Daniel Dexter

“The music industry is a permanent frustration paired with little moments of euphoria…” Poker Flat’s Daniel Dexter answers our quick-fire Q&A.

Why music?

Because music is the answer.

If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?

I would be probably a poor graphic designer.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

As long as you work hard you will be successful.

What inspires you?

Art, food, music.

What’s the next big thing?

My current EP on Poker Flat Recordings, Deeper Love.

Best club experience?

Watergate in Berlin is always a blast.

How do you know when a track’s finished?

When I get the test pressing.

What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?

I worked first for six years and did my study afterwards. When I finished my study I was already earning enough to make a living from music.

Which song do you wish you wrote?

Queen – ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?

Probably by buying a good ghostwriter, a good press agent, a good social media company, a good manager, a good booking agent and a good stylist…

What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?

That’s something best kept as my secret.

Recommend us a film.

Interstellar.

Recommend us a book.

Franz Kafka – The Trial.

What or who is underrated?

All types of Asian noodle soups.

What or who is overrated?

Almost every EDM DJ.

What are you addicted to?

The three Fs: football, food and family.

What do you lust over?

Desserts.

What is your greatest regret?

Desserts.

What one thing would most improve your life?

My fitness.

What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?

It was a wedding.

Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?

A bit of both.

What’s the secret to a great mix?

Straightness, variety and knowledge.

If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?

Gonzales – ‘Overnight’.

How do you relax?

Spending time with my wife and my daughter, but I wouldn’t call it relaxing really.

What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?

Ableton Live, because everything I do is based on that

Strangest place you ever wrote a track?

On my mobile, on the subway.

What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?

The music industry is a permanent frustration paired with little moments of euphoria.

What’s your favourite label? Why?

Poker Flat Recordings because they organised me this interview 🙂

What’s the worst thing about making music?

If you are unsuccessful you have no money but loads of time and if you are successful you have loads of money but no time anymore. You’re checkmated.

What’s your motto?

Nothing is stable but the change

Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?

Ableton, Mini V2, Zebra 2, Diva, Kontakt 5, FM8, Lex, Dubstation, a big sample library (of course sampled + collected by yourself) + hard work, diligence, assiduity, effort, industriousness, sedulity, and studiousness.

Daniel Dexter’s new EP Deeper Love is out now on Poker Flat Recordings. Check it out here. Find Daniel on Facebook and SoundCloud.