Daniel Arison Describes Being “Selfish”
In a somber introspective Singer-Songwriter Daniel Arison reflects on self-absorption
Singer-songwriter Daniel Arison is a master of pulling at heartstrings—crafting deeply personal and universally relatable tracks—steeped in nostalgia and stellar songcraft. Raised in Miami, Florida, Daniel grew up immersed in diverse cultures and musical styles, fostering an early passion for creativity and self-expression. Naturally drawn to artistic pursuits, he honed his skills on various instruments, experimented with songwriting, and even explored acting throughout his childhood. As a perceptive pop artist, Daniel uncovers inspiration in the raw, unfiltered truth—channeling real-life experiences and relationships into his music. His soul-stirring storytelling prowess, boosted by his endearing personality, has captivated audiences, earning him millions of views on YouTube and an active social media following. Following the success of intimate, reflective singles “High School” and “Anything in Common,” Daniel embarks on a bold new chapter of self-awareness and evolution. With a new album on the horizon—he lays his soul bare—brazenly embracing his strengths and flaws to create music that is unapologetically himself—lighting the path for many others on a similar journey of self-improvement, forging ahead towards self-acceptance and inner peace.
As the heart of his upcoming album—inspiring the direction of the project—“Selfish” represents the pinnacle of Daniel’s artistry thus far. The track takes listeners on a journey of reflection, weaving between the past and present to craft a resonant, emotionally charged narrative. Inspired by a personal experience in a close friendship, “Selfish” finds Daniel confronted about his lack of effort and self-centeredness. At first, he’s defensive—taken aback by the accusation. But as he searches his soul and reflects on his actions, he comes to a striking realization: “Maybe I am selfish after all.” He doesn’t hold back the gritty details to paint a better picture of himself. Rather, he embraces his faults with refreshing honesty. His raw lyricism, paired with a melancholic yet irresistibly catchy, timeless pop sound, creates an atmosphere both fresh and familiar. “Selfish” is a poignant reminder that making amends starts with taking responsibility. Now understanding that he “should have been there” for his friend when he needed him most, he resolves to do better next time. As listeners join Daniel in letting go of the deep breath they’ve been holding and welcome sweet relief, they’re invited to reflect on their imperfections. Because it’s a fact of life: everyone makes mistakes. And even when regret lingers, it’s possible to find solace in the shared humanity of our flaws.
Film director Nicholas Lam infuses a touch of cinematic flair into the visuals for “Selfish”—elevating the music video into something more like a short film. Through hazy flashbacks, wild nights out, and youthful shenanigans, the video masterfully captures the song’s deep sense of nostalgia and introspection. Seamlessly intertwining the past and present—viewers watch Daniel and his friend experience sugary childhood innocence—laughing over video games, playing in the yard, and sharing unfiltered joy. But as the story unfolds, the stark contrast between those vibrant, youthful days and his present reality becomes painfully clear. Now older, he finds himself caught in reckless behavior—fighting, partying, and grappling with the consequences of his choices. The visual storytelling not only enhances the themes of self-awareness but also heightens the emotional impact—encouraging viewers to reflect upon how their actions impact the relationships they hold dear. As the memories flicker between what once was and what is, “Selfish” becomes more than just a song—it’s a rare and welcome opportunity to tackle vulnerability, honesty, and transformation.
Did you always know you wanted to be a musician? What inspired you to become a singer, songwriter, and producer?
Yes! I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. I was kind of the annoying kid in the back row of the car singing about every sign I saw along the road. I was always involved in performing arts since I was a kid. Growing up I actually thought I wanted to be an actor but music kept pulling me back in.
“Selfish” is a vulnerable track—how much of the song is rooted in your own experience? Was it difficult to write from such a personal place?
100% of it!!! It’s a very personal track and is based on true life events with one of my best friends. One day I had a huge blowout with one of my best friends, we sat down and he kept screaming at me for two hours! Said that I don’t call him, I don’t ask how he is, or come by his house- basically that I’m a crappy friend. At the moment I was really defensive and denied everything. It was only a few days later that I came back home and had some time to reflect and suddenly said to myself: ah, maybe you’re right, maybe I’m selfish. And that’s how the track came to be. Personally, I love writing songs based on personal experiences. Because that’s the only way I get to actually connect to the song and feel excited that I wrote it about something real. That it’s based on real stories, with real emotions and experiences.
In what ways did “Selfish” influence the theme and direction of the album? How did you use this track to shape the style and message of the project?
Selfish was actually the first song I wrote for the album and that had a huge impact on the overall theme. At that moment I realized that I had grown up and that my life had changed forever. People that once were a part of my life won’t always be there. I changed. They changed. And that’s part of growing up.
The “Selfish” music video is quite cinematic—what was your vision for the visual storytelling, and how did you bring it to life?
I love cinematic music videos and enjoy combining acting with my music. When I write a song that is deeply personal to me, I usually can envision a music video right away! And for this one, the storytelling was very important for me. I wanted it to be very true to what I went through and therefore we built the whole story around the rise and fall of my relationship with one of my best friends.
Did you face any surprises or challenges while shooting the music video? What scenes or shots stand out to you?
I had the best time shooting this music video! I would have to say that all the scenes we shot with “The Friends” were my favorite. There was such a good vibe and energy going on, which made it so much more fun to shoot and “live in the moment”.
Do you hope to inspire others to embrace reflection and growth with “Selfish?” If fans had to take away one message, what would it be?
It’s all very personal, and all I can hope for is for people to relate to it in any way they can. Although this song is about self-reflection and regret, I feel like the main message would be that it’s OK sometimes to be “selfish”. Most of us live in a way that pleases most of the time the people around us and not really what is good for ourselves or what we want. It doesn’t mean that you don’t care about the people around you, but it just means that sometimes you can put yourself first, and that’s OK.
How does “Selfish” fit into your musical journey and evolution as an artist?
I feel like “Selfish” was the first song that truly broke my limits on what I can write on. Before this song, I was quite careful about what or who I write about, and now I feel like I can and should write about whatever I’m feeling without overthinking too much.
“Selfish” was written for your upcoming album—can you tell us more about the album and any other projects you have on the horizon?
This upcoming album is about transformation, transition & change. Understanding and acceptance. It is super personal to me, and I will explore the emotions of growing up. It explores the relationships with friends, family, and self-reflection. And there are a few more surprises on the way.
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