01Profile
A Dan D'Lion Photo
Dan D'Lion
Musician — Reading
03Interview
Where are you from?
Reading baby.
Describe your style in three words?
Don't play safe.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Stevie Wonder - Clapham Common. Rain puts a cloud over your head. But if there's anyone who makes the sunshine, it's Stevie Wonder.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Elton John - the guy is pure magic.
Gorillaz - Damon is a hero and the music will never not make me move!
Which Subcultures have influenced you?
I think it’s always important to push against mass culture. The only way for progression in art is by creating something completely opposite to what has been done before. Movements like Modern Soul - Being able to pick out a tune from decades ago and hearing it in a completely different age, and for it to sound fresh and modern. I am constantly inspired by hearing old techniques in a new light and translating them into my own music.
Disco has made a big impact on how I want my music to be enjoyed. It’s uplifting and expressive. No matter what you’re into, disco makes you get down!
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would spend it with my grandfather. I never got to meet the wonderful chap.
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
The L'Olympia in Paris is a special place. The best of the best have played there and the speakers in the floor are incredible. More venues should have speakers in the floors. I'm gunna get speakers in my floor one day. Maybe...
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Francis And The Lights. I imagine he's not bothered at all about success as he's too busy creating amazing music. He is a true force of nature.
De D'Lion is the solo project of Dan Bartlett, put together at his studio in Hoxton. Inspired by Jamiroquai, Tame Impala and N.E.R.D among others, Bartlett's twisted, honest song-writing alongside groovy, beat-driven instrumentation create the sound of Dan D’Lion. His debut EP 'BETTERMAN' is out now, demonstrating his modern approach to alternative pop music.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
The Isley Brothers - 'Summer Breeze'.
I remember when I was really young, my dad would play this track on full blast whilst cooking up a barbecue on a summers day at home. I can't remember if he put it on repeat or if I asked him to, but it got played a lot.
A song that defines the teenage you?
Rage Against The Machine - 'I'm Housin''.
I was big into skating as a kid and rage were the perfect match. I had all the albums but there was something about this tune which made me feel good!
One record you would keep forever?
Frank Ocean - 'Sweet Life'.
A perfect song in my opinion.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"'Ain't no rest for the wicked, until we close our eyes for good'. KEEP GOING. Don't ever get tired of life."
Cage The Elephant - 'Ain't No Rest For The Wicked'.
A song you wished you had written?
Sampha - 'Too Much'.
It simply says it as it is. I constantly look for ways in which to do this.
Best song to turn up loud?
Gorrilaz - 'Clint Eastwood'.
This is a jam.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
Scissor Sisters - 'Laura'.
It's catchy and effortlessly brilliant. I want to take my shirt off.
The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
Earth, Wind And Fire - 'September'.
Absolute masterpiece. Try and keep me away from the dance floor when this comes on.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
Fleetwood Mac - 'Dreams'.
Whatever night I've had, I need something to mellow me out. This would be the one to do that.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
Brockhampton - 'GOLD'.
This band is mad. So much talent between them all and the music is innovative and raw. True trendsetters.
03Interview
Where are you from?
Reading baby.
Describe your style in three words?
Don't play safe.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Stevie Wonder - Clapham Common. Rain puts a cloud over your head. But if there's anyone who makes the sunshine, it's Stevie Wonder.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Elton John - the guy is pure magic.
Gorillaz - Damon is a hero and the music will never not make me move!
Which Subcultures have influenced you?
I think it’s always important to push against mass culture. The only way for progression in art is by creating something completely opposite to what has been done before. Movements like Modern Soul - Being able to pick out a tune from decades ago and hearing it in a completely different age, and for it to sound fresh and modern. I am constantly inspired by hearing old techniques in a new light and translating them into my own music.
Disco has made a big impact on how I want my music to be enjoyed. It’s uplifting and expressive. No matter what you’re into, disco makes you get down!
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would spend it with my grandfather. I never got to meet the wonderful chap.
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
The L'Olympia in Paris is a special place. The best of the best have played there and the speakers in the floor are incredible. More venues should have speakers in the floors. I'm gunna get speakers in my floor one day. Maybe...
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Francis And The Lights. I imagine he's not bothered at all about success as he's too busy creating amazing music. He is a true force of nature.
De D'Lion is the solo project of Dan Bartlett, put together at his studio in Hoxton. Inspired by Jamiroquai, Tame Impala and N.E.R.D among others, Bartlett's twisted, honest song-writing alongside groovy, beat-driven instrumentation create the sound of Dan D’Lion. His debut EP 'BETTERMAN' is out now, demonstrating his modern approach to alternative pop music.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
The Isley Brothers - 'Summer Breeze'.
I remember when I was really young, my dad would play this track on full blast whilst cooking up a barbecue on a summers day at home. I can't remember if he put it on repeat or if I asked him to, but it got played a lot.
A song that defines the teenage you?
Rage Against The Machine - 'I'm Housin''.
I was big into skating as a kid and rage were the perfect match. I had all the albums but there was something about this tune which made me feel good!
One record you would keep forever?
Frank Ocean - 'Sweet Life'.
A perfect song in my opinion.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"'Ain't no rest for the wicked, until we close our eyes for good'. KEEP GOING. Don't ever get tired of life."
Cage The Elephant - 'Ain't No Rest For The Wicked'.
A song you wished you had written?
Sampha - 'Too Much'.
It simply says it as it is. I constantly look for ways in which to do this.
Best song to turn up loud?
Gorrilaz - 'Clint Eastwood'.
This is a jam.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
Scissor Sisters - 'Laura'.
It's catchy and effortlessly brilliant. I want to take my shirt off.
The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
Earth, Wind And Fire - 'September'.
Absolute masterpiece. Try and keep me away from the dance floor when this comes on.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
Fleetwood Mac - 'Dreams'.
Whatever night I've had, I need something to mellow me out. This would be the one to do that.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
Brockhampton - 'GOLD'.
This band is mad. So much talent between them all and the music is innovative and raw. True trendsetters.