Meet Daniel Gonzalez II

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Gonzalez II.

Hi Daniel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. 
The person that inspired me to pursue music was my baby sister. She started learning the guitar when she was in elementary school and I in middle school. Seeing her struggle but still persevere to get the correct notes and melodies sparked a passionate fire within me. So, freshman year I joined the guitar club at my old high school with my best friend, Ryan Molina. Unfortunately, the club was nothing more than a hangout spot for the more experienced guitarists, so we learned nothing from there. However, we ended up teaching each other (he taught me more than I ever taught him). I also learned from YouTube tutorials, but my Abuelo was the figure who had the most significant impact on me regarding music. Having an extensive background in classic rock and roll himself, he taught me all that he knew and left me with all the necessary equipment so that I could embark on my musical journey. 

After teaching myself how to record instruments using an interface, I have curated 35 songs since 2017 with three separate musical projects (The Defrauders, PJ Chimps, and El Segundo). Whether it be through composition, production, rehearsal, or management, I am working on my craft in some capacity during almost every waking moment. Of course, there are times when this dynamic fluctuates since I also make sure to pursue my academic career goals as an Environmental Scientist. However, there has never been a time when I sacrificed my artistic prowess or felt the need to. El Segundo is not just a “side hustle,” as someone once stated. It’s not even a part of who I am. It quite literally is who I am. 

I am happy that I can say that I have established myself as a proud member of the artistic scene raging within the Inland Empire of Southern California. It’s not because of the level of recognition I’ve achieved thus far either. What I take pride in is my ability to share my art and self with more genuine souls. And the fact that I’m doing this on my terms, at my pace, and in my peace is just the cherry on top. 

Last, but not least, I am grateful to now have a live band in the form of “El Segundo y Los Minutos”: Featuring Ryan Molina on lead guitar, Edward Quintero on bass, and Francis Iloh on drums. All amazingly talented individuals. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has most definitely not been a smooth road. The marketing aspect of my music career has been what I have struggled with the most. Being independent, I had to learn how to be my own manager. That means along with writing, producing, and performing all of my work, I also have to book shows, promote music, schedule practices, complete official paperwork, etc. I have considered hiring someone in the past, but I like knowing the ins and outs of everything. 

Advertising or creating promotional material can also be a sore topic for me to touch because, at times, I may feel like I am sacrificing a bit of my genuine identity to simply “put out content.” With music, I wish to stay true to who I am. The moment I feel that anything I do with this medium (or in life period) is disingenuous, I will cease to continue. 

Last but not least, is dealing with the frustration synonymous with a career in music that may lead us to embrace ideas of toxic jealousy or “selling out”. It took me a very long time (and sometimes I still have relapses) to realize that as a musician, I shouldn’t have to worry about anyone else. Why another artist is getting more attention than me shouldn’t be the main focus. My main focus is to develop an artistic persona of integrity that’s completely aware of its foundational influences. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am El Segundo: An independent, 2nd-Gen Xicano musical artist from the High Desert in Southern California. My music is influenced by all sorts of genres and cultures, including indie/alt-rock, 90s hip hop & rap, and norteño. For almost 5 years now, I have written, recorded, and produced all of my songs in the comfort of my bedroom through the use of GarageBand and a “good ear.” Of course, I still see room for growth. As I try to make one of my defining artistic traits be that not a single track of mine sounds the same as the last. I have two other musical projects titled The Defrauders and PJ Chimps, which I pursued with friends. 

I also just recently started acting. My professional debut is in Future First’s INT. BLANK: A web anthology series streaming strictly on social media platforms. New episodes every Wednesday!!! 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
On my 8th birthday when my entire family surprised me at our house. I just remember being in complete shock and feeling like I was on top of the world. My parents also got a jumper with both a slide and a bounce house section. That was pretty sick. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/el_segundo_dg/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gonzalez-ii-48789b1a6/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiAsz7O3ZahP5oa_udK5ijg
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/el-segundo-dg?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2mgiGr3c7f2xLcEIZrIUPi?si=ulroKrv6T2md2o9gP_9InA

Image Credits
Melody Gonzalez Saldivar
Jimmy Le
Viktorea Sanchez
Rick Perez
Abigail Zamora