Daniel Byrd (aka Byrd) is a versatile DJ and producer with an immense passion for music. Byrd made a name for himself in the industry through his hard work, ambitious nature, high-energy sets, and enthusiasm on the decks. Byrd is known for always bringing freshness, genre-blending, and adaptability. Byrd’s love and passion for electronic dance music comes from a variety of musical influences that ranges from underground techno to groovy tech and high-energy bass. When Byrd is not performing, he spends his time in the studio creating his own neonGARDEN inspired music. Byrd’s focus when in the studio is to create an uplifting techno experience that attracts a diverse audience and brings positive vibes to the dance floor.
Hi Byrd, and welcome to Techno Mood. It’s delightful to have you with us for the first time. Could you please introduce yourself briefly to our readers?
My name is Daniel Byrd, but I go by Byrd for my artist name as a producer / DJ. I am excited to be here and connect with fellow Techno enthusiasts! I have been working as a DJ for almost ten years and I started creating Techno music in 2019. Making Techno music quickly became a passion of mine and it’s been my main focus ever since. In addition to my love for music, I also enjoy spending my free time out and about in sunny San Diego enjoying all that it has to offer including music festivals, local restaurants, and taking my dog to the beach.
How has your year been?
My year has been great and I feel proud when I reflect on the goals I’ve been working towards accomplishing. I collaborated with my friend, Josh Taylor, in starting a new techno night called “Texture” to help showcase the talent of up-and-coming techno artists. The event has become a popular destination in San Diego for techno. During the year, I signed with a local San Diego Techno record label called Techniche Recordings and released my third EP titled “Nobody Knows”. I was delighted to receive support from prominent artists such as Barbuto, Dax J, Nick Bowman, and even Adam Beyer, who commented on one of my tracks. At the end of the year, I enlisted the help of a mentor/coach to help me further pursue my dreams and goals of performing at bigger shows and traveling around the world as a Techno DJ.
Can you elaborate on the musical influences that shape BYRD’s love for electronic dance music, spanning from underground techno to groovy tech and high-energy bass?
I enjoy almost all genres of dance music, and my love for electronic dance music goes way back. As dance music made its comeback in the states in the mid-2000s, I was drawn to Deadmau5, Benny Benassi, and even Skrillex. I have admired groups like The Prodigy, Daft Punk, and legends like Paul Oakenfold and Paul Van Dyke. I still have a decent-sized stack of vinyl records of the OGs like DJ Dan and The Chemical Brothers. I have always enjoyed bass music, and I still remember falling in love with drum and bass through DJ Aphrodite’s self-titled album. However, my heart has always belonged to techno and the rave culture. I get musical influences from those who inspire me, like Adam Beyer and Eli Brown. In 2022, I had the pleasure of catching Sam Paganini and Adam Beyer at San Diego’s CRSSD Festival, and it was absolutely mind-blowing!
You have a new EP releasing on Techniche Recordings on January 16th, 2024. Could you talk us through the records and how they came about?
When I create music, my ultimate aim is to bring about a sense of positivity, upliftment and an electrifying vibe. I love to infuse a positive message in my music to accompany the meditative and hypnotic feeling. I want my listeners to feel euphoric, empowered and have an out-of-body experience, much like what one feels at a rave.
– “Feel The Rush” – The excitement of life. The rush of adrenaline. The fear of trying something new. Breathing in all that life has to offer.
– “Body Or Mind” – This is a reminder that you are not your body, and you are not your mind. You HAVE a body, you HAVE a mind. “You are an avenue of awareness that is conscious of the body. You are an avenue of awareness that is conscious of the mind. And as you begin to expand your awareness as to who and what you really are you get to make CHOICES..” Michael Bernard Beckwith
What inspires BYRD for his upcoming EP, “Feel the Rush,” and how does that inspiration manifest in the music?
The inspiration for “Feel the Rush” came from the feeling I get at a rave when escaping from reality and indulging in a night of pure bliss and fun. Being immersed in the rave culture and the philosophy of Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect (P.L.U.R) These ideas manifested in the music and spread positivity and the power to overcome self-doubt.
What can listeners expect from the three Techno mixes by 6AM, Obsidian SD, and Techniche SD, and how do they contribute to the buzz around BYRD’s upcoming fourth EP in the Techno world?
I’ve been working hard in my studio to finish my three newest mixes that each have signature rave techno sounds but with a slightly different feel to bring a unique experience to the listener. 6AM has quickly taken over the Techno scene in Los Angeles and I am honored to have them host one of my mixes.This mix will feature big synth sounds and peak time Techno to give the listener rave energy. Additionally, Obsidian SD, a team that hosts events, streams on Twitch, and releases an epic mix series locally, will also be featuring my mix. This mix has a darker acid techno feel to it. Lastly, the Techniche SD mix is high energy with big build-ups and a positive vibe. In this mix, I have featured a few Techniche artists and included some of my personal tracks and remixes. I am excited to share these mixes with everyone!
What does 2024 hold for you? Anything you can share with us?
I am very passionate about creating new Techno music and with the help of my mentor, I am extremely focused on achieving my goals. I aim to release a few more EPs in 2024 and also travel to different states and countries to play techno music. Currently, I am working on finalizing dates in Hawaii, Los Angeles, and Colorado. I am excited to return and share more of my music with my Techno Mood friends. Happy New Year!
