He's spent a lot of his career thus far producing and writing music with some of the world's biggest stars, but Dante Leon is ready for his moment in the spotlight. In fact, he's been ready: growing up with a recognized reggae musician as a father, Dante's journey with music started when he was a child, and he was already attending an arts school at the age of 8. Throughout high school he expanded his network and a move to LA in 2013 opened a lot of doors when it came to working with bigger artists, and Dante has already clocked writing credits for Cody Simpson, DVBBS, Post Malone, Roy Woods and Oliver Heldens, among others.
While he's just launching his career as a solo artist, this guy is basically an industry veteran, and it shows in the music. He's releasing two new tracks today which we are happy to premiere here on Complex. "Pedal 2 The Floor" is an energetic hip-hop track which features production from Zepp and co-production from Dante himself; "Fly Away" is a smooth R&B cut where Dante shows off his vocal prowess and seasoned songwriting skills. Listen to the two tracks below, and then read on to learn a bit more about this talented artist.
As someone who has worked as a songwriter and producer for others, how does the creative process differ when it's your own music?
The difference is the mindset; when I'm writing or producing for other people, the challenge is always to remove myself from me and put myself in the position of the other artist. What is dear to them? My own music is literally my life; things that I'm doing, things that I've done, how can I communicate that in a song through lyrics. Example: I wrote "Fly Away" because I needed a vacation, I still need a vacation.
Are you focused on making your own material these days or will you continue to work with other artists on production and writing?
Currently I'm focused on my EP, but once in a while I make some material that I initially with the intention of adding to my EP. But then slowly the direction starts changing and it becomes something that I'm like "Yea so and so will do this track justice, let me reach out".
What are your thoughts on the shift in the music industry we are seeing to a more DIY model with less label infrastructures? And not to mention the development of streaming platforms as the new distribution method?
I love it! The cream will always rise to the top and it becomes easy to see the artists that are working for longevity and those that are simply aiming for some quick change. Labels are still necessary, but as a partner as opposed to as a boss. I think artists are learning more how to do things themselves: create their own press release, setup their own tours based on demand, and even release their own music through the proper channels. Streaming is a big factor in that because platforms like Apple Music and Spotify and even Deezer are creating direct to artist communication. I can tell through things like Spotify Insights exactly where my number fan is (it's still my mom though).
You have done some amazing things with renowned artists. What advice do you have for young artists who want to do similar things but don't know where to start?
My management always teaches me that it is a business at the end of the day, and like any other business, you have to set goals, think in quarters, have the right paper work and constantly network. For me the networking side comes easy because I'm an outgoing guy, but everything else are things that I'm still learning and building on. And I recommend for new artists out there to do the same; create your team, set your goals and delegate, delegate, delegate.
