Spending his High School years mastering the art of songwriting and producing it seems that David was always destined to be a singer from the start, with his strong work ethic. In 2021 his hard work was showing success as he earned more than twelve million streams from his song, “Lost My Heartbreak”.
Courtesy of David J || Photography: Zach Thompson
David J has taken his talent on the road opening up for artists like Chase Rice, Mitchell Tenpenny and Granger Smith.
From Rotterdam NY, David’s music is growing successful all over creating fanbases on popular social media outlets such as Instagram and TikTok.
With a year gone by from the original release of his pop-country song, “Stay”, I caught up with David to talk producing, country music and social media.
What is your background with music?
DJ: “I actually didn’t start doing music until I was about thirteen years old - so it has only been about five years. I was watching the Justin Bieber documentary Never Say Never one day and it was so inspirational.” David recalls, “I thought it was cool that he pursued his dreams at such a young age, so I decided to give it a shot and haven’t looked back since.”
BC: If you weren’t an artist, what would you want to be doing?
DJ: “I probably would’ve continued my sports career. I have played sports since I can remember. They were always a big part of my childhood and growing up I always wanted to be in the NFL.”
BC: How does country music play apart in your life and musical career?
DJ: “Country music has been around my house pretty much my whole life. Even growing up in upstate New York, my parents played it on the radio and it was always on where I live. I feel like I connected the most with country music and the messages behind it.”
BC: Do you think you have changed musically since letting out, “Stay” a year ago and now releasing the remix?
DJ: “Yes absolutely.” David answers. “I made the first original “Stay” in my bedroom, I produced it and played all the instruments on it. I knew that it could still be a good song a year later so we decided to make a remix of it which I am very proud of.” David says. “Since then, I have only grown as a musician and now have some people on my team (Grey Area Music) who are really helping guide me professionally. I also released a song called “Lost My Heartbreak” which has over 12M streams. It’s crazy that I have been able to release these songs independently and reach so many fans.”
BC: Is there an in particular inspiration “Stay” is about?
DJ: “It is definitely about a girl with curly blonde hair.”
BC: If you could get another artist to record, “Stay” with you, who would you ask?
DJ: “I would ask Russell Dickerson. He has such a great voice and I really like everything that he has been doing lately.”
BC: You’re a singer/songwriter and producer! How did you get into producing?
DJ: “I have this habit of wanting to be good at everything I do, so I used to just stay up every night until 4AM watching YouTube videos on how to produce music.” David explains, “I didn’t have any real set plans, but I just love learning as much as I can about making music. Eventually, I got the hang of it and released “Stay.” It gained some traction and actually made it to country radio.”
BC: What is your ultimate goal for your music?
DJ: “I think, much like everyone in the industry, I want to be the biggest country artist. I see how much work it is and I am constantly striving to grow as an artist and reach those milestones.”
BC: Is there someone you always play your songs for before you release them?
DJ: “My best friend Sean Dunbar. He’s the best hype man ever. And, my dad is a very good critic as well.”
BC: What are your thoughts on all the influence social media has on music and artist in this generation?
DJ: “For my generation, I believe it is everything. I wouldn’t be even close to where I am today without social media. My song “Lost My Heartbreak” originally found its fanbase on TikTok and it really helped me kickoff my career. And to keep in touch with my fans, I go live on either TikTok or Instagram nearly every day.”
BC: What can fans be looking forward to from you?
DJ: “Lots of new music coming out and touring!”
BC: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would splurge on?
DJ: “I would buy something awesome for my parents and little brother. I want to take care of my family first!”
BC: What would be a theme song for your life right now?
DJ: “ “Time of Our Lives” by Pitbull”
BC: Any resolutions for the new year?
DJ: “I want to continue to grow and work harder every day.”
BC: And lastly, if you could say anything to the world and the whole world would listen, what would you say?
DJ: “Be nice to everyone and do what makes you happy.”