When it comes to freshly baked talent, Dane is as irresistible as a buttery croissant fresh out of a Parisian bakery – soft, warm, and unforgettable. With a voice so smooth it could melt right into your soul, Dane is the kind of artist you can’t help but pay attention to. If musical legends like Babyface and Brian McKnight were on the lookout for new collaborators, Dane – and his equally talented labelmate Riaan – would be the perfect candidates to take Soul and R&B to a whole new level.

Dane’s debut single, Selfie, is not just another track on a playlist. It’s a minimalist gem, combining true emotion and a simple yet powerful arrangement that has left me, literally, speechless. With just his voice and guitar, he draws you into a world of longing and confusion, inspired by the difficulties of love and relationships. The song is a reflection of his personal experience, and it is also something universal that many of us can relate to.

Just as Dane released his debut single, I had the chance to sit down with the artist to talk about the creative process behind Selfie, the decisions shaping its intimate vibe, and Dane’s journey from K-pop trainee to self-made singer-songwriter. I also explored how his sound developed and why he chose a stripped-down approach for his debut, presenting the true depth of his voice.

Dane also opened up about working with producers like BOYTOY, his growing love for R&B, and the joy and challenges of putting his heart into every note. Oh, and for all the fans out there – there just might be some dancing in his future!

When I think of the artists who’ve inspired me, they often moved me with just a few instruments. Maybe that’s why I tend to keep my arrangements simple when I work on my own music. – Dane

View of the Arts: Your debut single, Selfie, is superb. I can’t stop listening to it. The lyrics bring raw emotions of confusion and longing in a relationship. Can you share the inspiration behind the story? 

Dane: First of all, thank you so much for liking the song. You know, when you’re in a relationship, you tend to take a lot of photos of each other and keep them on your phone. But when things don’t work out for some reason and you break up, what’s left are the photos of that person on your phone. I’ve found myself looking at those pictures, especially when dealing with a sudden and confusing breakup. While this is a personal experience, I think many people have gone through something similar, so I wanted to create something that listeners could relate to on a deeper level.

VOA: The song’s simplicity, with just your voice and guitar, creates a personal feel. What was your thought process in choosing such a minimalistic arrangement for this track, and how do you think it enhances the emotional impact?

Dane: When I think of the artists who’ve inspired me, they often moved me with just a few instruments. Maybe that’s why I tend to keep my arrangements simple when I work on my own music. When I first created this track, there was a drum part in the second half, but as I listened more, I felt like the drum didn’t blend well with the rhythm of the guitar, so I decided to remove it. In doing so, it allowed more focus to be placed on my vocals. However, without the drums, there was a risk of the song feeling less dynamic and maybe even a bit monotonous. To avoid that, I tried to layer different instruments and sounds throughout the song, building up the atmosphere as it progressed. I think listening to how the instruments come in and out in each section could be something fun to notice as well

VOA: The lyrics reflect the struggle to communicate and understand a partner’s feelings. How did you approach songwriting, alongside Riaan and Gen Neo, when dealing with emotional themes?

Dane: In all of my work, I try to incorporate my personal experiences. For this track, I really put in the effort to reflect my own experiences and emotions. I also shared these deeper stories with Riaan and Gen Neo, helping them connect with the feelings behind the song, and together we brought it to life as a complete track.

I wasn’t someone who originally listened to or enjoyed R&B, but Daniel Caesar completely changed my life. – Dane

VOA: Vocally, your performance feels very connected to the lyrics. How did you balance technical vocal execution with bringing the emotional intensity of a song like this one?

Dane: The song itself is structured in a way that really allows the vocals to stand out, so even with just a little emotion, it can be amplified. Because of that, I tried to sing in a relaxed and effortless way. I also avoided using too many vocal techniques, as they could disrupt the overall mood of the song. Instead, I focused on bringing out the natural tone of my voice.

VOA: Selfie celebrates your debut as a singer-songwriter and producer. What does this song represent for you as an artist, and how does it set the tone for your career moving forward? 

Dane: In 2019, I was a trainee at Kakao Entertainment, preparing for an idol debut. Although my dream had always been to be a singer-songwriter, I put that aside during my trainee days. However, the more time I spent as a trainee, the more I realised that the K-POP idol path wasn’t the right fit for me, so I decided to leave. Afterwards, I continued pursuing my dream of becoming a singer-songwriter on my own, and by chance, I met producer BOYTOY. I felt that his direction aligned perfectly with what I wanted to achieve, and that’s how we ended up working together on my debut track. This song is incredibly special and personal to me. And growing up, I looked up to artists who inspired me, and they shaped my dream of becoming a singer. Now, I want to take the path they paved and express it in my own way.

VOA: As mentioned before, your debut track, Selfie offers a very personal narrative. Why did you choose this song to introduce yourself to the world?

Dane: This song has a much more minimal arrangement compared to others, creating a very chill vibe, which I felt made it the perfect choice for my debut. It’s not too over the top, but it’s also not too soft – it strikes the right balance. In fact, I had several other options in mind for my debut track, but those will be released step by step in the future.

VOA: Your style, blending R&B with a stripped-down acoustic vibe, is really powerful. How did you develop your sound, and who are some of the musical influences that shaped your artistic identity?

Dane: I wasn’t someone who originally listened to or enjoyed R&B, but Daniel Caesar completely changed my life. The moment I first heard his song Get You, I was instantly captivated by the ethereal ambiance and groove. From then on, I got deeply into the R&B genre and started listening to a lot of R&B tracks. While there are many elements to R&B, I think what drew me in the most was that dreamy yet comfortable groove.

I hope listeners take the time to interpret the musical message I’m trying to convey. – Dane

VOA: What has been the most surprising or challenging part of your journey leading up to this debut?

Dane: In a way, it’s just one song, but I’ve realised how much effort goes into bringing that one song into the world. There are so many steps in the process, and pouring my passion into every one of them has taken a lot of energy. That’s why this debut feels even more valuable to me.

VOA: As someone who’s just debuted, what’s the biggest message or impression you want your audience to take away from Selfie?

Dane: I wanted to firmly establish Dane as an artist in the minds of the public. Rather than being an artist who makes predictable, conventional music, I want to be someone who delivers genuine, heartfelt music.

VOA: I heard you are also a great dancer. Can we expect you to dance for the next release?

Dane: If I have the chance, dancing is something I really want to try at least once. I believe dancing is also an important part of performing as a singer, so I definitely don’t want to miss out on that. And if you, my fans, want to see it, I’m always ready!

VOA: Is there a music/artist you like which/who never fails to make you feel good?

Dane: Christian Kuria, is my inspiration and my role model.

If I have the chance, dancing is something I really want to try at least once. I believe dancing is also an important part of performing as a singer. – Dane

VOA: It is the job of the artist to win over an audience, but listening is also an active, rather than a passive, process. How do you see the role of the listener in the musical communication process?

Dane: I hope listeners take the time to interpret the musical message I’m trying to convey. Also, if you listen to the song while thinking about the effort I put into preparing it, I believe you’ll find a new layer of enjoyment.

VOA: When you are not working on music what do you do to get away from it all and relax? 

Dane: I usually hang out with friends and have a good time or work out. I spend a lot of time at the gym, focusing on weight training. I also often play basketball by the Han River with my musical partner and best friend, Riaan.

VOA: What are your upcoming plans? Apart from promoting your debut single, are there any other projects you have planned for the future?

Dane: I’m also preparing various content for my personal YouTube channel (set to be uploaded in October). Riaan and I are planning a busking session by the Han River in mid-October. Additionally, I’m working on an EP album, and I can’t wait to complete it and share it with everyone. I hope for your continued love and support!

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image © Nostalgiaa Records

_{View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We hope our audience will grow with us as we explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}