How did you start?
I first started cutting my teeth as a musician and a DJ at the University of Maryland college radio station, WMUC 88.1FM. I used to play in hardcore punk bands and we would record and play shows in their studio. It’s also where I became fascinated and obsessed with turntablism and wanted to learn how to mix hiphop and funk records. Ironically, after I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science, I dove headfirst into doing music full time.
Where are you based?
I’m originally from the Washington D.C. area, but currently based in Los Angeles.
Please give an example of your music creative process?
I love to find and create loops using Ableton Live. It can be anything from a sampled record or me looping live guitars or vocals. From there, I like to build drum patterns around the loop ideas. Sometimes vice versa. I’ll bang on drums for a bit and try to establish a groove, then build off of that. I love messing with percussions, it’s my usual “go-to.”
What are you working on right now?
At the moment, I’m working on a solo EP drawing inspiration from moombahton, dembow, latin ska, punk and dub.
What is your gear setup?
Nothing glamorous, just a laptop and a beat pill. Haha! I travel a lot, so I have to keep it as minimal as possible. I’ll try to get in an actual studio when it’s time to mix down or cut vocals.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
I try to be as politically active as possible, supporting social justice organizations such as the ACLU and other non-profit organizations that are fighting and resisting our current administration. I actually just did a 2 month tour where I did benefit parties supporting local non-profit and charity groups in each town I played in. To me, music is political. Today’s political climate has most definitely affected how I approach and create music.
I’m also really into doing sensory deprivation tank sessions. It’s been a very therapeutic experience, physically and mentally. It’s like taking a wild trip into your mind and it does affect my music on a deeper level.
How would you describe your music genre?
I’m most known for creating the genre moombahton, which is a fusion of reggeaton and house music. I’m still super immersed in the sound and its evolution, but I’m also known to stray and explore deeper realms, be it experimental or housey.
Do you know any music theory?
No.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to wrap up my EP soon and then work on my upcoming remix EP project for Fania Records. It’s been so dope to dig into their vast catalog of classic latin soul, jazz, and salsa music. So many legends, it’s insane.
How did you get into music?
I grew up with 4 brothers who got me into hip-hop, punk, and rave music. I became obsessed with music and it wasn’t until my cousin Jason started taking me to punk shows as a teen and exposed me to some of the most amazing live show experiences. No joke, I think we went and saw Fugazi at least 30 times. I immediately started doing punk bands up to and throughout college. That eventually lead me to WMUC 88.1 FM.
What are you listening to at the moment?
A lot of Clutch, haha. They’re my hometown heroes. Also The Marked Men and Royal Headache because they’re about to play LA next month, so I gotta prep! LA based latin ska has been dominating my earbuds at the moment with bands such as La Resistencia, The Delirians, and Steady 45s.
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
Fugazi, Switch, Dilla, Dave Chappelle and Bad Brains. Honorable mention, Blaqstarr.
When are you playing next?
“I’m playing Culosangeles at The Lash in LA on Saturday, July 15th and at Crowbar in Tampa, FL on Sat, August 5th.”
Listen to my sounds! https://soundcloud.com/davenada
Look at my memes and DaveTV stories! https://www.instagram.com/davenada
Follow my events! https://www.facebook.com/davenadaofficial
