Henry, 24 March 2021. Photo by: Carsten Windhorst

Henry Daniel

DMCWORLD grabs a world exclusive with Henry Daniel as he drops new single ‘Shake That’, a hugegroove-laden tech house tune. The track is also the debut release on Lift Me Up Records, Capitol Records’ new dance imprint, which is being steered by Cool FM & BBC Radio 1 DJ Connor Coates.  Just 21-years-old, Bath-born Henry Daniel is currently studying at BIMM College in London. Coming from an accomplished musical family, he is a multi-instrumentalist and has been writing songs as far back as he can remember. However it’s only in the last five years that he has begun producing music and developing his raw sound. Let’s find out some more from the west country music wizard…

 

Hi Henry, welcome to DMC! Congratulations on the release of your debut single ‘Shake That’, how does it feel to have it out in the world?

It feels like a massive weight off my shoulders. I’ve put so many years of hard work into my music, and I feel like it’s all led up to this moment. I can finally share my music with the world!

It’s your debut release, but how long have you been working on music? 

Honestly, for as long as I can remember. I just remember always being fascinated with music, playing a range of instruments from piano to bass to guitar. When I was about nine years old, my older brother showed me how to use GarageBand and I started getting interested in how music was made. I used to love messing around with loops and different sounds and just seeing what I could come up with. I started to get into music production seriously when I was 15. I decided from that point, I was really going to put my focus and effort into music.

How did the track come together for you, and which artists have inspired your sound so far?

The track actually came together from a combination of different genres of electronic dance that I listen to. I had just come back from Reading festival, and I was feeling so inspired. It’s no secret that my sound and ‘Shake That’ have heavy Disclosure influences; I’ve been listening to them for over 10 years now. Artists like SG Lewis and KAYTRANADA are big influences for me too.

How does it feel to have been signed to Lift Me Up?

It’s incredibly exciting to not only be a part of Universal Music Group, but also be at the forefront of a brand-new dance label, ‘Lift Me Up Records’. It’s going to be exciting to see the label grow in the next few years and to know that I was at the very beginning of it!

If you could send the ‘Shake That’ stems to anyone, who would you choose to remix the track and why?

It’s a good question! It’s so hard to pick one, but I’d probably have to go with ZHU. I feel like his productions are just so unique and exciting. He has such a nice twist on different sounds, I feel like he could completely transform ‘Shake That’ into something brilliant!

And if you could work with any vocalist, who would you choose to sing on your next release and why?

Again, so many to choose from for different reasons. But I have always wanted to work with Aluna Francis (AlunaGeorge). I think her voice is so unique. There’s a certain gaspiness to her voice that I can’t really describe, and it fits so well with dance music, everything she sings, just feels so angelic and pure. She’s someone I would love to work with in the future.

You’re currently studying at BIMM – are you enjoying it and what does a typical day look like for you?

Studying at BIMM definitely has its benefits. I was able to move to London, meet great people, other exciting artists and learn from industry professionals.

I was able to learn from people who are really in the industry as well as learning how to use new equipment et cetera. My advice however for anybody who’s thinking of going to BIMM is, to not rely on it solely. You have to be making moves yourself, to be getting out there and working hard, and not just think a music degree will do everything for you.

Any other up and coming artists that you recommend we check out?

Yes, there are a few vocalists I’ve actually been working with the past few months. Here are some to keep an eye out for – Barry Hendy, Nayana, Miruna Spiridon, and Zach Harrison. I also love alternative rock music.

What else can we expect from you in the coming months?

I think you’re going to expect to see me really come out of my shell now, and show the world who I really am and what I’ve got to offer. I’ve kind of been hiding away in the past few years just trying to hone my craft. Now that I feel like I’m getting to that point, I can let my personality shine through and focus more on a live act and getting more music finished. Expect to see a lot from me!

Finally, what are big 5 tunes you have on repeat at the moment?

Marus Cito – Medicine

lui loco – Hooked

Oden & Fatzo – Lauren (I Can’t Stay Forever)

WH0 – Feels

Never Dull – Try 2 Luv

@henrydaniel