Our friendship with a Nashville based singer-songwriter Dan Fuson started a little under a year ago after he released his banger ‘Shallow Blue’. It was the very first time the song we discovered on Musosoup ended up reaching the top spot on our chart.
I was patiently waiting for what happens next and damn it was worth waiting. Dan returns with his best track to date ‘On + Off’. We already named it as one of the best songs when it was released and now it is spinning on our weekly chart. We are thrilled to be getting to know the man behind extremely catchy music.
Congratulations on your latest release! Tell us about the journey until the moment ‘On + Off’ saw the light of day!
I have been sitting on the main guitar riff for “On + Off” for years actually! I used to play it in soundcheck with a previous band, and when I first got my recording equipment it was one of the first tracks I laid down. It took a while to get the chorus right though which is why it took so long to see the light of day. After a while, I finally cracked what I think is a good hook and recorded it as fast as I could!
What does the song mean to you?
It really is simply about an on again, off-again relationship. Sometimes you’re kind of with someone because it’s comfortable and easy, and not because you really love that person. “On + Off” is about a time when I finally realized this and hit the eject button on that relationship. It hurt both of us, but it was the right thing to do.
2020 has been an extremely challenging year. What kept you sane and how did the lockdown impact your creativity?
Honestly, the main thing that’s kept me sane has been recording! I’ve managed to record two EPs at home in the last year, as well as several collaborations too! The collabs have been really fun as they’ve been experimenting in different genres than I’m used to and keeping me on my toes as a writer.
Your music is exactly what we need right now. Where do you find the inspiration to write such energetic songs?
First of all, thanks for the compliment! I really am just drawn to music that sounds HUGE, so my writing really tends to reflect that. Anything propulsive is attractive to my ear, so when I’m writing a song it has to have some focus on momentum – even if it’s a softer song.
When I hear your music I imagine taking the road trip down Pacific Highway and listen to the songs on repeat. What music would end up on your Life is a Highway playlist?
Oh, EXCELLENT question. I would mainly stick to some ’70s, breezy rock vibes for this mood. Fleetwood Mac, Clapton, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers would all be heavy on the rotation.
Tell us more about your creative process? How do songs come to you?
A lot of the time my songs come about from experimenting with guitar effects and tones. Different settings of effects can bring out different styles of my playing and tend to drive new song ideas out. However, one song called “Lonely War” on my upcoming EP was written entirely on an arpeggiator which was the first time I started a song without the guitar!
Music to me is a way to communicate and be honest
DAN FUSON
You are planning to release one more EP this year. What can we expect sound wise?
This EP is going to really take people by surprise! There are five songs total, and all really have different vibes that should keep you guessing what’s coming next. I experimented a lot with new sounds, adding in more electronic elements in places, a horn section, and a lot more that was exciting to record.
Do you remember the moment when you realised that music is what you want to do?
It’s hard to identify one moment, but with every music release I have had over my time, and honestly, every time I write a song I’m really proud of I’m affirmed this is the path for me.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Music-wise, I hope it’s for having catchy, accessible songs that are also really honest and don’t shy away from the sometimes ugly truth. That’s always my goal!
How would you define success in the music industry?
Just to be able to keep doing it is a success! I still have a day job, so once I can be doing music ALL the time, that will be a true win for me. That is the dream.
You record most of the instruments yourself. What instruments can you play? (feel free to expand, it would be super cool to hear how it all began) The origin of Dan Fuson 🙂
I’m absolutely a guitarist first and foremost! That’s my first instrument for sure and the one I love the most. I picked up the guitar around age 12 and got REALLY into it a few years later. I started picking up bass over the last couple of years and have grown to love it. Other than that piano/synths are new to me…and honestly take a while to get perfect on a recording! I’m still learning how to be great at the keys, but I’m happy to have something to keep learning. As far as the drums…that’s NOT my bag! I have to get someone to do those for me because I’m a lost cause behind the kit.
What if you could collaborate with just about anyone. Who would be at the top of your list?
Oh, interesting! Probably this band called The Midnight. They’re a synth-wave band that has some of my favourite tunes in the last several years. Since it’s such a different style of music than I’m used to making, the collaborative process would be really fun and exciting.
What is one advice you’d give your younger self at the very start of your career?
Start producing/recording your own music earlier! I wish I had started years ago!
Do you have a song that when you hear, you’d be ‘Damn I wish I’d written that’.
Oh, almost every time I hear a great song I think this! The one that comes to mind right now is “Ooh La La” by the Faces. That song is a timeless classic.
Close your eyes. Imagine its 20th of January 2022. How would you summarize 2021?
A year of growth and forward momentum. And LOTS of music released (and hopefully a lot more live shows under my belt too)!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience?
LOTS of tunes to come this year. And please support small artists by giving them follows and likes! It’s a free thing that really can make a difference!
Make sure to connect with Dan Fuson
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