Dan Matic shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Dan , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My typical morning consists of a set of core activities, but these may vary depending on my schedule.
0–30 min: Wake-Up & Mindset
• Greet my spouse
• Hydrate
• Check my calendar
• Write down top priorities for the day to complete
30–60 min: Planning & Deep Work
• Tackle one high-priority task
• Check emails/messages briefly
60–90 min: Movement & Energy
• Exercise
• Breakfast
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Danny Staton is an interdisciplinary audio-visual artist. Working under the pseudonym Dan Matic, Staton fuses futuristic and electronic soundscapes with traditional elements of funk, soul, rock and jazz—while also drawing inspiration from a wide spectrum of musical genres including classical, hip-hop, reggae, ambient, and experimental. The result is a richly layered auditory experience that bridges past and future, structure and improvisation.
His videography is distinguished by a sophisticated interplay of linear forms, geometric patterns, and vibrant, organic color palettes. By integrating hand-drawn animation with microscopy footage, Staton brings a deeply personal and tactile dimension to his work, while simultaneously revealing the intricate beauty of the natural world. This innovative combination of analog and digital techniques yields visually arresting, conceptually rich pieces that invite viewers to explore the intersection of art, science, and emotion.
Staton holds a degree in Media, Art, and Design
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
The greatest lessons I’ve learned have come from the people around me. My wife, my peers, collaborators, and mentors. These individuals have not only inspired me but have consistently challenged me to grow beyond my comfort zone. Their feedback, creativity, and unique perspectives push me to refine my skills and expand my vision, shaping me into a more versatile and thoughtful artist.
What makes this influence so powerful is that it extends beyond the technical aspects of my work. It has helped me evolve as a complete person who values collaboration, embraces diversity of thought, and understands the importance of community in the creative process. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to learn, adapt, and innovate, and that shared energy is what drives my passion for creating meaningful, multidimensional art.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could. It showed me the value of resilience and the importance of perseverance when everything feels uncertain. In moments of struggle, I learned that giving up is never an option, because progress often hides behind persistence. Challenges have a way of stripping away comfort and forcing growth, and that process taught me to keep moving forward even when the path isn’t clear.
Through adversity, I discovered inner strength, patience, and the mindset that every obstacle is temporary if you refuse to quit. That attitude never giving up and continuing to push forward has become the foundation of everything I do, both as an artist and as a person. It’s what allows me to overcome setbacks and transform them into opportunities for growth.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my closest friends what truly matters to me, they would say growth, progression, and authenticity. I’m deeply committed to continuous self-improvement both personally and professionally because I believe that growth is the foundation for achieving meaningful goals. Progression isn’t just about moving forward; it’s about evolving in a way that reflects purpose and intention.
Equally important to me is being real with myself. Authenticity is what guides every decision I make. It means staying grounded, acknowledging my strengths and weaknesses, from all angles.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only 10 years left, I wouldn’t stop doing anything. Every choice I’ve made and every action I take is intentional and aligned with my values. I believe that life is too short to spend time on things that don’t matter, so I’ve already committed to living authentically and purposefully. Rather than eliminating something, I would focus even more on what truly matters & maybe adding new elements to grow ever more. Creating meaningful work, nurturing relationships, and continuing to grow as a person and an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://danmaticbeats.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danmaticbeatsnraps/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-staton-b2117a9b
- Soundcloud: https://shorturl.at/o4va8
- Other: https://shorturl.at/o4va8
Image Credits
Jason Orr – Phosphor Studios Kansas City- https://phosphorstudio.com/
Katie Roby
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
