During Outside Lands last week, I had the opportunity to catch up with Dwilly, a South Carolinian born DJ who attended the amazing Berklee College of Music. Dwilly, otherwise known as David Wilson, he provided insight into his quickly rising success and creative process as a young producer.
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So just to get started, how did you get into music?
I got into music when I was 5, my parents put me into classical training. I developed my skills as a pianist and got into high school programs where I was playing percussion. Eventually, I got my hands on some computer software and I ended up sequencing some little ideas and loops. Then I developed an interest in producing music, and I wanted to enhance my skills as a producer. When I got accepted into Berklee, I kind of just hit the ground running trying to pursue producing as a career. Then it branched off into DJing.
Since your family had you classically trained, do you still find that influence in your music today?
I think that the fundamentals of classical are in my roots, so I think that if you pay attention close enough you could find those characteristics in my music. Even though my music is electronic and contemporary I think that the harmony and my ability to discern between different notes and chords is what strengthens my ability as a producer.
Where are you from?
I was born in South Carolina originally. I’ve been in Boston for the past 4 years, and recently I moved out to LA with a buddy. It’s been great, LA is really cool, I’m actually in the process of looking for a home right now so I’m technically homeless.
Choosing music as a career path, did you have a lot of support from family and friends?
I have support from my family, but we always joke about how I’m in such an unreliable job market. They support me 100% and they know that I have the drive and motivation, and eventually I’ll be able to put food on the table.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
Honestly, it’s just one little step at a time. I think that every little step I make or victory just pushes me further. Every new opportunity for collaboration is rewarding for what I want to achieve one day.
Speaking of “one day”, where do you see yourself in the future?
I want to have my hands on larger records, I wanna keep producing and get my foot in the door with a little bit more commercial pop. I do want to keep performing and maybe even tour around the country performing in clubs and putting my music out there. I’m happy doing this. I’m living my dream, so there’s nothing really else I want; I just want to keep doing this.
How do you feel about this first huge performance at Outside Lands?
I was a little nervous before, but at the end of the day when I saw those kids out there looking so happy, I just wanted to give them a good time and share their energy and show them what I had prepared. But I have to give a huge thanks to my team that’s helped me get here, especially for the BPMI program where the hand select people to perform and festivals. They’ve coordinated so much. The fact that they believed in me and trusted me.
What artists are your creative influences and role models?
The biggest inspirations that facilitated and sculpted my sound are Porter Robinson and Flume, I know everyone says that I’m really detail-oriented and their sound design and specific attributes in their songs are what I look for.
How would you describe the process that goes towards creating your tracks?
My process is different every time. But usually, I try to come up with a melody first, because if I don’t have that sound down first I feel like the track won’t go anywhere. It’s hard to say because I don’t have my process nailed down consistently yet, but honestly, I just f*ck around until I find something cool; if I’m being completely honest.
How do you collaborate with fellow artists?
Really just approaching with an open mind, and making sure we have similar interests. I love meeting new artists that are on the same level as me, and even artists on a higher level that are willing to stoop down and work with me, I appreciate that so much. I think being humble, shout out to Kendrick [laughs], is like one of the most important traits in this industry.
What do you find yourself doing in your free time?
Honestly, not a lot haha. I try to be outdoors a lot because I’m inside all the time with my laptop. I’m gonna try to hit the beach more in LA, usually I’ll go out to bars with friends on the weekends. I love Prison Break, it’s like one of my favorite shows right now. I like drawing and art, especially as a kid.
What would your advice be for younger creatives trying to get into this industry?
Absorb as much information and inspiration from other artists, but try to make your own sound so that you can stick out. Sometimes if you have a healthy dose of “IDGAF” mentality it can help your music, people want to hear something that’s different and fresh. Take a risk, it’ll pay off in the long run.
Visit SoundCloud to hear some of Dwilly’s tracks: https://soundcloud.com/itsdwilly
