Daniel Ahearn

I’m about to take a trip up north. If you haven’t figured it out or are new to Syffal and haven't been hazed in a vat of honey and chin stubble by writhing dad bods, I live in Los Angeles. I also rap and teach. But fuck all that because I’m going up to the Bay for a couple of one-off rap shows and a music education conference. One of the fucking perks of that shit is that it’s also Valentine’s weekend. 

And I’m in fucking love. 

In addition to rhythmically and excitedly rhyming words to complete strangers in the middle of the night, I’m going to see some great friends, go to a music class, and I plan on having a goddamned incredible time with the my sexy-as-fuck girlfriend. Daniel Ahearn’s new EP Safety First, might just be the soundtrack to this steam-filled jaunt to vacation town. 

His song “Wanted to be Loved” has a real deal video with a real life Canadian actress, boi! He also did the soundtrack to that Rashida Jones documentary that made us all realize what pieces of shit we are for watching porn. Also I think there's something about Moby. And when isn't there something about Moby? I also have it on really good authority that Ahearn's an amazing dad and all around stand up mother fucker. 

Here’s where I should say something like: His minimal instrumentation and sparse harmonic vocals belie rich imagery and pointed lyricism. 

But instead I’ll just fucking promise you that this is exactly the kind of shit we’re going to need. 

This is music for the Netflix drama version of everything that you do! 

Forgot to pay the car insurance? Take a moment and stare off into the distance while this wistfully plays in the background bringing home the shame and loneliness. 

Lay in an Air BnB Airstream trailer staring at a vintage wood-panelled ceiling while the rest of the world tumbles by insignificantly as any wave crashing on any beach in any montage in any reality tv show you’ve ever imagined yourself in. 

Ahearn turns just driving to the store as an excuse to leave the house for one fucking moment into an epic romp to pumping emotion town. 

It’s in those moments, those dream-filled, fuzzy-bordered interjections into the banality of our shitty lives that make the soul sing, “Nobody loves me like you do”. 

This is the kind of weekend I hope to have: Holding hands on brisk walks between restaurants we’ve both fucking seen on TV. Belly laughs while facing each other at some under-appreciated antique oak bar somewhere, our knees slotted and her purse dangling hidden below. Stolen moments between us in elevators and hallways and late at night in the middle of the street when nobody’s looking. Maybe I’m a romantic. Maybe I’m stupid. Maybe we’ll get hit by a car. But maybe, just maybe, “I just wanted to be loved.” 

Daniel Ahearn is coming along as the inspiration for those long, lost, contemplative looks to the horizon.