Alton Dorian Clark (born August 2, 1984), known mononymously as Dorian, is an American rapper, producer, songwriter, and basketball coach from Indianapolis, Indiana.
Early life
Alton Dorian Clark was born on August 2, 1984, on Dyess Air Force base in Abilene, Texas. His mother named him after actor Dorian Harewood who was from his parents' native town Dayton, Ohio.[1] His father was an airman in the United States Air Force which caused Dorian to move 7 times before he was 10 years old.[2] Dorian's parents grew up during the 1970s funk era and frequently played artists such as The Ohio Players, Lakeside and Bootsy Collins which would later influence Dorian musically. Dorian learned how to read music when he was 9 while playing the trumpet in the elementary school band. In 6th grade, Dorian's family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where he played the drums in middle school and sang in his Baptist church choir from 8th grade until graduation from North Central High School.[3]
Dorian performing on Prodigy's The Commissary Kitchen Tour in Los Angeles, CA.
On Valentine's Day in 2014, Dorian bought Apple's music production softwareLogic Pro X.[10] He taught himself how to make beats from YouTube tutorials.[11] In 2015, Dorian signed a digital distribution deal. On Valentine's Day 2015, Dorian released his first project, The D.U.C.K. Tape. Dorian then moved back to Indianapolis and began to work on his second project with music producer Joey French.[12] Dorian and Joey French met while attending Indiana University. In May 2015, Dorian released “Sunshine” as the lead single to his second album.[13] On October 28, 2015, Dorian released his second full-length LPEvery Scar Has A Story.[14]Every Scar Has A Story was co-executive produced by Joey French and featured comedian Rob Sherrell.[15]AllMusic editor Paul Simpson says, "his production style and storytelling skills have more in common with 80s and 90s hip-hop (with Warren G and Dr. Dre as a primary influence)…but his sound encompasses more contemporary influences such as trap and Kanye West”.[16]
Upon moving to Los Angeles, California for his music career, Dorian released the single “Don’t Sleep” on YouTube. After the audio version received 60,000 views, Dorian released "Don’t Sleep" to music streaming services Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal in August 2016.[17][18] Dorian collaborated with Def Jam signee and Indianapolis rapper Mark Battles for the "Don't Sleep" remix.[19] The music video for "Don't Sleep" premiered on iHeartRadio's WZRL Real 98.3 Indianapolis.[20] In 2017, So You Think You Can Dance Champion Kida The Great choreographed a routine to “Don’t Sleep” that went viral.[21] Later that year, comedienne Jessica Vanessa used “Don’t Sleep” to score posts on Instagram.[22] In April 2017, Dorian received FM radio play with his single "Even Love Me" debuting on WRIU 90.3 FM.[23] Later that year, Dorian signed a music marketing deal with Journeys shoe store where his music video "Sunshine" was shown in all 1300 locations across North America.
