Dax: Music For The People

Muzikscribe
Aug 12
4 min read

Produced by Grammy-winner Jimmy Robbins [Blake Shelton, Keith Urban], platinum selling, genre-blending storyteller, Dax, returns with his latest gem, “Man I Used To Be.”

Largely known for his 2022 breakout hit, “Dear Alcohol,” and its massive Darius Rucker assisted follow-up, “To Be A Man,” the Canadian rapper-singer-songwriter will also be kicking off his ‘The Lonely Dirt Road Tour’ this October.

Let’s hop right into “Man I Used To Be” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it even come to fruition?

“Man I Used To Be” is the most important song I’ve ever made because it’s a song that has a lot of different meanings depending on where you are in life. It’s a song that shows how one’s life is ever changing and details how I’ve gotten rid of bad habits, reflected, and grew into a better man myself. It’s going to change the way others see, hear and consume music.

Of course “Man I Used To Be” follows on the heels of the remixed single, “Lonely Dirt Road,” featuring Maverick City Music and Nick Day — Talk to me a lil bit about this selection…

We were connected through my label, and we all felt that Maverick City aligned perfectly with my messaging on the song and was grateful that they wanted to be on this track.

How then does “Lonely Dirt Road“ either differ and / or compare to previous DAX entries?

It’s existing in the same realm of the overall goal which is to make impact with my music, and this song is just a continuation of making people feel like they can connect to my music and to not feel alone in their journey.

Initially featured on last year’s From a Man’s Perspective — Although pretty self-explanatory, conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?

The concept is about manhood – there aren’t many artists giving light on what it’s like to be a man today, and what impacts who we are and what we do.

As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?

I write about things I’ve been through, things I’ve seen, things I want to manifest, and things I want to avoid.

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

I started writing poetry at 22 years old after transferring from my division one basketball school at the University of Montana to a division two in Wichita Kansas called Newman University. I wrote my first poem on break while I was an overnight janitor. A teammate of mine inspired me to continuing writing, and ultimately I realized the way to reach out to the masses was to put these words into music. That was just the start for me.

You’re originally from St. John's, but raised in Ottawa, correct? So who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

I’ve lived all over, and through all my travels it helped me diversify my music taste. Elvis Presley and Tupac are my strongest musical influences, as they’ve changed the lives of those who have listened to them with their music.

That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform?

I would describe my music as impactful.

What particular string of events actually led to your current signing to / with RECORDS / Columbia Records?

God’s timing.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

My music gives people the soundtrack to a real authentic life.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Elvis Presley, no doubt. He’s so versatile, and we would create something legendary.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

The iconic venue Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

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

I’m not even sure what the current state is to be honest.

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

Continuing to write my own music. Maintain my low cost of living, and continuing to financially invest in my art.

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

Have a Family.

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

My biggest career moment was performing “Dear God” on national television in traditional Nigerian attire on Canada Day.

What’s an average day like for you?

5:30am wakeup. Write down to do list. ATTACK THE LIST ALL DAY!

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...

I love to reply in the comment sections across my platforms and through DMs – I also go on live frequently to chat directly with my fans.

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

Favorite Part: Writing The Music. Why: The stories of the world are told by the writers. Least Favorite Part: Controlling alcohol consumption in an industry that glamorizes substance abuse. Why: I’m trying to avoid alcoholism.

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

Invest in yourself.