started teasing your early music via gameplay videos on YouTube. How do you think your passion for video games feeds into your musical output?
Gaming doesn’t fuel the music as much as it did in early 2022. I’ve kind of separated the two passions. I no longer make music with the thought of it sounding good in a video game montage haha. Music is now my poetry journal vocalized.
Could you walk us through your DIY creative process when writing and recording your music? And what do you think are the advantages of this way of creating?
I make all of my music in my little sister’s closet alone with only my iPhone and earbuds, which allows the music to be unadulterated and completely me. My thoughts, my lyrics, my emotions. Not being influenced by anything outside of my brain
What do you have in store for 2023? Will we be seeing an album or EP, and if so what can listeners expect from it?
Definitely working on a project of sorts. They can expect everything really haha. Different sounds, the competition of old sounds. Whole lot of emotions.
GET TO KNOW D4VD
An album that has had the most impact on you?
Shelter Island Heights by Scott James.
Best song of 2022 so far?
Willow by Sombr.
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
Donnie Darko.
What was the first song you loved to sing?
Let It Rain by Paul S. Morton.
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? by Billie Eilish.
First concert you went to?
Never been to one lol.
First album you ever bought?
Haven’t bought an album.
Go-to karaoke song?
Revenge by XXXTentacion.
Guilty music pleasure?
60s music.
What advice would your current self give your future self, for a year from now?
I don’t think I'd give myself any, because advice is a tactic used to expedite the learning process. If I had learned anything when I was younger before I was supposed to learn it, I feel like it would have a negative effect on my character.
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
I knew I wanted to be a musician when I was in the closet recording for over 9 hours. At that point I knew it was more than a hobby.
Romantic Homicide is out now!