Danzis
“I don’t live like a normal student, but at the same time, I still go through the same things every other student faces”, said Michael Danzis, as he stares his tired-blue eyes into space. Danzis (who goes by the stage name Scanz) is a 21 year old Junior in Drexel University’s Music Industry program, and is also a full-time recording artist. He signed a record deal at 18 to New York based Hip-Hop label Rawkus Records, the summer before starting his freshman semester at school. Now he holds the responsibility of staying in school and striving to start a career in music. Drexel agreed to pay half of Danzis’ tuition as part of an academic scholarship he earned, as long as he maintains a 3.4 GPA. “I need to maintain my GPA so I can keep my scholarship” says Danzis,” So it’s no joke, and I really gotta weigh my options sometimes as to which is more important; a potential career move or making sure I’m on point with due dates and school work.”
So how has school benefitted Danzis? Well one thing is that he met his present roommate and video director/producer Matt Koza. Koza has directed three of Danzis’ music videos, as well as become a good friend to him. “Mike’s work ethic is amazing. We both go through the same things as far as pursuing careers and attending school, and I can honestly say I don’t know how he works so hard.” Although it may be hard, Danzis does not deny how much school helps him. “Even though a lot of required courses can seem like a waste of time for me, going to school allows me to take the 4 years of college as a head start in the industry.” Drexel University allows students access to professional music studios, endless networking opportunities, and music seminars which has surely helped improve him as an artist.
Still, Danzis knows that going to school definitely has its setbacks . He recalls, “I remember there was a show in Brooklyn, and I drove up there from Philly, performed at the show, drove back that night, and took my final exam at 8am in Philly. I didn’t get to study like I should have, but I just didn’t sleep that night, and made sure I knew enough to get by successfully. It was really draining and stressful.” Friends of Danzis also notice the negative effects that attending a University has had on Danzis. Alex Zebede, friend/personal assistant to Danzis knows first-hand. “Being a full-time student has set him back career-wise. There are opportunities that he has to miss because he has class. It’s frustrating at times.”
Most 21 year olds are partying and living the college lifestyle, but not Danzis. His 60-80 hour work weeks between class and making music has greatly affected what activities he can partake in. “I don’t really party like a college student, I would rather be in the studio in my free time. I’ve been 21 for 3 months now, but I’ve only been to the bar 3 or 4 times. I feel like a lot of people in college are out exploring the things they were scared of in high school. I’ve already did all that.” He surely would rather be in the studio then partying. Danzis says he spends 30-40 hours a week on average in his basement studio located in his house, on top of going to class.
This music prodigy has a bright career ahead of him. His work has been featured in magazines, international press outlets, and distributed throughout the world. Danzis has worked with artists on major labels and performed among some of his child-hood heroes. At the young age of 21, he has accomplished all of this while maintaining his scholarship at a prestigious University. As he is turning on the electrical outlets for his equipment and he gets ready for a recording session, Danzis utters these final words “For me, being a student is like an occupation, but having a career as an artist and a musician is a lifestyle…really, it has to be.” It sure is.
