NOTD consists of 17-year-old Samuel Brandt (Sam) and 19-year-old Tobias Danielsson (Tobi) who met each other on Soundcloud. The two later ended up attending the same high school in southern Sweden and have been producing sick remixes ever since. They have made official remixes that included tracks from artists like Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, and more. The two recently released a new track called “I Wanna Know” which has Bea Miller on the vocals. I got to chat with both of them about their new music, summer tunes they’ve been jamming to, and more.
TYF: Before we get to the music, can you tell our readers about how you guys formed NOTD?
Samuel Brandt (Sam): In the summer of 2016, I was looking on Soundcloud trying to find new music and stumbled across one of Tobi’s remixes which I really liked. I found him on Facebook and sent him a message telling him that I liked his sound and wanted to collaborate. We started to collaborate on some remixes together from a distance and during this time, I also realized that I would be attending the same school in the fall, that Tobi was already at. It was a really small world moment and once attending the same school we started working full time together and created NOTD.
TYF: What does NOTD stand for and how did you guys choose the name of the duo?
Tobias Danielsson (Tobi): NOTD is the last two letters of each of our last names but in reverse. My last name is Danielsson and Sam’s last name is Brandt. We took the NO from my name and the TD from Sam’s.
TYF: How did you guys know you wanted to get into music?
Tobi: I started producing music about six years ago and after time I knew it was what I wanted to do.
Sam: I have played guitar since I was young so I always enjoyed it.
TYF: You guys have done a number of remixes. What would you say is one of your favorite remixes of all-time?
Tobi: “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” by Shawn Mendes
Sam: “If You’re Over Me” by Years & Years
TYF: How do you guys pick the song you want to remix?
Tobi: When we started NOTD, we would try and remix anything we could get our hands on. Now, we really focus on the vocals and the song. If we think we can make something unique and different than the original then we try.
TYF: As electronic dance music is at an all-time high right now, what would you say makes your remixes stand out?
Sam: We really don’t know but maybe it’s combining both of our strengths into one track. I have a more emotional sound and Tobi has a more energetic sound and together it makes something unique.
TYF: How do you guys know when a remix is considered done?
Sam: We know when there is nothing more we can do to it.
Tobi: We know in our gut when it is done.
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TYF: You guys have a dope track with Bea Miller called “I Wanna Know.” What is the track about?
Tobi: Thanks. It tells a story about someone thinking about their ex, curious if they are happier with their new lover. It is all relatable to some level because we all do it, even if it isn’t the best thing for ourselves.
TYF: How did the opportunity to collab with Bea come about?
Sam: We knew of her and thought she would be the perfect voice on the song so we had our manager track her down and play her the song. She loved it and she ended up recording it within 24 hours of hearing it.
TYF: What was it like working with her?
Tobi: It’s been great – we are like best friends now.
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TYF: With this track, in particular, was there a clear division with who made the lyrics and who produced the track? Or was it a joint effort on both fronts?
Sam: Well, the lyrics were written by amazing songwriters: SHY Martin, Shy Nodi, and Jason Gill. Once we heard it, Tobi and I produced the track then we sent the full version to Bea to sing. It was a true team effort with everyone involved.
TYF: Do you guys have any future collaborations coming up in the future?
Tobi: Yes, we have a lot of new music coming!
TYF: As your music career continues to grow, what advice has someone given you that you stick by even to this day?
Tobi: The best advice we got is to always do our best and work hard. Talent will only take you so far and we can always get better.
TYF: I dig that! The advice reminds me of the importance of staying humble. With that said, you guys have been highly acclaimed by a number of organizations, publications, and even some DJs, how do you guys remain humble despite all of the success and buzz?
Sam: It is just so crazy how fast things have happened that we don’t really understand. We just make sure to have a lot of fun.
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TYF: What advice do you have for young artists who want to break into the scene?
Tobi: Work hard to be the best artist/producer/songwriter you can be. Practice every day and try to make your own unique sound.
TYF: Will you guys be releasing any new music anytime soon? Can we get any hints?
Sam: Yes, very soon! No hints.
TYF: Lastly, what summer tunes do you have on repeat right now?
Tobi: “Entertainer” by Zayn and “Messy” by Kiiara
Sam: “Forget To Forget” by SHY Martin
Visit NOTD’s Soundcloud page to listen to more of their music.
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