Dae One: The Creator

Let’s hop right into this forthcoming (and just in time for National Women’s Month) double album / two volume release compilation, Diamond Collective— Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?

When I first had the idea of creating this compilation album, the main thought was, “what do I call something like this?” After hearing the music we started creating, I started seeing how special each record was. I feel like all of these artists are diamonds in their own right. They all shine, so I have a special collection of diamonds that shine…plus, diamonds are a girl’s best friend!

Aside from the obvious, how then does Diamond Collective either differ and / or compare to previous Dae One entries?

It’s something totally different for a couple of reasons. Like with this project, I did my best to not have any input into the song concepts or ideas for these females to write about, I just provided a soundscape, and let them have complete freedom. Also, some of these songs combined artists that have never worked with each together before, and I know there is beauty in the energy of these records that we created.

Diamond Collective is a XCVI Recordings / R3L Entertainment & Til-Ya-Tight Entertainment release — What particular string of events actually led to your linking up with these imprints?

Well XCVI Recordings is my company, R3L Entertainment is family…like a lot of these joints were created and worked on at that studio, that’s home-base, and Til-Ya-Tight partnership is essential. Every chamber plays a major part in making this operation work to the best of our abilities.

What actually prompted your decision to craft a project of this magnitude? How did you even determine who all exactly you wanted to enlist for it?

In all honesty this wasn’t planned out in that manner to where I knew the full magnitude of this project. As I was working on it, at times it didn’t feel finished so I kept working on tracks for it and linking up with more artists. Before I knew it, we ended up with 34 songs and over 80 different artists. I had like an open door policy. I didn’t want to be trying to track artists down to be on this album. If you wanted to get down, then show up! That was my motto for this project. I just wanted it to all feel organic; nothing forced.

You’ve already worked with some of the biggest names; Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Jay Rock, SZA and Paul Wall, to name some, in the biz — Take me through a typical studio session…

It’s all about the vibe. Every session is its own thing, they all are different. But I usually like starting with the production side, making a song from scratch so I can match the mood of the artist and create something that starts the session off just perfect!

Is there anyone you haven’t worked with that’s definitely on your future wish list? Or, is the focus now strictly on your own solo / personal endeavors?

I’m a huge West Coast head! I also love Dungeon Family, so I would love to work with OutKast. I have a few others on my bucket list, too; like Scarface, Jay-Z, KanYe West, Larry June, E-40, Hit-Boy, The Roots and Doja Cat.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Dameon Garrett?

My inception into creating music, I believe, started with my childhood. I always had a love for music, and as I came of age in like high school just knew I wanted to create and make people feel the same way I felt when I heard good music.

Now you’re a native of Hawthorne, California, correct? So growing up in the ‘City of Good Neighbors’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

My musical influences range from Michael Jackson, Sade, Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men, Dr. Dre, J Dilla, Jermaine Dupri, Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, Big Pun…I’m an ‘80’s Baby!

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

I’m a hybrid of West Coast Hip Hop and Soul; there is a lot of melodic tones in my music that I use to set the tone and feeling of my records.

Where does your moniker originally derive from?

Dameon is my real name, and Dae One means “Dameon’s One Of A Kind!”

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

I think always staying true to me musically and representing what I stand for, while always reaching back and providing new opportunities to new artists.

What do you want people to get from your music?

Good Vibes! And, the message in the music. Them are my two main concerns.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?

I love Hip Hop, but I’m not in love with the Hip Hop business. I feel like we’re letting too many other people have positions of power that don’t love or respect what Hip Hop is.

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I do plan on getting more into real estate, and starting a non-profit, creating creative spaces for the youth to create music and art.

To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

So many different moments, but one that stands out is seeing Dr. Dre backstage and before I could say anything he stood up to greet me and say, “what up,” asking me how I been. It just felt good knowing one of my idols knew who I was.

What’s an average day like for you?

I get up, say a prayer and make something to eat, while I respond to messages and emails. Then, hit the studio and lock in all day till like 3am, head home and do it all over again!

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I interact with my fans no matter what. I’m a very social person, so I actually enjoy it.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

My favorite part is being creative and having that freedom to be in control. My least favorite part is dealing with all of the snakes in this game trying to do shady business.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Go for it! Don’t look back and keep going, chase your dreams and live with no regrets.

Lastly, what’s next for Dae One?

Next for Dae!? Well I’m focused on dropping the album Diamond Collective on May 12th — be sure and cop that!

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

No, I don’t think so! P.S. I Love You Momma!

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

No matter what you do, stay real and stay true! — Dae One

Connect w/Dae One Online:

Instagram

Diamond Collective

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE ON TWITTER