Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the most captivating sounds in modern R&B and pop. With an ear for creating melodies that feel as intimate as they do expansive, he’s responsible for shaping hits that make you feel everything from joy to heartbreak. Whether he's behind the boards or penning the perfect lyrics, his ability to blend vulnerability with irresistible hooks has made him a go-to collaborator for some of the biggest names in music. From soulful ballads to undeniable bangers, his tracks are the ones that never leave your head—and always leave you wanting more.

And the producer and songwriter is...Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II!

00:00 - Cold Open: Gaga, Bruno & a Midnight Session

00:28 - Intro: Welcome to And The Writer Is

01:22 - How D’Mile Got His Name

05:10 - Growing Up with Jazz, Gospel & Biggie

10:30 - Producing His First Song at Age 6

12:15 - Almost Signed to Universal at 19

16:45 - Rodney Jerkins & Darkchild Studio Era

21:05 - 9 Creatives in a 3-Bedroom Apartment

25:30 - Inspiration vs. Competition in the Come-Up

27:20 - D’Mile Nearly Quit Music in 2017

34:17 - The Comeback: Lucky Daye & Victoria Monét

38:16 - How Silk Sonic Started from One Song

46:44 - Making “Leave the Door Open”

50:18 - “Die With A Smile” feat. Gaga & Bruno

51:58 - Producing the Artist’s Soul

59:00 - Copy-Paste Industry vs. Timeless Records

01:01:08 - Final Thoughts: Doing It His Way

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Ep. 207: D'Mile | From a Crammed Apartment to The Sound of a Generation, Silk Sonic, and more