By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Described as “an intense and dreamy trip where industrial/gothic hardship meets calming shoegaze-influenced resignation,” Dan Potter Sings has unveiled his latest hard-hitting single called “Head Above.”
His first new release for 2020, the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter based in Vancouver, Canada stands to defy genre with his music. A proud bearer of the “one-man band” label, he has churned out countless songs from his bedroom studio since he began in 2013.
The Music Bugle had the chance to chat with him about “Head Above” and more.
Music Bugle – What inspired you to put together “Head Above”?
Dan Potter Sings – I have always been a big fan of textural guitar playing. Yet, I don’t have many songs that reveal this love of ambient guitar experimentation. Sonic aesthetic aside, I write with those bad days as the main focus because it has richer artistic potential. Pain or discomfort is a stronger motivational emotion than pleasure, I would say.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your particular style of music?
Dan Potter Sings – I have given myself permission to mix as many sounds or genres I want in order to create the perfect Frankenstein. I get excited about the finished result, but all the different sounds I hear on the way to that finished song is, in a lot of ways, even better.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Dan Potter Sings – Luckily, my music-making is budget neutral. It costs me zero dollars to write, record, mix or even master. I do it all myself. As for masks, I like them – good for hiding your identity with all the security cameras around.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Vancouver, Canada to someone who has never been there before?
Dan Potter Sings – I love it for the fresher air by the beach and clean drinking water that comes down from the mountains.
Music Bugle – In what ways have you felt yourself mature as a musician over the years?
Dan Potter Sings – I have learned to let up on the perfectionism, which has increased the volume and kinds of music I let myself create.
Music Bugle – What has been your biggest struggle lately?
Dan Potter Sings – Standing out as a music producer in a world that really doesn’t necessarily need another songwriter. I wish I could also make people value music as an audio platform first and foremost again. Make music audio again!
Music Bugle – Away from music, what’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
Dan Potter Sings – I have pretty decent biceps. I can lift 35 to 40 lb. weights.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Dan Potter Sings – I can’t remember the exact quote, but I remember seeing a Tupac interview one time where he said something to the effect that he felt like only one person amongst a large crowd “gets it” and that he feels he’s playing to just that one person.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Dan Potter Sings – Lots of heavy metal, 90’s CanRock, Today Is The Day and Age Of Electric.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you feel the need to escape?
Dan Potter Sings – I’m not a big escapist, actually. I am born and raised in the city, so I am used to the so-called hectic bustle, but I like to take detours off the regular path deep into the trees with nature.
