The young pop singer-songwriter from Southern California, Dean Griffin, released a chill disco vibe track called “After Hours” and he really caught our eye. We decided to catch up with him and learn more about his music.
Hey Dean, thanks for chatting with us today. We really enjoyed listening through your music and find that you have a unique sound. Your latest release “After Hours” really gave us that retro vibe we love to dance to. We would love to hear more about your writing process, production and how we are dying to see more of your dancing!
Your lyrics really flow, and you give the listener the opportunity to sing along which we love. What brought the story of “After Hours” to mind? We are all wondering is there a special girl out there.
So I wrote this song about that moment when you start to realize someone you’ve known for a while who’s always kind of been just a friend means a lot more to you than you thought. That moment when it all finally clicks into place and you become something more with that person. I’ve been fortunate to experience moments like that in the past and I think that’s something a lot of people can relate too.
Although we found your music to be sorted in the pop genre, we find that “After Hours” spills over to more of a “post-genre” pop because we hear some influences from jazz and R&B. Is there any artist or era that you were drawing inspiration from? What lead you to the production and vibe of this song?
I have a huge love for funk and R&B music. Lately I’ve been listening to a ton of Jungle, Durand Jones & the Indications, and Steve Lacy. Those guys definitely had a huge impact on this song in terms of making old school music with a modern production style. I just love when music makes you feel good, and I feel like we did a good job of making a song that can make you feel good.
Okay, let’s get to it. Where did you learn to dance like that? You’ve really got some moves there! Watching the video as you come into the shot dancing only made us hope there was more. And sure enough, there you were front and center of the dancers, but we aren’t going to lie…we wanted more! We are curious, do you see yourself on stage with back up dancers? We certainly think the crowd would be missing something special if you don’t.
I’ve been training as a dancer for almost 10 years now, I’ve trained in pretty much every style of dance. From Jazz to contemporary I’ve done it all… but hip-hop dancing is home for me and it always has been. When I’m not working on music, I am a professional dancer, which has brought me some pretty cool opportunities. I feel like dancing will always be a part of what I do… on stage or in my music videos, dance will always be a part of who I am as an artist.
Tell us a little more about who you are as a songwriter. Do your lyrics come from the heart, or do you have a specific method to your writing?
Every song I write pulls from actual experiences I’ve had. Whether it’s past or present feelings, or I’m writing about something that happened from another person’s perspective, it all comes from a place of truth.
Introduce us to your producer. How did you meet? How long have you two been working together? What is the ingredient you two have when it comes to creating music?
My partner and producer is Joseph Guadiana, who has been my best friend since we were in middle school. We’ve been working on music together for about 5 years now. We started by making beats in my bedroom and have just been working together since. My music really wouldn’t be possible without all the work he does. The way he can invoke emotions through music never ceases to amaze me.
Thanks again for taking to the time to share your musical journey with us!
Thank you guys for this!!!!
(Photos by: Erin Cherry)
Listen to Dean Griffin on all music platforms:
