We had the good fortune of connecting with Dalen Nell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dalen, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
A native of the DC-metro area, I grew up listening to all genres of music. From Go-Go, melodic hip hop, boom bap, punk rock, heavy metal, R&B to dancehall, these musical influences shaped my eclectic style and sound that is unique and without limitations. I also grew up in a household with a mother from LA and a father from Brooklyn, and a cultural music mix of old school funk, R&B and rap music from the 70s and 80s was a constant musical backdrop in our house.

Deciding to move to LA to pursue my career in music was a great leap of faith and I have never looked back! I can say I have grown artistically and greatly elevated my craft by being around like-minded creatives from all genres. I have met so many talented, multi-faceted and innovative people on a similar journey as mine with hyper-focus and drive.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am fueled by creative energy and consider it an essential component of my identity. Pursuing a professional career in the arts was a natural progression and is the driving factor that motivates me every day to stay on my grind. Doing what you are truly passionate about is the key to happiness and fulfillment and is what I am committed to for my life and livelihood.

As a creative, I also have a passion for art and illustration and spend a lot of my quiet time sketching and drawing. I was able to turn this hobby into a side hustle—illustrating album cover art for local artists and bands. My other passion, outside of the arts, is my skateboard! Skateboarding allows freedom of expression and also an adrenaline rush, comparable to performing on any stage! Skateboarding teaches you independence, endurance, determination, consistency and discipline–while pushing your skills beyond your capabilities or limitations. My last big trick landed me in surgery and a boot for 4 months—but the risks and difficulties of skateboarding are what makes the sport so exciting and the community so strong!

Performing on stage is where my passion and purpose collide and feels as natural as breathing. As an eclectic artist, I feel a close connection to all audiences, and I receive just as much as I give on that stage every time I perform. I love how music is the universal language that bridges gaps and connects people of all ages, color, language and gender.

As I put the finishing touches on my latest album, I am looking forward to blazing the next stage and surrounding myself with the energy, excitement and “call and response” connection that resonates from a live audience! I want the readers to know that my latest project, “Know My Name”, is headed their way soon—so be on the lookout and I hope to see you out in the crowd!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a Melrose Avenue resident, you can never run out of places to visit on the strip. On Sunday, we would head over to Melrose Trading Post which is an open-air market with a ton of different vendors and artists selling everything from vintage clothing, artwork, jewelry, antiques and one-of-a-kind collectibles. On Monday, we’ll head to The Re-Up Smoke Shop on Melrose to get all of our “essentials” before heading to Brain Dead Studios on Fairfax Avenue to catch the latest indie film. The next day, we’ll head to Chaotic Tattoo Shop, which is actually the first black-owned tattoo shop in the history of Hollywood! The owner, Turk, is literally one of the best in the business! And to round out the week, we absolutely MUST hit J-Kwon Sundays in K-Town–the most iconic street skating plaza in LA!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am truly blessed to have parents that never wavered in their support of the pursuit of my dream. Having that foundation set so early on, has shaped me and provided me with the confidence and self-assurance that has fueled my unwavering persistence to succeed.

Instagram: dalen.nell

Other: All streaming platforms: Dalen

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