Daniel Cantrell Discusses His New Album Unrivaled Music, Vol. 5, Songwriting Process, and the Future of Unrivaled Records

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Daniel Cantrell—music entrepreneur, founder of Unrivaled Records, and now artist—who has just released his highly anticipated album Unrivaled Music, Vol. 5.

Known for his unwavering dedication to the music industry, Cantrell steps into the spotlight with 14 dynamic tracks that showcase his creative versatility. From the hard-hitting “Aces” to the reflective “Patience,” Cantrell offers a glimpse into his own artistry while continuing to champion rising talent through his independent label.

We dive deep into his songwriting process, the evolution of Unrivaled Records, and what lies ahead for both the label and its artists. Join us as we explore the mind behind one of indie music’s most innovative forces.

Daniel, congratulations on the release of Unrivaled Music, Vol. 5! This is a major moment for you as an artist. What inspired you to step into the spotlight again, after the dynamic Vol.4, and create this album under your label? How did it come together?

Thank you so much! It’s a huge milestone—5 years of producing music, and I’m still just as excited as I was on day one. I release one project every year to keep the momentum going and make sure the label is always active. If our artists are in between projects, I like to step in with something new to keep the energy up. Plus, I love producing! I always end up with way more tracks than I need, so it’s like having a head start for next year’s album. It’s a win-win!

Tracks like “Aces” and “Bet” stand out with their dynamic energy. Can you tell us about the creative process behind these songs? Were there any specific moments or experiences that influenced the production?

“Aces” is my love letter to video games. The whole 8-bit retro Legend of Zelda vibe is so nostalgic for me. I was totally transported back to the days when my Gameboy was more important than a phone. I’d play with headphones on just to soak in that sweet, sweet game music. Now, “Bet” is a different animal. Living in Las Vegas, New Mexico, has a huge influence on it. The guitar and triangle you hear? Classic instruments in this area, and they helped me capture that Western, home-grown energy.

Your album blends various vibes and styles, which reflects your work as a label owner who supports different musical styles. How did your experience managing diverse artists influence your own sound in Unrivaled Music, Vol. 5?

It’s helped tremendously, being exposed to and experiencing so many different music styles really expands my creative capability when it comes to my production. Blending a little of this with a little of that. People will say you “can’t” do certain things or blend certain styles together in music. I hear things like that and laugh because music is one of the few mediums of creativity where you CAN literally do anything blend any style use any sound. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

“Good Life” and “Patience” are especially inspired and dynamic and showcase your versatility as a producer. Can you dive into the themes behind these tracks?

Thank you! “Good Life” and “Patience” are like two sides of the same coin for me. They’re light, airy, and full of space—perfect for something like a movie or video game soundtrack. I wanted them to feel cinematic, like they could support a storyline. They’ve got that extra depth that really lets them carry a vibe, and honestly, I can see an artist doing something cool with them, too. However, these tracks were created with storytelling in mind.

Songwriting and music production can be deeply personal. How do you approach your creative process?

For me, the creative process is like a wild, unpredictable ride, and I love every minute of it! Songwriting and production are super personal, so I approach it with no boundaries. Sometimes it starts with a simple beat or melody that just hits me, and other times it’s something I’ve been sitting on for a while, waiting for the right moment to develop.

I let my emotions lead the way. If I’m feeling something intense—whether it’s excitement, frustration, or nostalgia—I channel that energy into the music. I also try not to overthink things; some of my best ideas come when I’m just having fun in the studio, letting the creativity flow naturally. It’s all about capturing a moment, a vibe, and turning it into something that speaks to people.

“Who Would Have Thought” is a standout track. Can you share the story behind this song? Did the inspiration come from a specific event in your life, or was it more of a reflection on your overall career path and success in the music industry?

Definitely a reflection of my overall path in the industry. This was a perfect track to end the album with as it gives the listener a good idea of what to expect from the next one. One of my favorite duos in music is Gang Starr tracks like My advice 2 you, Work, and Tha Squeeze heavily inspired this track. More so in conception than the final result. I also felt that closing out the album would be the perfect opportunity to showcase all the skills in the bag of tricks that I have. A chance to lay it all out there on the track. It felt good to do and I couldn’t be happier with how it ended up coming out.

As an artist who is also a label owner, how do you balance your creative freedom with the responsibilities of running Unrivaled Records? Was this album a way for you to express things that you don’t typically get to explore through your work as a manager?

Absolutely, 100%. My music always takes a back seat to the artists on my label. I’m here for them, not me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The balance happens naturally because we’re all learning from each other. What I invest in them comes back to me as experience. By giving them full creative control, I get to sit back and pick up new ideas and approaches, which only makes me better. We might not have it all together, but together, we have it all!

When producing and composing for yourself, do you collaborate with other artists from your label, or do you prefer to work solo? Did any of the artists you’ve signed contribute to Unrivaled Music, Vol. 5 in any way?

I prefer to work solo but not opposed to collaborating and receiving feedback from my artists. However, in this particular instance, our artists are currently in different stages of their respective projects. I prefer to work myself on my projects as to not distract or take away from the work our artists are doing.

Are there any new signings under Unrivaled Records or exciting projects we should keep an eye on?

Absolutely! We’re always cooking up something special at Unrivaled Records. One project in particular is incredibly personal and close to our hearts. A band I’ve been working with recently lost a founding member in a tragic accident involving a police chase. He left behind a track that we’re planning to release posthumously to honor his memory. It’s a raw, emotional piece of art that really captures his spirit, and we believe it’s the perfect way to ensure his legacy lives on through his music.

You’ve been known to give your artists complete creative freedom. As both an artist and a label head, how do you ensure that your vision for your own music aligns with the philosophy you’ve established for your label?

For me, it’s all about trust. I’ve built Unrivaled Records on the foundation that artists should have the freedom to express themselves fully without constraints. When I’m creating my own music, I apply the same philosophy—trusting my instincts and allowing my creativity to flow naturally. It’s about giving myself the same space I give my artists, which ensures that the music that comes out of Unrivaled, whether it’s mine or theirs, stays true to that vision of authenticity and freedom.

Looking at your roster of artists, from 5w1tch and JayOoH to The Grape Street Collective, how do you see your role in mentoring and shaping their careers evolving in 2024? Are any upcoming releases or tours planned for your artists that we should know about?

2024 is shaping up to be an epic year! With JayOoH, Son, and Chief forming Gr00pchat, all eyes will be on them as they bring something fresh and exciting to the table. I’m working closely with them to blend their individual talents into something powerful, and we’ve got some major plans in the works for them.

But let’s not forget about The Grape Street Collective—they’re gearing up for some big moments too. Between Gr00pchat and The Grape Street Collective, we’ve got releases that are going to light up the year. Stay tuned because both groups are set to make waves in 2024!

Fantastic! Your label has worked on bridging music with fashion, digital content, and live experiences. How important is it for you to incorporate these multi-dimensional elements into your brand? Did that influence the way you approached promoting your own album?

I believe music is much more than sound—it’s an experience. We live in a world where fashion, visuals, and even digital content are part of the music culture, and I love weaving those elements into Unrivaled DNA. When I was promoting Unrivaled Music Vol. 5, I leaned into that concept, creating limited-edition merch and crafting immersive digital experiences. It wasn’t just about dropping an album—it was about creating a world that people could step into, feel, and live.

With the rising use of AI in music production and songwriting, how do you see this impacting the music world, particularly in the indie space? Do you see yourself or your artists exploring these new tools in your future projects?

AI is definitely making waves, and while some are wary, I see it as another tool in the creative arsenal. It can help with everything from speeding up production to sparking new ideas. In the indie space, where budgets are tight, AI could open doors to higher-quality production without the need for huge teams. We’re not there yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some of our artists start experimenting with it. As for me, I’m curious. If AI can help enhance the creative process without losing the human touch, I’m all for exploring it.

Finally, with Unrivaled Music, Vol. 5 now out in the world, what’s next for Daniel Cantrell the artist? Can we expect live performances, a tour, or even more music in 2024?

With Unrivaled Music Vol. 5 out there, I’m just getting started! While I’m not planning a personal tour, 2024 is going to be all about the music. I’ll be working closely with our artists—Gr00pchat (JayOoH, Son, and Chief) and The Grape Street Collective—helping them create and hit the stage. So, you can definitely expect live performances, just from our roster, and trust me, they’re going to bring the heat!

As for me, I’m diving back into the studio. New ideas, fresh sounds, and some surprises are in the works. I’ve got some creative experiments brewing that I can’t wait to explore. So while you won’t see me touring, you can definitely expect more music, more collaboration, and more pushing the envelope in 2024!

Daniel, it was such a pleasure having you with us today! Is there anything you would like to say to our readers?

It’s been an absolute pleasure being here! Awesome questions, truly! To all the readers out there—whether you’re chasing a dream, starting something new, or just figuring it out day by day—remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Stay true to who you are, don’t be afraid to take risks, and most importantly, keep pushing forward. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and never stop creating, no matter what your passion is. You never know what magic might come from it. The future is wide open—go out there and own it! We may not have it all together, but together, we have it all.