D.A.J gets inspiration from dancehall and trap music
This week, our Star On The Rise is a millennial in every sense of the word, or at least considering his individual drive and international musical influences. Twenty-six-year-old Kyle Johnson goes by the stage name D.A.J — representing his middle and last initials. As millennials are known to trod off the beaten path and seek success in innovation, D.A.J does not disappoint.
This aspiring recording artiste is making dancehall music influenced by America’s newest pop sound — trap music.
In pursuit of musical stardom, he hopes his climb to the top will be completely independent.
“Everything has its place, like record labels. But I’m pursuing this independently because I want people to take on to the message. I want people to recognise my art and talent,” he said.
He is currently employed full-time as a property manager, but D.A.J hopes to dive into music full-time next year.
“It might sound cliché, but music has been with me from birth. My father was a musician. Most of my family members sing or play an instrument. Music was like a third parent for me,” he told THE STAR.
With such an affinity for music in his blood, D.A.J explained that he doesn’t really have a defined style. His own sound is unique because you’ll never find him listening to just one genre.
“Right now, it may be weird, but I’m listening to two artistes. Lava Ground (2005) by I-Wayne and Gunna — a rapper from Atlanta,” he said.
Positioning himself for 2019, D.A.J is laying the groundwork for his first official single release called Money Haffi Mek, produced by Cyanide Records. “That will be released before the year ends,” he said.
Following that, he plans to drop a slew of singles to build up a fan base, and he already has a number of these tracks recorded and waiting.
“I record every weekend. I’m in the studio all day Saturday and Sunday. I have five tracks in the catalogue to be released, I’m just going to drop singles and go wherever they take me — see what the future holds,” he said.