Don Jamal is quickly making a name for himself in the electronic music scene. He recently sat down to discuss his new Duelist EP, his dubstep inspirations, a guilty pleasure track, and more!
Don Jamal lives up to his name, embodying the essence of a musical don. This talented artist first picked up a controller and, within just six months, recognized his potential could take him far. Fast forward to today, and he’s making significant waves in the electronic music community with his innovative sounds. If he can create such an impact in just a year, the future holds incredible possibilities for him over the next five years.
In his burgeoning career, Don Jamal has already achieved milestones that many established artists have yet to realize. One moment that stands out is his memorable back-to-back set with Skrillex and Zeds Dead. His versatility has garnered support from notable names like Skream and Justin Jay, who span various styles within the genre.
Speaking of versatility, Don Jamal’s latest EP, Duelist, showcases this duality. Featuring everything from catchy trap beats to rebellious UK rap lyrics, prepare yourself for an EP bursting with unexpected twists and turns.
With his fresh EP release and an influx of new fans, we seized the opportunity to delve deeper into the life and inspirations of Don Jamal. Read on to explore his musical influences, guilty pleasure tracks, and more, all while enjoying his electrifying mix packed with edits and trending tracks.
Stream EDMID Guest Mix 441 || Don Jamal on SoundCloud:
Hey Don Jamal! We’re excited to have you with us today. First off, congratulations on the release of your debut EP, Duelist! You mentioned that your EP blends old and new generation dubstep. Can you highlight some of your influences from each generation?
Thank you! For the old-gen, I would definitely say TroyBoi influenced the third track on the EP, “Wippin,” while Lyny represents the new-gen. I resonate with Gentlemen’s Club as OGs; their ability to merge different styles aligns perfectly with my vision for my project.
“My Ones” features powerful lyrics from Rakjay, combined with an attention-grabbing beat. Can you tell us how you and Rakjay connected and what led to your collaboration?
I noticed him working with Torcha and was struck by his unique voice, so I reached out via Instagram. He replied quickly and sent over his vocals within a week. It was one of the quickest tracks I’ve completed, and I’m thrilled to see it getting so much support.
Your second collaboration, “SHOW U (HOW IT’S DONE)” with skxllflower, showcases your take on trap. I couldn’t help but notice the sample from an old Vine—definitely a nostalgic touch! What’s your favorite sample you’ve ever encountered in a song?
That sample was all skxllflower’s idea! [Laughs] My favorite sample would have to be from EAZYBAKED’s “NO.” They sampled Andrew’s daughter, which I find really endearing, and the way they transformed it into a banger is impressive.
The past year has been incredibly eventful for you, with numerous significant moments. How does it feel to be a newcomer in the scene receiving such support from more established artists?
It’s surreal, to be honest. Just two years ago, I was constantly asking my roommates for feedback on my music. I hustled to get shows, sending daily emails to promoters pitching myself. Now, it feels like everything has come full circle, and I’m receiving amazing opportunities and traction I never dreamed of.
Looking back, everyone has a pivotal moment that sparks their passion for music production. Can you share that defining day and its impact on your journey as an artist?
I owe a lot to my good friend River, who introduced me to producing and DJing. We met in my sophomore year of college, and he encouraged me to buy my first DJ setup. Fast forward six months, I craved a bigger challenge, which led me to producing—and I realized I had a knack for it. I never looked back.
What’s a guilty pleasure song you’ve been enjoying lately, even if you might not share it with everyone?
Stromae’s “Alors On Danse.”
Now that Duelist is out, what can fans expect next from your project?
New music, fresh merchandise, a variety of genres, and a whole lot of shows.
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