Neo-Safari is Dan Rogers, an electronic composer based in Dallas, TX, who began producing music in 2011. Since then he has released 4 EP albums as well as 15 singles and remixes. A lot of sunny and happy, bouncy vibes frequent their way through the Neo-Safari catalog. Darker releases like the “Neo-Noir” EP release and a few other singles and remixes keep things on an even keel.

How did your interest in music begin? Sometime in the late 90’s I heard Tool’s album Ænima, then a friend later showed me Radiohead’s OK Computer. I was into music, but really started digging deeper and taking it more seriously at that point. You know that point when every serious music fan starts to develop their “intellectually refined palette” and they start becoming somewhat musically pretentious? That was it for me. Learning digital music production didn’t come until late 2011, and I’ve lightened up considerably.

What was the last show you went to that stuck out to you? Brennen Leigh and Noel McKay in historic Luckenbach, TX on the 4th of July. I took a random trip down to the Texas Hill Country and stumbled upon the band. In addition, Dustin “Screech” Diamond live stand-up comedy a few weeks ago. That was really inspirational.

 

 

What are you listening to right now? The War on Drugs album “Lost in The Dream”, Chet Faker, a bunch of blues and soul, Onomono’s Dial Exploder, and as always a lot of random stuff on SoundCloud…oh, and Katy Perry’s Happy Birthday.

What are you currently watching on Netflix/what’s on your Netflix queue? Treme and The Wire, which is actually on HBO Go.

 

 

Do you get fan mail? What’s been the most exciting thing you have received from a fan? Probably when Keep Shelly in Athens, tweeted my video for “While Dreaming” that was my second song ever released. That was cool.

What are some recent, upcoming or current projects you are working on? I have a handful of finished work that needs to see the light of day. All remixes and just stand alone works. One is deep house, one is up-tempo summery nu-disco type tune, and one is R&B. Stylistically, all over the place per usual.

 

 

 

 

What do you do when you’re not working on music? Typically, I’m out and about with friends. Live music at The Granada Theater in Dallas. A lot of weddings lately. Reading. My friend started a book club that everyone should check out and support.

 

 

What is your snack/beverage of choice when recording? Chips and Red Hot Mama Salsa.