Dane Anthony Swan’s latest single, “The Simple Things,” is more than just a song; it is a quiet revolution. In an era where louder is often perceived as better, and simple is not frequently lauded, Swan speaks to a track that whispers truths most often we forget to listen to. This introspective work isn’t one that shouts for attention; rather, it whispers it softly, straightforwardly, with synth textures, poetic scarcity, and a kind of lyrical economy that only comes from someone who has lived it.
Below, Swan lets us in with an unfiltered Q&A about the deeply personal journey that produced the track from departing a storied apartment, to choosing peace over perfection, to finding joy in the ordinary.
1- What was the inspiration behind "The Simple Things"? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked the idea?
For the past few months, my girl and I have been discussing me moving in with her. She has a house a couple of hours out of the city. It's a significant change for me, sparking thoughts about my life in this tiny apartment. This is the apartment where I started my literary career. I've written five books that were published here, and a few that weren't. I revived my love for making music here.
I'm close to everything, but it is small. It isn't in the best shape. At the end of my time here, I've had to hire my repair guy because my landlord can double the rent when I leave next month. Despite the negatives, I had a pretty high standard of living here. I had everything I wanted. If I were still single and my job situation were slightly better, I would be happy to stay. Not everyone could appreciate my lifestyle, but I like living a simple life.
2- The song touches on contrasting ideas of success, material wealth versus inner peace. Which of these paths speaks to you personally, and why?
If you're on social media, you can't escape the current influx of self-help gurus. But the older I get, and the more friends of mine that take different paths in life, the more I realize that it's just about being happy.
I have friends who are happy because they have a family. Some made some money. I know people who went hardcore spiritual. Sadly, some people who mean a lot to me live miserable lives. Even if I disagree with what you do, at the end of the day, if I care about you, all I want is for you to be happy.
3- "The Simple Things" blends synth-pop with a reflective singer-songwriter feel. How did you approach this fusion in the production process?
I have a broad range of influences, everyone from Beres Hammond to Trent Reznor. I don't own any guitar pedals. So, if I want to create an experimental soundscape, I'll start with my MicroKorg or CP Reface. From there, I determine whether I need to use my guitar or bass. I'm world-building. What world do I want to tell my story in? That's just my usual process. For this one, I programmed the drums first. I programmed them for a song that I gave up on halfway, but I was really into the drums. It was like a puzzle trying to figure out what would go with those drums. The lyrics came next, and after that, the song came together pretty quickly.
4- How did you strike the balance between personal storytelling and universal reliability?
To write anything with a level of relatability, you need to approach your work from a level of empathy. That doesn't mean you have to go to some extreme or be hypersensitive, but if you occasionally try to put yourself in other people's shoes, even for a writing exercise, your writing will improve from time to time. Write about something that happened between you and your partner, or a friend, from their perspective. Figure out what would make them happy, sad, jealous, etc. In those moments, try to care about that other person. Even if that "caring" isn't real. It's just for the writing exercise. As a writer, I've written short stories from the female perspective, as well as from different racial and religious backgrounds. Most of that, I would never publish; it can definitely border on being offensive to publish stuff like that. Even if I interview people from a community, I could never fully breathe their air. But doing writing exercises like that helps broaden my writing voice.
5- What does your dream life look like, and how has that vision evolved, especially as an artist?
Pretty chill. Performing or teaching workshops for a good chunk of the year, mentoring other creative people, and being in an environment where I'm loved. Has it evolved? Yeah, but I would argue 20 something-year-old me wanted the same things. My current self and younger self just disagree on how to get there.
6- Can you share a lyric from "The Simple Things" that means the most to you, and tell us why it resonates so deeply?
"The Simple Things" is pretty minimal lyrically. Every word, every line, is heartfelt and resonates with me. That said, I love how simple the final stanza is and how efficiently it ties everything together.
Some want a simple life
Some dream of paradise
Some want to have it all
Some want nothing at all
7- Was there any music or artist that influenced the sound or tone of this track?
Not really. After it was complete, I noticed a few things, but not really. Trying to write work inspired by others is great if you have writer's block, but if you don't, you're sort of just limiting the possibilities of where your work can go.
8- How do you hope listeners feel after hearing the song? Is there a takeaway you want them to reflect on?
Chill. Relaxed. It should feel self-affirming. Like, "I got my own path and that's fine."
9- This is your second single of the year. How does "The Simple Things" connect to your artistic journey or upcoming projects?
"Lonely Winterland," is a heavy song about the struggles of being an immigrant and minority. With, "The Simple Things," I'm still in my philosophical bag, but it's a lot more digestible. As a creative person, I'm always trying to strike a balance. Everything can't be your least favorite vegetable cooked perfectly.
As far as upcoming projects, I plan to either release an album I've been holding onto at the end of the year/ beginning of next year, OR, a collab with my big brother (EDM producer H+) which I've been holding on to for way too long. To release either, I need to lay a groundwork of varying music with different vibes.
10- Looking ahead, do you see yourself continuing with this reflective, synth-pop sound, or are you exploring new musical directions?
Yes and no. The album project I'm considering releasing borrows from this vibe, as well as from my Caribbean roots. The Collab I did with H+, I'm reciting a poem. Rise Ashen and I are always talking. If we do another collab, that's going to be more straightforward dance music. That said, this is the sound and energy that I'm always going to be returning to. This is the energy that I want to share with people. I respect the hell out of people capable of making music meant to be background noise. I can't do that. I want my audience to grab some popcorn, perhaps some libations if they're of age, find a comfortable spot to sit, relax, and listen to what I'm saying.
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