We recently sat down with an extraordinary duo for a quick chat.
The world of music is a beautiful one. You just don’t ever run out of new faces to discover, new corners to step into, new goodies to uncover, and certainly, an uncountable catalogue of songs at your disposal at all times. This time, a certain two-man group has been brought to our attention. Their name? D&S.
D&S, a vibrant Chicagoan DJ and production duo, formed through a serendipitous connection, creating their distinct sound. Their mutual passion for electronic music, especially House, Progressive, and Techno, drives their signature blend of melodic synths and commanding basslines. Drawing inspiration from their shared musical history, D&S has significantly impacted Chicago’s underground scene, gracing major venues and festivals. With 2024 on the horizon, they’re set to unveil more groundbreaking music, pushing the electronic sonic envelope.
It’s at this point in their blossoming career — and right after the release of their new song ‘Time & Space’ — when we figured we’d step in and have a little chat. So, from their beginnings in the business to evolving their sound into a distinct one and reflecting on the past, here’s our interview with the Chicago-bound dynamite duo, D&S.
Where did you grow up, and how did your environment shape your relationship with music?
We both grew up in the Chicago suburbs, and it had a huge impact on how we connect with music. Being so close to the city gave us access to an amazing music scene. Chicago’s legendary nightclubs and iconic music festivals were where we first felt the magic of house and techno. Those late-night sets and packed dancefloors showed us how electronic music could bring people together and create unforgettable moments. Growing up, there were tons of opportunities to learn an instrument or dive into something creative, and that encouragement really stuck with us. Early on, we explored everything from classic rock and jazz to hip-hop beats before finally finding our place in electronic music. That mix of curiosity, discipline, and Chicago’s vibrant music culture shaped not just our sound but also how we approach making music today. It gave us the work ethic and open-mindedness that drive us as artists.
What’s the first memory you have of making music?
For both of us, making music started with learning traditional instruments as kids. Dan started with piano, guitar, and percussion, experimenting with different styles early on. Sean picked up violin and saxophone, which sparked his love for melody and rhythm. Those early years gave us a foundation in music theory and the freedom to explore our own ideas. The big turning point came when we started messing around with Ableton and a MIDI keyboard together. What began as casual experimenting turned into something bigger. We layered sounds and textures until we landed on a melody that became our first track, “Origins.” That moment showed us the magic of collaborating and blending our musical backgrounds into something new. Looking back, those early sessions were more than just making a track. They solidified our shared passion for creating music and kicked off a journey we’re still on today.
When you think back to your earliest projects, what’s something you would do differently now?
Looking back at our earliest projects, one thing we’d do differently is starting with a strong melody or vocal hook as the core of a track. Back then, we’d often dive into drums or basslines first, which helped us learn production basics but sometimes left us without a clear direction. Over time, we’ve realized that starting with a standout melodic idea or hook not only sparks creativity but also gives the whole track more focus and flow. This shift has been a game-changer, especially with remixes. Building around the main vocal hook has helped us create tracks that feel more intentional and dynamic. It’s all about having a clear focal point to guide the arrangement and make sure every element supports the main idea. Those early projects were crucial for our growth, but this change in our approach has made a huge difference. It’s a lesson we’re glad we learned, even if it took a little time to get there.
Why do you think persistence is such an important part of making it in the music industry?
Persistence is everything in the music industry because growth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and resilience to sharpen your craft and handle the ups and downs. Having a routine or creative process helps you stay consistent—whether that means dedicating specific hours to studio time or trying out new techniques, it keeps you moving forward even when inspiration feels out of reach. Trial and error is a huge part of it. Not every idea will stick, and not every track will feel right, but that’s where the real growth happens. Taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from them are what push you forward as an artist. Combine that mindset with discipline and practice, and you’ll keep getting better at bringing your vision to life. The music industry isn’t just about talent; it’s about perseverance. Persistence helps you tackle challenges, break through creative blocks, and stay focused on your goals. It’s the difference between dreaming about success and working hard to achieve it.
What’s a key piece of advice you would give to your younger self at the start of your journey?
If we could give our younger selves one piece of advice, it would be: don’t be afraid to fail. Early on, it’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t work out, but failure is just part of the process. Every misstep teaches you something new and helps you grow. Embrace mistakes and trust they’re leading you toward success. We’d also remind ourselves to always keep learning. The music industry is always evolving, so staying relevant means constantly refining your skills. Whether it’s experimenting with new techniques, diving into sound design, or learning from other artists, growth keeps creativity alive and your music fresh. Most importantly, we’d say to enjoy the journey. Every challenge, lesson, and breakthrough shapes who you are as an artist. Knowing that from the start would’ve made every hurdle feel more rewarding and worth the effort.
How has your sound evolved as you’ve grown as a person and artist?
Our sound has evolved a lot as we’ve grown, both personally and as artists. When we first started, we focused on making club and underground-driven tracks for our DJ sets. That foundation shaped our early style, but over time, we’ve worked on developing our songwriting and composition skills. This shift has helped us create music that not only works on the dancefloor but also connects with listeners on a deeper level. We’ve also become more intentional about pulling inspiration from other artists while staying true to our sound. Melodic synths and commanding basslines remain at the core of what we do, but we’ve embraced new ideas and influences that feel fresh while still authentic to us. This evolution reflects how we’ve grown as individuals, too. The music we make now feels like a more refined and expressive version of who we are, shaped by the lessons we’ve learned and the inspirations we continue to explore.
Why do you think it’s important for artists to share their struggles as much as their successes?
It’s important for artists to share their struggles because fans usually only see the highlights—sold-out shows, big releases, and moments of celebration. What’s often hidden is the hard work, setbacks, and doubts that happen behind the scenes. By opening up about the challenges, artists can show a more authentic side and connect with fans on a deeper level. Struggles are where the most growth happens, and sharing them can inspire others to keep going in their own pursuits. It’s a reminder that success isn’t a straight path. Every failure, late night in the studio, or missed opportunity is part of the journey. When artists share those moments, it makes their achievements feel more genuine and relatable because they’re built on resilience and hard work. Being open about the ups and downs also helps break the illusion of perfection. It fosters a sense of community and shows that behind every polished track or performance is a person navigating life’s challenges, just like everyone else.
Final Words
Thank you so much for the words, S&G. We’re truly looking forward to seeing what the future brings both for you as artists, and us as listeners. ‘Time & Space‘, the duo’s latest single, is out now, and you can stream it by hitting the ‘Play‘ button on the Spotify player below. Be sure to follow our page to stay up to date on the latest news and views regarding our beloved Dance music industry.
The post [INTERVIEW] D&S Talk Musical Beginnings, Persistence, Sonic Evolution, And More appeared first on EDMTunes.
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