Danny Hughes (DCPA) is an electronic music producer and DJ from Aledo, Texas. His story began like many musicians’ growing up. Born into a family of musicians, he learned to play the piano, trumpet, guitar, and work with production software in academic music programs as a kid. Danny built a solid foundation in the craft, but eventually pursued an accounting degree in college while at Texas Tech. After graduating in 2011, he worked as a CPA for 9 years in Dallas. Electronic music grew exponentially in the US during this time, prompting him to re-visit his place in the music world. Building an artist career was not easy with a full-time corporate job, but his varied background in business and music allowed him to quickly navigate the modern music industry and connect with those who believed in him, including a production team at Nimble Agency all the way from Amsterdam. From 2016-2020 Danny allocated most of his free time to building his artist career as DCPA, distributed over twenty tracks with Symphonic, traveled the world to attend major festivals, and in 2020 he made the decision to go full time into the music business.
Give us some insight of yourself as a musician:
Hey and thanks for the interview! I started out in grade school like most musicians. I learned how to play piano as a kid then joined a band in high school where I would play trumpet. On the side, I learned how to play classical and electric guitar. I spent my free time jamming with friends and learning how to use electronic music production software. I graduated in 2007 but took a hiatus from music to focus on an accounting degree. Ten years later I found myself catching up on the EDM scene in America and revisiting my past in music. I always knew music would become a huge part of my life again but until the DJ scene rose to prominence in the US, I wasn’t sure how music would look as a career for me. Despite a very gainful and satisfying career as an accountant in Dallas TX, I knew my ultimate fulfillment and higher self could only be discovered by going to music full time. After splitting my time for many years, I eventually left my accounting career in Dallas and moved down to Austin TX in an RV where I now work as a DJ and producer full time.
Give us some insight of yourself outside of music:
Just a few years ago, the answer would be that I’m an accountant outside of music. For most of my 20’s, I spent my free time outside of work traveling the world with friends, always going out to night clubs and festivals to see our favorite artists, really embellishing in the experience. What transpired eventually was that I re-allocated most of that time back into my home studio, only socializing when I worked gigs as a DJ for weddings, bars, company parties, etc in Dallas. Once I moved into the music scene full time in Austin, I shifted my free time into photography, researching existential topics, hiking with my dog, and enjoying the stillness around me. I also love a good travel opportunity and usually spend at least a few weeks going to new places.
How do they blend on a day to day basis?
I try to embody a musical essence wherever I can, folding it into my daily routines. Even if I’m not listening to music, I’m likely thinking about it. Most days when I’m taking breaks, I just simply enjoy hiking around in nature taking pictures. It’s great to take in external influences from time to time but I’ve found the intuitive experience to be much more rewarding and manifests greater inspiration. So, RV life outside the busy social scene Austin is a great medium for that.
What changes are happening in your life these days when it comes to your career?
There’s always the question of when and where to pivot as a musician. As a musician I believe you have to become the hero of your own story. Most of the changes in my career life are based on mindset rather than physical surroundings. I believe once the proper mindset intersects with effort and opportunity, real luck happens; and, as you keep pushing forward and getting experience, you can better measure outcomes and change your approach to a music career.
What is the current state of your music?
I feel that I’m becoming a better producer with every new song! I’ve always tried to transcend genres, and DJing in the commercial clubs has really reinforced my desire to embody many types of music. I just released ‘I Feel It Too’ and have a backlog of projects to release over the coming months. I’m still playing shows around Austin TX regularly!
How are you choosing to spend your time when not making music?
I’m always mindful of whether my activities will contribute to the overall brand DCPA. Those hobbies I mentioned above such as photography and traveling affect my mindset and musical path in different ways.
What do you take away from the music that inspires you?
Music is like this invisible, malleable force with a distinct influence on us. Nothing evokes emotions quite like music. It can drastically change the vibe of any environment and connect people in very inspiring ways. Despite the fact we have assigned a complex technical structure to music, there really aren’t any rules in designing sound overall, so the limitless nature of it is inspiring too.
What is the most important foundation to creating a fulfilling career in music?
You must be in it for the right reason, making music from the heart, for the purpose of connecting with and helping others as we all navigate and affect the universal timeline.
What about a fulfilling life?
On the macro level, choose a path doing whatever you feel serves the greater good and embodies your innate talents. Day to day, look out for yourself and those you care about even when it might obstruct your path. Set reasonable boundaries and always fill your cup first so that you can pour out to others.
Leave us with a personal story that connects to your latest single?
My latest track ‘I Feel It Too’ was a manifestation of intuitive energy reminiscent of past life connections. While the lyrics are romanticized, the track is meant to apply to any situation where a person feels connected to someone spiritually in the 5th dimension but is physically detached in the 3rd dimension. Sometimes we start and stop connections mechanically, but often never fully address the remaining ‘soul contract’, so this song is a way to reconcile that reminiscent energy. The more time I’ve spent full time making music, living in nature away from distractions, the more I’ve recognized and appreciated this energy.
Listen to ‘I Feel It Too’ on Spotify today!
Social Media:
⇒ Amazon
⇒ Audius
⇒ Beatport
⇒ Deezer
⇒ Pandora
⇒ Spotify
⇒ Tidal
⇒ TikTok
⇒ YouTube
⇒ Website
End of Interview