So our next artist in our "Meet The Artist" segment is Dave Patten. I have been more than impressed with Dave when I first heard his music. Hailing from Philadelphia, Dave is an unreal talent in this music industry. Dave Patten creates his own brand of music from start to finish. Everything you hear on the singer/songwriter’s self-produced albums – acoustic and electric guitars, piano, drums, bass, synthesized horns and string parts – is Dave. Rarely does a musician have the ability and talent to synchronize each aspect of his tracks to the exact specifications of his creative vision. It is not only these talents that Dave impresses everyone with, but also his vocals. He has the the vocal capability to hit numerous genres of music. Dave also directs his own music videos, which you can see above. They are real dope. I've included some of my favorite tracks below from Dave's album "Exposure". Enjoy the tracks, and music videos. Just wanted to give Dave a huge thank you for taking the time to do this!
1. Thank you Dave for sitting down with us today, why don’t you introduce yourself to all the readers, where your from, and a little about yourself?
I’m a musician and an artist – I write and produce my music here in Philly. I have just released my sixth album, “Exposure”, and my youtube channel just recently broke 2 million views, so I’m in a pretty good mood haha.
2. You are a jack-of-all-trades, like a Ryan Leslie, how do you separate yourself from the pack of new artists?
I work with a lot of awesome rappers and hip-hop artists. I’m a pop artist. I think those collaborations bring a lot of attention to the fact that I’m doing something different, out of the box. You have to be different like that to get any attention. You also have to produce great material and be persistent. I’ve averaged about a video/week, which has been great for creating buzz.
3. Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
Relationships are my biggest. There are a few particular relationships I’ve had that I tap into when I write songs and feed off of. They meant a lot to me at the time and still do.
4. What goes into writing a new track or when you’re making a new beat?
Everything starts out on the piano for me. When I’m in the mood I know it, and I just let things roll. Usually I’ll come up with the chorus first, and record myself singing with my phone so I don’t forget haha. Then I’ll head over to the Pro Tools rig and start producing the song. Lay piano, maybe a few strings to fill in the chorus and then I get into drums. After that it’s all just layering in small sounds that give the track character and definition.
5. Your style definitely varies, from a soulful sound to an upbeat pop sound, describe your versatility?
I like to experiment. I don’t like to do the same thing over and over again, even if I know it works. The challenge of coming up with new material is fun to me, so I try out different directions.
6. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges you face as a new artist in the game?
Exposure is the hardest part, thus why I named my most recent album “Exposure”. There are so many artists and the market is so saturated you really have to work, be persistent and consistently release great material. It’s a slow grind for sure.
7. “How Good” has been a fan favorite on the site right now, how did you link up with Meek Mill?
I met Meek on set of a video shoot. He liked my work and got in touch so I started shooting his videos (Rosé Red, Where They Do That At, Indian Bounce to name a few). After I had developed a relationship with him I introduced my music. I refused to run up on him with a CD the first time I met him. I hate when people do that to me, so I wasn’t about to do that to him. Good things take time, and real recognize real.
8. If you could work with any artist, band, or producer right now, who would it be?
Kanye West. Despite what you think about his personality, musically he’s amazing. The College Dropout changed my life haha I want to work with him.
9. There has been a huge trend of new artists coming out of the Illadelph, what do you think the reason for that is?
We’re all working our butts off out here. Plus, there was really no competition so the space was going to be filled eventually. Now here we are. My main hope is that everyone works together – I’d like to see everyone I work with on a day to day basis now up there at the top too.
10. I notice that you have released a lot of your music for free, how do you think Social Media has affected your rise as an artist?
Social Media is a huge outlet of exposure. Sure you can sell your music on iTunes, but that deters 99% of listeners from hearing your music. If you give it away for free, tons of people will download it and it give it a shot. That’s what I need right now: listeners!!
11. What is next for Dave Patten? What are some of the goals you want to accomplish in this New Year?
I’m ready to make some big moves. Meek Mill and I are looking to put out a collabo album. I’m putting the live show together for a spring/summer tour. I plan to keep shooting as many music videos for as many songs as I can, and keep on writing. I’ll probably release a new album late Summer 2011. It’s going to be a great year!
12: Dave, thank you for doing the interview, is there anything else you want to let the readers know?
If you want to make it, get out there and make it happen. It’s not overnight lol. Add me on facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dave-Patten/11362996778 follow me on twitter @dave_patten and download my new album “Exposure” free at www.DavePatten.com
How Good feat. Meek Mill [Click To Download]
Meek Mill feat. Dave Patten - Believe Me [Click To Download]
Echo [Click To Download]
Won't Give Up feat. Fese [Click To Download]
Oh No feat. Fese [Click To Download]
very dope interview!
ReplyDeletedave patten is awesome more of him!
ReplyDelete