Danté Knows highly anticipated Vicious EP has arrived. The nocturnal, high voltage body of work from the Brooklyn-born, Sydney-based artist and model infuses New York Hip-Hop, Dancehall and Reggae influences, entwined expertly with rich production and thoughtful lyrics. We spoke to Danté about his influences and his monthly initiative, Pass The Mic, which he runs in partnership with Bodega Collective to give 15 young musicians the platform to perform in front of a 300+ room of Hip-Hop fans and industry members:

We love the EP, we’re excited for everyone to hear it. How did you feel ahead of the release?

"Ahead of the release I went through a swarm of emotions. The EP was released two days after I returned to Australia off the back of a two month trip to see family and friends back in NY."

We’ve read you recently moved to Sydney. Did you make most of this project in Sydney? What was inspiring you when you created it?

"Almost all of the songs on Vicious were written over two years ago during covid. The consistent lockdowns were the major contributors of inspiration for Vicious in my opinion."

Who did you work with on Vicious? 

"Vicious is my most collaborative project to ever hit the public. Verses and rifts could be found from artists such as TASKER, Jamie Rendle from Will and The People, johnny Took from DMAs, Mickey Kojack, Domba, Joseph Plunkett, Korky Buchek, & Seamus Coyle, Freddy Crabs, & Patrick Cornwall from Sticky Fingers."

How do you think you’ve evolved on this project from Phase One?

"From my point of view I’ve evolved as an artist from melodies to confidence in execution. Sonically I feel like Tasker has also evolved tremendously from Phase One with confidence in talent and production. He’s unstoppable."

You can definitely hear other cultural influences in your music. There’s that New York edge to it for sure and we’ve read about your West Indian heritage. How did growing up in Brooklyn influence your sound and love for music?

"Growing up in Brooklyn was a unique experience for me as a first generation American. My parents are both from the West Indies so I was raised on reggae and dancehall. My father was a popular DJ in Brooklyn and Jamaica, so every moment spent with him plays a role in my current love for music. My mother used to play artists from Michael Bolton to Mary J Blige which I feel like assisted  my appreciation for a wider range of genres."

We love what you’re doing in Sydney with Pass The Mic. When did you begin this? What prompted this? It’s so great to see someone creating this space for the Hip Hop community here.

"After gaining somewhat of an understanding of the Sydney music scene, I saw a grey area when it came to the youth. There’s a lot of gate keeping going on with no streamline to younger artists with all the talent but no knowledge of how to even get a song out on major platforms. We started Pass The Mic to help create a community where young artists get to network with each other and build up their own community organically."

You’re also a model - giving us the best of both our worlds! How do you think immersing yourself in the world of fashion has influenced your music?

"The moment I decided to pursue fashion, my entire life changed immediately. The relationship between the fashion world and with music is undeniably powerful. Every time I would drop a song or do something via music it would aid my model career visa versa. Smartest decision I’ve ever made."

Dream brands to work with, as a musician? Or brands you’ve worked with that have evolved your self expression?

"In the future I would love to do collabs with brands such as Balenciaga, Rick Owens, and Vetements."

What do you hope people learn about you through your music?

"I hope my music helps to reveal the way for people. Despite what direction that is."

You’re about to head out on tour. How do you bring the world of Danté Knows to the stage?

"If you find yourself amongst the crowd at a Danté Knows show, especially on the VICIOUS tour, expect to find peace and chaos existing in unity. Hope you have fun xo."

What’s next?

"Recently, I put around 200 hats I designed into production, so I’m excited to release my first 2 personal pieces. The houndstooth joint is called 'Cruella DiVall' & the spotted black piece is called the 'Naomi Cambell'."

Listen to Vicious HERE.

@dante.knows