D’Mile: The Drummer Behind Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s song : Die With a Smile

Being curious about the people behind the newest single of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, Die With A Smile, I discovered that the drummer is such a genius and is a Grammy Award-Winning Producer!

Ladies and Gentlemen, let’s have a little talk about D’Mile!

 

“D’Mile” or “Dee”, born Dernst Emile II, is a highly respected American producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His work spans genres from R&B to pop and hip-hop, with a reputation for creating smooth, emotionally resonant tracks.

 

Early Life:

D’Mile was born on January 24, 1985, in Brooklyn, New York. Music runs in his family; his father, Dernst Emile Sr., was an accomplished jazz musician, producer, arranger, and music director for various artists, and his mother Yanick Étienne was a Haitian singer and backing vocalist who was featured in recordings by and toured with Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music in the 1980s. Growing up in a musical household, D’Mile was exposed to different genres of music at an early age. His love for music led him to learn multiple instruments, including the piano, which became central to his production style. His influences include Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, John Coltrane, and Wes Montgomery.

He began experimenting with production software while still in high school, which helped him develop his skill set. This dedication to his craft caught the attention of professionals in the industry, setting him on the path to a successful music career.

 

Career Beginnings:

D’Mile’s first major break came when he moved to Los Angeles to work with major record labels. He initially made a name for himself working with artists such as Janet Jackson and Rihanna, but his career really took off in the late 2000s when he started collaborating with contemporary R&B and soul artists.

One of his early successes was co-writing and producing tracks for Janet Jackson’s 2008 album Discipline. His ability to fuse classic R&B elements with a modern sound gained him the attention of prominent musicians and record labels.

 

Breakthrough and Success:

D’Mile‘s reputation as a top-tier producer continued to grow as he worked with high-profile artists like Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige, and Ty Dolla $ign. However, his career reached new heights with his collaborations with H.E.R. and Lucky Daye, solidifying him as one of the most in-demand producers in the industry.

In 2021, D’Mile made history as the first African American to win both an Academy Award (for Best Original Song) and a Grammy in the same year. The Oscar came for co-writing and producing “Fight for You” by H.E.R., which was featured in the film Judas and the Black Messiah. Around the same time, he won Grammys for his work on H.E.R.’s Back of My Mind album and Lucky Daye’s Painted.

 

Style and Impact:

D’Mile’s signature production style is rooted in his ability to blend live instrumentation with digital sounds, creating lush, soulful arrangements that feel both timeless and current. He’s particularly known for his attention to detail, layering harmonies and melodies in ways that enhance the emotional depth of the songs he produces.

With a career marked by versatility, D’Mile has become a crucial figure in shaping the sound of modern R&B and soul. His success story highlights his exceptional talent, dedication, and ability to evolve with the changing music landscape while remaining true to the essence of soulful music.

 

Recent Work:

D’Mile continues to be at the forefront of the music industry. In recent years, he has worked on critically acclaimed projects with artists like Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak), contributing to the creation of hits such as “Leave the Door Open,” which also won several Grammys. Currently, he worked with Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga for their brand new single “Die With A Smile” where he played drums and bass aside from songwriting and production.

 

Here are some of D’Mile‘s Award-winning hits:

 

H.E.R. – I Can’t Breathe (2020 Grammy Song of the Year)

 

H.E.R. – Fight for You (2021 Academy Award for Best Original Song)

 

Silk Sonic – Leave the Door Open (2022 Grammy Record of the Year, Best R&B Song, Song of the Year)

 

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die With A Smile

 

 

D’Mile‘s ability to craft memorable songs across different genres and his collaborative spirit have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential producers in the contemporary music scene.