Breakups are tough, but for rising artist Dayton Durell, they have also been a source of inspiration and creativity. His latest single, born out of the emotional turmoil following the end of a two-year relationship with his ex-girlfriend and mother of his son, offers a deeply personal look into his experience. In this interview, Dayton opens up about the creative process behind the song, his influences, and the message he hopes listeners take away from his music. His story is one of heartbreak, healing, and artistic growth, proving that sometimes our darkest moments can lead to the most profound art.
A Breakup That Sparked Creativity
For Dayton, the inspiration for his latest single came from a place of raw emotion. He explains, “The inspiration for this track came from a breakup I had with my ex-girlfriend of two years and the mother of my son.” Breakups often leave behind a whirlwind of emotions, and Dayton tapped into these feelings to create something meaningful. The pain, confusion, and introspection that followed his breakup became the driving force behind the song. “I want my style to be real and authentic, and I write my best music when I’m putting those things into it,” he says, emphasizing his commitment to creating music that reflects genuine emotions.
The Creative Process
Dayton’s creative process for this song was surprisingly simple, yet incredibly organic. “I started by writing the hook at home, and that just truly came naturally,” he shares. The hook, the backbone of the song, came to him almost effortlessly as he listened to the beat. “As cliché as that sounds, it’s the truth—it’s what I kept hearing from the beat.” The rest of the track was written in the studio with his engineer, Sean Cannister. “It was a collective from there, and it just all came together smoothly,” Dayton explains. This collaboration helped him channel his emotions into the song, creating a piece of music that is as cathartic as it is melodic.
Authenticity at the Core of His Style
When asked how this single represents his style as an artist, Dayton points to the emotional depth in his music. “This single reflects my style because the listeners are getting real feelings and emotions—things I felt were going on at the time while I was trying to recover from that breakup,” he explains. Dayton’s music is deeply personal, and this authenticity is what sets him apart. He wants his music to resonate with listeners on a human level, helping them navigate their own emotional journeys. “I want my style to be real and authentic,” he says, “and I write my best music when I’m putting those things into it.”
Overcoming Darkness: The Message Behind the Track
At the heart of Dayton’s latest single is a powerful message: no matter how dark things may seem, there is always a way out. “I want listeners to feel that they can overcome depression and anxiety,” Dayton says. “Even though we feel like we need to abuse things to overcome things—drugs, alcohol, sex—we do not. No matter how dark of a place you think you are in, there’s a light somewhere at the end of the tunnel.” For Dayton, this song is not just about sharing his own experiences; it’s about helping others feel less alone in their struggles.
Influences That Shaped the Sound
When it comes to musical influences, Dayton cites the late Juice WRLD as a significant inspiration, particularly when it comes to conveying pain through music. “Personally for me, I always listened to a bunch of Juice WRLD, so I definitely would say him if anyone—especially the pain aspect of the song,” Dayton reveals. Juice WRLD’s ability to express deep emotional turmoil through his music has clearly had an impact on Dayton, shaping the vibe of his latest single.
Navigating Challenges with Grace
Despite the smooth creative process, Dayton faced a unique challenge while working on this track: ensuring that listeners didn’t view his ex-girlfriend in a negative light. “The only challenge I faced was making the track and people looking at my ex in a negative light,” he admits. “She’s not a bad person—there was a lot that led to our breakup, and we both could’ve handled things better.” This level of accountability and maturity shines through in the song, especially in one of Dayton’s favorite lyrics: “Love is war, I’ve been a soldier. Hard to love, I thought I told ya. If you leave, girl, I won’t fault ya.” This line, in particular, holds deep meaning for Dayton, as it represents his acceptance of responsibility for the breakup.
Connecting with Fans Through Authenticity
To promote his single, Dayton has been focusing on self-marketing and using social media to connect with his audience. “I’ve been just doing a lot of self-marketing and promo,” he shares. He’s been asking fans how they overcome tough situations in their own lives, using Q&As on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to engage with his audience. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, despite the fact that his music isn’t the typical sound for his demographic. “Most people where I’m from want to see more trap/drill music,” Dayton explains, “but there has been a lot of support for me, and I appreciate it a lot.”
What’s Next for Dayton Durell?
Looking ahead, Dayton has big plans. “I have two more singles gonna drop within the next two months,” he reveals. One of these songs already has a video, and the other is still in production. Both tracks are deeply personal, continuing the themes explored in his latest release. “All very personal and deep songs I think will go along perfectly with this single,” he says. Dayton is especially excited about his upcoming track, “Why,” which he describes as “probably the best song I ever wrote.”
A Journey Just Beginning
For Dayton, this single is just the beginning of a much larger story. “Everything I do and create will be my life and my story, and it’s just beginning—I’m nowhere close to the end,” he says. He hopes to reach as many people as possible, particularly men who may be struggling with similar emotions. “I just hope to reach as many people as possible, especially men, and get them to relate to this song,” he shares. Dayton’s goal is to help others feel less alone, just as he once did.
As Dayton Durell continues to grow as an artist, it’s clear that his music will remain rooted in authenticity and emotional honesty. His latest single is a testament to the power of vulnerability, and with more music on the way, there’s no doubt that Dayton will continue to inspire and connect with listeners on a deep level.
Connect with Dayton Durell:
- Instagram: @truley1of1
- TikTok: @DaytonDurellMusic
- YouTube: Watch the latest single
