Daniel Wesley’s Beach Music

Not much to say after this amazing title, Beach Music is the best way to describe West Coast singer/songwriter’s ninth full-length album. Daniel Wesley fills this EP with relaxing vibes that pairs beautiful with sun, hammocks, margaritas, and (regular or potential) friends.

After playing at the Dakota Tavern, Daniel shared with us a little more of his personal background to understand better his work. Find out the interview that Music Overload has for you.
 
Daniel Wesley first made his mark on the West Coast music scene in the mid-2000s with his indie debut Outlaw.’ In 2007, he followed up with two full-length records, Driftin’ and Sing and Dance. The latter included hit single, ‘Ooo Ohh’ which raised Wesley’s profile substantially and led to a multi-record deal with Vancouver’s 604 Records. Since Wesley has released multiple records including 2015’s I Am Your Man and 2016’s Live at the Commodore – recorded during his 16th sold out headlining show at the historic venue.  

Music Overload – Daniel, I can hear plenty of different genres, influences and sounds combined in your music. Every EP has its own unique vibe but at the same time I can listen to a personal brand in all the songs. Can you define your music genre, influences or sounds for us if you were forced to set a label to them? 
Daniel Wesley – Yes, I can – Beach Music. Basically, the kind of music you would want to listen to chilling in the sun with some friends on a nice hot day.

MO – I see that the lyrics are also very personal. Can you share with us a little bit more on how you come up with your lyrics or what the writing process is that you follow, if any? Is the music talking to you or do you try to set a direction for each song related with a specific memory or event in your life?  DW – It is actually a very natural thing for me. Usually I blurt something out lyric-wise while I’m coming up with the melody and that gives me a pretty good idea of where I should go with it, but I just let it all happen. I’m not sure I’ve ever written a song with a total idea in mind beforehand. That’s what I love about songwriting, it’s a journey.  

Music Overload – After so many years in the music industry I’m sure you’ve learned and added a lot of things to your material such as experience and professionalism, or have avoided mistakes that you made in the past, etc. What are the things that you feel you might be losing with time, if any? Do you feel that you sometimes miss the uncertainty/nervousness of the first time on stage? Can you tell us more about any professional push and pulls throughout your career?
DW – Being a musician is a difficult occupation. It really comes down to the relationships I’ve been lucky to have made over a long period of time. There is always someone there that I can call to get advice, or just hear me out. As for being on stage, I’ve never really been that nervous about it. But I do find that sometimes moments come and go with confidence in general, as this industry is such a “what have you done lately” kind of thing. It’s about trying to look at the long haul of having a career, that short term gains for me.

MO – “Fire” just came out – what is your approach for this song? Is it coming back to basics for you? Is it the next logical songwriting step in your career or what emotions you were going through when you wrote it?
DW – I came up with the chorus while sitting on a beach in Tofino. It just kind of happened. And I was able to write the verses when I got home which was lucky. Usually if I don’t sit and write the whole thing in one sitting I find it difficult to get back to the same headspace to match my mood. It’s like most of these songs off the new record I just had to make myself available for them to happen, both physically and mentally, which I had had a hard time doing over the last few years. But this last year everything clicked and I was able to be open for these songs. 

MO – I am sure you have plenty of stories related with gigs and jams. Would you mind sharing the craziest experience or memory you’ve had throughout your career?
DW – I’m not really good at answering these types of questions. I’m not sure if anything that crazy has ever happened to me…. LOL. 

MO – If you could give a piece of advice to new young Canadian musicians trying to find their way in the industry what would that be? Is there any advice on things they should force themselves to do or something that they should avoid during their journeys?
DW – Don’t look at what everyone else is doing. Be yourself and build on lasting relationships in this industry. If you’re in it for the long haul, you’ll need everyone you can on your side helping you along the way.

MO – We are always interested to know what the last 5 songs our interviewees have played on their Spotify/Apple Music/CD player are (or however you consume music)? Are you listening to something in particular these days?
DW – I actually don’t listen to a lot of music, or current music for that matter. But my cousin sent me a playlist for a band called The Electric Peanut Butter Company and I’m really digging what they do.

MO – Using only unexpected materials (colors, shapes, flavors, experiences) tell us how does your music sound to your own self?
DW – A sea-foam wave hitting the light coloured sand in Tahiti.

MO – Last but not least, if there were no boundaries at all, what would be your craziest wish or dream if you could ask for it in this moment?
DW – To live in Maui. That is my optimal goal.