Hi Dante, how are you doing these days?

Life is good.. just been spending a lot of time on the road and in the studio working.

There's a story that you went to New York without knowing anybody there, even sleeping at the bus station on the first night. What was New York like for you at that time?

I just wanted to do my music so I went to New York to get it movin'.. I spent time on the streets and in shelters just trying to make it day to day. It was a great learning experience.. a place with people I'll never forget.

Since you went Gold in Europe have you ever toured there? If so anything memorable you can relate to us?

Yeah, I toured… I hung out with Iggy Pop and Ja Rule. Performing at the Popkom Gala in Germany was awesome.

Was it Pras who gave you your first break? What kind of person would you describe him as and secondly do you still keep in touch with him?

No.. Pras didn't give me my first break.. he's very talented as far as finding great songs for certain artists. 

Any other album after Fly? What can you tell us about it?

I was working on a 2nd album with Elektra called "Still Standing" it was a collaboration of pop rock/R&B songs.

What can you tell us about your deal with Elektra?

Elektra was good to me as a label. The Production company I was with (Ratpack Ent.) wasn't good on the money side of things.. there were a lot of unanswered questions as to where the money was really going.

Initially - what shocked you when you first came into contact with the music industry?

I guess it would have to be the amount of YES MEN that come around.. "YES MEN"- people who say you can do no wrong.

What still shocks you?

How many talented artists who have great songs but no record deal.

How did you meet Bullet?

I met Bullet thru a mutual friend, Scoob.. like me, another artist from Salt Lake City.

What can you tell us about the track you did with Bullet?

When Bullet and I started the first track we wanted to have some fun and still make something that would have a chance to reach the masses.

What is your favorite Bullet album? What other music do you listen to?

The "North Coast Rain" album is my personal favorite… the song "Uncapable" is SO real! Right now I'm feelin' Outkast and Simple Plan.

Did you go on tour with N'Sync? What was that like? Did you like them on a personal level?

I did a 17-city tour with N'Sync.. it made me wake up and realize music is more than singing a song- it's connecting with the soul! They were all great to work with, I think Joey Fatone was the most real of them all.

In terms of artists you've met who would you describe as 'assholes' and why?

That is a tough question.. because as another artist I know all too well that you have good and bad days.. sometimes people see that and think that you're always like that, when it might have been just one of those days..

What do you like to eat?

Soulfood and Italian are my two top picks..

Do you drink alcoholic beverages, if so, what type?

My drink of choice would be a shot of Tequila with salt and lime… and a cold Corona.

How old are you now?

People are always surprised at my age.. they always think I'm much younger.. I'm 28..

What comes to mind when someone says "South Africa" and would you ever consider coming over to do a tour or holiday?

The first thing I think of is so many people dying of AIDS! God, when are we going to wake up? "We got money for wars but cant feed the poor" Pac

Do you have female stalkers?

There have been times when I've had girls do that.. but most of the time after talking with them they just chill..

Do you plan on doing more collaborations with hip hop artists (such as what you've done with Bullet)?

If I find that I connect with an artist the way I connect with Bullet, then yes.. I have done other collaborations with other hip-hop artists but the difference is Bullet makes me a believer in his music.

Tamryn (one of our staff members) wants to know if you got a girlfriend?

Nope.. no girlfriend.

Your favorite producers to work with?

There are several.. Vada Nobles, Chucky Thompson, Funk Daddy, C-Major and Scott Storch…

Do you get to choose your own tracks for your albums? If so what is it that you look for in a song?

I've never sang a song I didn't feel.. I would never do that.. before I do a track I look to see if I can relate or not.

What do you wish you'd learnt sooner than later?

Music or no music, fame or no fame, take time for those you love… cuz at the end of the day that's all that really matters.

What's the most important thing to you?

Staying grounded and never giving up..

Worst show you ever performed?

That's easy! Ha-ha.. 1995 Queens, New York.. 2:30 in the morning getting boo'd off stage by a dancehall crowd..

Best show you ever performed?

That would have to be The Rosebowl.. 105,000 people.. It was incredible.. I haven't felt the same since..

What's in store for Dante in 2004?

Definitely making more music and looking to the stars! 

If people want to learn more about you where can they go?

www.DanteThomas.net or www.DanteThomas.cjb.net 
There will also be updates posted on www.EastsideRiderz.com Bullet's website..

Thanks for taking the time to speak to us any last words or shout outs?

Thanks for all the love and support, stay true to yourself!
Go out and get the new single "Sexy Thing" with me and Bullet!

Peace
DT

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