Interview: DADE Engages Audiences with "MAKE YOU MINE" and "SNAKE EYES"
By Catherine Wong
INTRODUCING SYD TAGLE
Electronic pop-artist Syd Tagle, known artistically as DADĒ, has crafted a persona that is uniquely their own. But the question remains: who, or more precisely, what is DADĒ?
Tagle began their music career as a keyboardist and vocalist for the band The Shakes. Though the band went their separate ways, Tagle’s future remained set on making music. After moving to Los Angeles and working with world-renowned artists–SZA, Don Toliver, and Giveon–Tagle finally decided to give making their own music a try. “I had been saying for years, and I mean years, that I was going to release music, and I never did. So when life took a different turn for me, I saw it as an opportunity to really dive into my music and finally let it be heard rather than collect digital dust on my hard drive,” Tagle said.
However, the question still begs: Who is DADĒ?
Photo by Nicole Ditt || Graphic by Mykel Merritt
WHO IS DADĒ?
Originally, the name was a joke – crafted because Tagle would frequently wear an Urban Outfitters hat that had “daddy” printed on it. However, they began to picture what it would be like for fans to chant “Daddy!” up at them, and it just stuck. “I had to commit to the bit,” Tagle said.
On the surface, it is a pseudonym or just a regular stage name, but delving into Tagle, their craft, and their identity, it is so much more. The persona of DADĒ allows Tagle to explore a different, more confident side of themself. Embracing the name “challenges [them] to step outside [their] comfort zone and be open to all possibilities.”
With DADĒ, Tagle can form a unique outlet of self-expression. Creating a “new version of themselves” per se allows them to explore their personal identity and career. This distinction between the personal and professional aspects of being a music artist offers a safe space for growth, which is particularly good for newer artists like Tagle.
MAKE YOU MINE
On February 14, DADĒ released “MAKE YOU MINE,” a charming Valentine’s Day anthem featuring funky electronic sounds. In contrast to their other hard-hitting, moodier releases, this track is more light-hearted and fun.
“I know this might sound crazy entertain me/ What if we take a moment in our lives/To see what it be like to intertwine them,” DADĒ sings. The track is full of hope and energy, offering listeners an experience that makes them feel as though they, too, are in love.
“The majority of my music right now is based on my experiences in past and present romantic relationships. I feel that I’m not always the best at talking about my feelings, but it seems to come a bit easier when I put it into music – lyrically and sonically,” DADĒ commented.
SNAKE EYES
MAKE YOU MINE’s polar opposite, SNAKE EYES, dropped March 28, showcasing a new side of DADĒ. In contrast to the upbeat, disco-inspired vibe of MAKE YOU MINE, SNAKE EYES is a dynamic confession, reflecting the push and pull of a manipulative relationship.
Unlike MAKE YOU MINE, which came together pretty naturally, SNAKE EYES forced DADĒ into a creative block: “I felt stuck until I was introduced to Alex Ray. I sent her the track, and she quickly sent me back an idea for a verse, which eventually became the bridge that we know now, and I knew she had to be on it.”
Alex Ray’s strong vocals, combined with DADĒ’s creative production style, adds another level to the track. Not only did the two collaborate, but they also formed a strong relationship, rekindling their passion for making music and songwriting.
“Alex was the first artist I’ve ever collaborated with on my solo project, and it was the start of one of my favorite writing partners,” DADĒ added.
The SNAKE EYES music video is set to premiere on April 4 and will feature DADĒ and Alex Ray engaged in a tough round of “Snake Eyes” – a card game symbolic of a relationship where there is a constant power imbalance and “winning” is never genuinely winning.
Though “MAKE YOU MINE” and “SNAKE EYES” contrast in meaning, they share a similar creative spirit. Both tracks feature captivating electronic sounds and distinct vocal distortion. The charm of “SNAKE EYES” lies in its diverse array of noises, each one blending seamlessly to create an innovative track.
FUTURE PLANS
As DADĒ progresses along in their career, rather than succumbing to the pressure of instant success, they prefer to be still and wait: “I truly believe that if something is meant to be, it will happen when the time is right.”
Many artists set high expectations for themselves, but DADĒ embraces a slower, more thoughtful approach. Just as for artists such as Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, who have taken years to achieve overnight success, this mindset proves to be a valuable virtue. According to Tagle, “The most valuable lesson I’ve learned so far is to be patient. To be patient with yourself, your art, your relationships, your time.”
Although Tagle doesn't have a specific goal or a clear photo of the future, they plan to keep creating music: "I feel like if I were to have an 'I made it' moment, it would be that I get to keep making music I truly connect with and working with people who bring out the best in me."
Check out DADĒ’s latest releases SNAKE EYES and MAKE YOU MINE !
