Meet David, the 39-year-old behind Confused Duck, a small-town maverick with a keyboard and a dream. Known locally as the guy who doesn’t quite fit in, think cowboy hat, pipe, and a refusal to follow the crowd, he’s embraced his nickname, The Confused Duck, with pride. In a world of cookie-cutter beats, Confused Duck waddles to his own rhythm with the release of his debut single, Techno Makes Me Feel. This pulsating techno-dance track is more than just a song, it’s a lifeline, a creative outlet, and a bold step for a self-taught artist who’s as unique as his pipe-smoking, cowboy-hat-wearing duck persona. We caught up with the Duck DJ to talk all things music, production and bucket list sets.  

Introduce yourself in one paragraph: 

Hi, my name is David. I am married with two kids and I suffer with mental health issues. I like to be different and I am always up for a laugh, love watching comedies and also love listening to music. 

Were you connected with music from a young age, or anyone in particular inspired you? I have loved music from a young age, listening to a lot of 80s and 90s music, mainly dance but all music as a whole as I have eclectic taste. 

What first kickstarted your musical career? 

It started more as therapy than anything, it was suggested to help me cope with my mental health issues. 

Tell us more about your sound and how it has evolved. 

I went for a techno beat as I have always had a love for techno, but I am now looking at drum and bass. I tend to change genres to something I think sounds good at the time. 

Any words you want to share to encourage other artists and producers?

I would say go for it if you have a love for music. It is worth it, I have had fun doing this. Music is good for the soul and it is certainly helping me. 

Is there anyone specific you’d like to thank that has helped you evolve and why?

I would like to thank my wife and children along with the rest of my family as they have all been very supportive through this. They have all been a big help when times get a little stressful. 

Name 3 albums or labels that have inspired you the most. 

Introspective by Pet Shop Boys, Jumping All Over The World by Scooter and Underworld Born Slippy 

What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment or software? 

My keyboard and my PC have got to be my favorite equipment in making music.

Name your favourite club or festival in the world, and how does it make you feel?

I would love to go to Es Paradis, the atmosphere there is amazing and the overall vibe is good. 

Favourite clubbing memory, who or what did it involve? 

I loved clubbing at Skegness when i was younger, going to Strikes where they used to play amazing music. I had many happy times going there with my wife before we were married. 

What quote represents you best? 

In my defence, I was left unattended. 

If you could play any venue, where would it be and why? 

I would love to do DJing in Ibiza in a club like Es Paradis because I have heard the atmosphere and pure love for dance music there is unbelievable. 

Music is…

A lifeline and a passion. 

One song you really couldn’t live without? 

Born Slippy by Underworld 

Name drop your favourite tunes, artists or DJs (past or present) 

Avicii, Pet Shop Boys, Sub Focus and Scooter, among many others as I have a love for all genres of music. 

Tell us more about your plans for the future. 

I plan to release more music of different genres for all of the world to enjoy. I don’t plan on sticking with one genre. 

Any worldly advice you’d like to share? 

No matter how hard life seems, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Keep strong and you will get through it.