Since his debut studio EP, “The Artist Freestyle” (2020), Matthew Daniel, better known as Arcydan, has been on a journey of musical exploration and discovery. A true creative spirit, Arcydan finds inspiration in the artistry of others, often putting his own spin on popular tracks by breathing new life into them.
His versatility as an artist shines through in his ability to seamlessly blend genres and create music that transcends boundaries. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Saint Jhn and Burna Boy, Arcydan infuses his music with a captivating blend of heartfelt lyricism and irresistible grooves.
His latest music project with Deesick, titled “Moment”, showcases his growth and evolution as an artist. Each track seamlessly blends intricate melodies and powerful rhythms, creating an immersive listening experience that leaves a lasting impression.
About Deesick
Ayodeji Daniel, better known as Deesick, is a Nigerian R&B and Afrobeats musician. Born on July 8, 1994, he made his very first studio recorded single in 2015 titled "IBADI" and then went on to record his first mixtape titled The Sound Monster in 2016.
After undergoing much-needed artist development, he discovered his sound on his official debut project titled FAR, released in August of 2021. This music project featured a fine blend of R&B, Afrobeats, and House music, showcasing Deesick’s unique music delivery style and songwriting prowess.
In 2022, he released his sophomore music project, Sickness SZN, a three-part music series that fully solidified the sound identity that he had established with his FAR music project. Reflecting on his musical roots, Deesick recalls the impact of Styl-Plus's Expression (2006) album, which sparked his love for R&B.
He also draws great influence from Aṣa, learning the basics of songwriting when he first bought her Aṣa (2007) album. Chris Brown is also another great influence in the early years of his music development. His Exclusive (2007) album inspired Deesick's passionate music delivery style.
Looking ahead, Deesick aims for global recognition, chart-topping hits, and sold-out headline shows across continents. His latest music project, Moment, in collaboration with Arcydan, features three sonically distinct songs that capture the best parts of both artists’ creative talents.
Interview with Arcydan and Deesick
Q: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest project, Moment?
Arcydan: The inspiration came from our desire to create something different and refreshing in a year where much of the music feels uninspired. We wanted to blend our favorite elements of R&B and Afrobeats to create a sound that's both familiar and new.
Deesick: We aimed to capture various moods and experiences, from the sultry vibes of a late-night drive to the high energy of a summer festival. Each track on Moment tells a story and takes the listener on a journey.
Q: How did you come up with your stage names, and do they hold any special significance?
Arcydan: My stage name, Arcydan, is a combination of the word Architect and my first name Daniel. I chose the word Architect because much like an architect who designs intricate structures, I’m a visionary, who loves to bring imaginative ideas to life. It is a tribute to the artistic journey I've been on.
Deesick: Deesick is derived from my name, Daniel, and I simply combined it with the cool term “sick”. I mean “sick” in a good way—unique and unforgettable.
Q: Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
Arcydan: Saint Jhn and Burna Boy have been huge influences. Their ability to blend genres and create music that's both deep and danceable has greatly inspired my work.
Deesick: Styl-Plus, Aṣa, and Chris Brown have been major influences. Their music taught me the importance of melody, lyrical depth, and emotional delivery.
Q: What challenges have you faced as upcoming artists, and how have you overcome them?
Arcydan: One of the biggest challenges has been breaking through the noise in the music industry. We've overcome this by staying true to our unique sound and continually evolving.
Deesick: For me, it's been about finding my identity as an artist. Through continuous experimentation and development, I've found a sound that resonates with me and my audience.
Q: Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and producing a new track?
Arcydan: Our creative process usually starts with a concept or emotion we want to convey. We then build the melodies and rhythms around that idea, constantly refining it until it feels right.
Deesick: It's a collaborative effort. We bounce ideas off each other, experiment with different sounds, and ensure that every element of the track contributes to the overall vibe we want to create.
Q: How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also appealing to a broader audience?
Arcydan: It's about finding that sweet spot where our unique sound intersects with what listeners enjoy. We stay authentic but also pay attention to trends and listener feedback.
Deesick: We make music that we love and believe in, trusting that it will find its audience. Authenticity is key, and when you're true to yourself, it resonates with others.
Q: What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your music?
Arcydan: Our music often explores mostly themes of love, and emotional connection. We want our listeners to feel seen and understood.
Deesick: We aim to evoke emotions and create connections. We want our music to be a soundtrack to people's love lives.
Q: Have there been any pivotal moments in your careers that significantly influenced your path as artists?
Arcydan: Releasing my debut EP, “The Artist Freestyle”, was a turning point. It marked the beginning of my journey and helped me find my voice.
Deesick: Discovering my sound with the “FAR” project was crucial. It solidified my identity as an artist and gave me the confidence to pursue my musical vision.
Q: How do you see your music evolving in the next few years? Are there any new genres or styles you want to explore?
Arcydan: We're always looking to evolve. I see us incorporating more diverse influences and experimenting with new genres while staying true to our core sound.
Deesick: I'm excited to explore more global sounds and collaborate with artists from different backgrounds. The goal is to keep pushing boundaries and creating music that resonates worldwide.
Q: What advice would you give to other aspiring musicians trying to break into the industry?
Arcydan: Stay true to your unique sound and never stop refining your craft. It's a tough industry, but perseverance and authenticity will set you apart.
Deesick: Keep experimenting and learning. Don't be afraid to take risks and put yourself out there. Success comes from hard work, passion, and staying true to your vision.
Conclusion
With their infectious energy and undeniable talent, Arcydan and Deesick are poised to make a significant impact on the global music stage. Their innovative sound not only challenges the status quo but also offers a refreshing alternative to the current musical landscape. So, mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself in “Moment”, as Arcydan and Deesick invite you to join them on a musical journey that promises to be unlike any other. This EP is not just a collection of songs. It is an experience that will resonate with you long after the final note fades.
