Canadian Artist, Songwriter, and Producer D Howell speaks about master ownership and his new single "Oh Na Na".

YVMedia: How does the blend of modern production and “emotionally grounded lyricism” define your specific sound within the Canadian music scene?

D Howell: My sound is really about balance. I bring modern production techniques—clean mixes, global influences, and contemporary rhythms—but the foundation is always emotionally grounded storytelling rooted in reggae.

What makes it unique in the Canadian scene is that it carries authentic Caribbean energy while still connecting with a diverse, international audience. It’s not just about how it sounds—it’s about how it makes people feel.

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YVMedia: You mention that your work reflects “lived experience and resilience”—could you share a specific moment or story that inspired the lyrics of your upcoming single?

D Howell: A lot of my music comes from growing up in Dela Vega City, where you’re constantly surrounded by both struggle and strength.

With “Oh Na Na,” the inspiration came from wanting to create something uplifting despite those realities—a song that captures joy, connection, and escape. It reflects the idea that even when life is challenging, there are moments that bring people together and remind you to live in the moment.

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YVMedia: As a self-produced artist who handles everything from beats to mastering, what are the biggest challenges and rewards of maintaining total creative control?

D Howell: The biggest challenge is wearing so many hats—you have to be creative, technical, and disciplined all at once. It can be overwhelming at times.

But the reward is complete freedom. Every sound, every lyric, every decision is intentional and comes directly from me. That level of control allows me to stay authentic and build a sound that truly represents who I am.

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YVMedia: Why is “master ownership” an important aspect of your career strategy as an emerging independent artist?

D Howell: Master ownership is about long-term vision and independence. Owning your masters means you control your music, your message, and your future.

As an independent artist, it allows me to build something sustainable—not just for now, but for years to come. It also gives me the flexibility to make decisions that align with my values, not just business pressure.

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YVMedia: Your bio emphasizes “authenticity and storytelling”; how do you ensure these values remain the focus when navigating the technical side of music production?

D Howell: I always start with the message first. Before the production, before the mix, I ask myself: what is this song saying, and why does it matter?

The technical side is there to enhance the story—not replace it. If the emotion isn’t there, no amount of production can fix that. So, I stay grounded in the message and build everything around that.

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YVMedia: In what ways do you plan to engage with the Ontario music community to help build a “sustainable career” and support other independent creators?

D Howell: I believe in collaboration and community-building. Whether it’s working with local artists, producers, or performing in Ontario, I want to create opportunities that uplift others as well.

I also want to share knowledge—helping other independent artists understand production, ownership, and how to navigate the industry. A sustainable career isn’t built alone—it’s built through connection.

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YVMedia: How does this upcoming single specifically expand your production capabilities compared to your previous releases?

D Howell: This new release pushes me to a more global sound. With “Oh Na Na” and “In The Air,” I’m blending reggae foundations with broader international influences, both sonically and structurally.

From a production standpoint, I’ve elevated the quality, the layering, and the overall sound design. It reflects growth—not just as an artist, but as a producer who is thinking on a bigger, worldwide scale.

Follow D Howell:

https://www.instagram.com/realdhowell/

www.youtube.com/@realdhowell