Yes, it's pronounced "daddy." A triumphant reinvention of themselves, DADĒ is Syd Tagle's solo artist project. With their knack for music production, the former keyboardist and vocalist of The Shakes is pioneering a fresh take on electronic pop. Syd's career highlights include production credits on SZA's Grammy-winning SOS, Don Toliver's Love Sick, and GIVEON's Give Or Take, but "MAKE YOU MINE" departs from their work in R&B. DADĒ is also establishing their impressive versatility early on, as "MAKE YOU MINE" takes a more radiant and infectious approach than their previous singles, such as "MOVING ON" and "NO FEELINGS."
Following the Valentine's Day release of "MAKE YOU MINE," Playlists & Polaroids got the chance to catch up with DADĒ. We gained valuable insight into their background, creative process, and perspective on love. Keep reading for our full interview with them!
YOU'LL LOVE DADĒ IF YOU LISTEN TO: G Flip, LANY, BETWEEN FRIENDS, The Japanese House, John Summit, FKA Twigs
DADĒ is such a clever and catchy artist name! How did you come up with it, and in what ways does it represent your artist project!
When I was in college, I would wear this Urban Outfitters hat that said “daddy” on it all the time. At this time, I was trying to figure out what I wanted my artist name to be. I didn’t love the ring of my full name, I tried out my middle name and that didn’t really connect with me either, and I thought, “You know what would be really funny? Just a whole crowd chanting daddy, daddy, daddy!” So I looked at various was to spell daddy and landed on the phonetic spelling DADĒ.
You’ve described DADĒ as an alter ego, and as “a bit that went a step too far” - tell us more about who DADĒ is!
DADĒ is the side of me that isn’t afraid to be seen. While as Syd, I am introverted and kept to myself, DADĒ is confident and isn’t afraid to be seen.
G Flip fans might recognize you as the keyboardist for Miki Rastula, the opening act of the Drummer Tour! Tell us more about that! What are some of your biggest takeaways from being on the road with them?
It was a fantastic experience being on the road with such talented people. It solidified my love for performing and helping artists bring their music to life in all aspects. One of the biggest takeaways from being on the road with them is to really learn your music, your programs, your gear – anything can go wrong at any moment and you have to adapt quickly.
In what ways has your experience in The Shakes contributed to your sound and artistic approach as a soloist?
The Shakes was my introduction to producing music and writing with others. My sound was a bit more pop and electronic leaning than us as a band, with early influences of LANY, brakence, half•alive, and BETWEEN FRIENDS to name a few. I definitely miss being in a band and having that bond together but I now lean into creating with new and old friends who are all types of creatives.
How did you discover your passion for music production and audio engineering?
After joining The Shakes and gaining my first glimpse into production, that’s when I decided to go to school for music production. I had a class on engineering and quickly realized that I enjoyed this process of capturing the magic of the moment. This led to me working at a world class recording studio for several years and finally releasing my own music.
Throughout the track, “MAKE YOU MINE” contains lots of little production choices that just scratch one’s brain the right way. How did you approach the soft yet detail-oriented production of “MAKE YOU MINE” to create such a dynamic love song?
These little ear candy pieces were all inspired by the main demotapes sample I found on Splice – I wanted each sound to bring you into this world that was vibrant and bubbly.
When I first found this demotapes sample, I immediately was hit with a wave of inspiration – with the repetitive arps that sound like birds chirping and a phone ringing. Typically, I really like to find samples and flip them in a completely different direction but with this song, it taught me to know when to leave something as it is and do very minor adjustments. Sometimes when you do too much it takes away the magic.
Before “MAKE YOU MINE,” your music contained much darker and moodier tones. What made you decide to take a new artistic direction with this single?
I wanted to showcase the opposite side of the DADĒ spectrum – a lighter, happier, more hopeful kind of feeling. With planning on releasing something new each month, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to write a love song and drop it on Valentine’s Day.
One could interpret “MAKE YOU MINE” as a romantic love song, but you’ve also promoted it as a love letter to fans, and on social media you’ve encouraged people to share different types of love in their own lives. How has it felt seeing so many people connect to “MAKE YOU MINE” in a variety of ways?
It has really filled my heart with seeing so many people connect with this song in the way I hoped it would – all the different love stories are truly so beautiful. I would love to keep seeing people having love in their lives – with their partner, friends, family, pets, themselves.
Especially in today’s climate, what are some of the biggest challenges you face a nonbinary artist & producer? What advice would you give to members of the LGBTQ+ community who are hoping for a career in music, but scared that their identity might keep them from achieving their dreams?
In my experience, the biggest challenge I’ve had is having to “prove my worth” to people. Walking in the room and people seeing someone who isn’t a man sitting in the chair, they immediately question you and your abilities. Believing in myself and knowing my skills and what I’m capable of has grounded me. There were sessions that I have had that I did not feel safe to share my pronouns and held my tongue but over time I have gained the confidence to stand up for myself and not tolerate the judgment of others. There is nothing to be ashamed of in being you.
Finally, the P&P classic! What’s a lyric from “MAKE YOU MINE” that stands out to you? Walk us through the process of yourself writing it, and how does it speak to you personally?
The pre-chorus is my favorite part of the song where I sing “I can’t help think, That you’re so into me, Oh please, tell me, You’ll be something to me.” This was inspired by the feeling of falling head over heels for someone that you just met but hoping it to turn into something that will last forever.
So far, DADĒ has embarked on quite the journey in their solo career, and Playlists & Polaroids is thrilled to be along for the ride. Already a force to be reckoned with, we can't get enough of their unapologetically bold artistry and eagerness to experiment. By now, we hope we've convinced you to dive deeper into DADĒ's world. If you feel compelled to do so, here's a playlist for you!
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