“Who Let The Dogs Out?” singer joins NSCC to expand his music career

No matter where you are in the world, you can find someone who can sing along to the catchy Who Let The Dogs Out?  tune by the Baha Men. The Grammy-award winning band released the hit song in 2000 that has left people barking along for years. What you might not know is their lead singer is currently studying Music Production and Engineering at NSCC to help expand his music career.

Dyson Knight, known widely for his captivating stage presence, has been a member of the Baha Men, a Bahamian junkanoo band established in the 1970’s, since 2004. He’s travelled the world performing with the band in front of crowds as large as 170,000 fans. Now, Dyson is taking time to sharpen his skills and explore the science behind music production to elevate the band in the music industry, while also working on his solo career.

From Bahamian sun to Nova Scotian winters

Believe it or not, trading in tropical island life for snowy winters wasn’t a deterring factor for Dyson when he decided to apply to NSCC. He felt a strong pull towards making a life change and wanted to pursue a greater role in the band as an engineer, producer and manager – “a daunting task” he says.

Dyson landed at NSCC after personal circumstances that led him to put himself first. Although he says he’s where he’s meant to be, Dyson spent years navigating an emotional journey. When the pandemic hit the Bahamas, a country known for tourism, it became difficult to support his family as an entertainer. During this time, Dyson was involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, causing him tremendous emotional and physical pain. Hoping to find connection to his inner self, he attended NSCC’s Open House and jumped on the opportunity to study abroad, giving him the space to heal and be closer to his older children that live in Halifax.

Growing up with music

“Music is a big part of my dad’s side of the family,” says Dyson, who started playing the trumpet at age four. “It’s deeply embedded in my roots. My grandfather started the first Pentecostal marching band in the Bahamas, my cousin is the director of The Barbados National Youth Symphony Orchestra, and my dad was in the Royal Bahamas Police Marching Band. I credit my stage presence to my mom and her background in hospitality.” Despite being raised around musical talent, Dyson never chased it.

“Music followed me around. I never chased success in music. I chose to show up when opportunity knocked, do what I do and carry on,” he says. From leading his primary school choir to joining the Baha Men – both opportunities that found him – have emerged from his ability to connect with people. “They asked me to join, it was as simple as that.”

From international fame to becoming a ‘college kid’

“I’m fascinated with the creative process of music production and that’s how I ended up back in school all these years later,” explains Dyson. “I was done with getting by on the skills I had picked up over the years when it comes to producing music. I knew it was time to become an expert in it.”

The Music Production and Engineering program at NSCC is a two-year diploma program that teaches the fundamentals of music recording, composition, post-production, music business and live sound reinforcement. “Even with over 20 years in the industry, I have so much to learn, and I’m loving this chapter. Our faculty – Mike, Alex and Cory – do more than just teach the lessons. They make sure we truly understand how to apply what we’re learning in the real world,” says Dyson. “In the classroom, I am no longer the expert. I’ve removed myself from my experiences which allows me to absorb the learning. The journey is fun, and we are all learning from one another. My classmates are brilliant.”

Producing songs in class

Earlier this year, Dyson took part in the Producer Challenge, a five-day challenge hosted by NSCC’s music department where Music Production and Engineering students come together in teams to write and produce a song which is judged by industry professionals. The winning song is commercially released by the Music Business students.

Dyson and his team identified their strengths and took the lead on those aspects, Dyson leading the songwriting. After the five days, they presented Feeling the Magic – an upbeat funk-disco track with an encouraging message that will invite you to dance – and won the judges over. “I was surprised when they named us the winner,” he says. “All the songs are really good. I didn’t go into it thinking we would win.” The new tune can be found on all streaming platforms.

Building a name in Nova Scotia

Dyson has big goals set for his future as he enters the second and final year of the program. The Baha Men are set to release a new song in May 2024 called Smile, and he’s booked to perform at SeaWorld in Orlando, FL this spring before hitting up the recording studio with the group in Miami.

“I hope to continue building a name for myself and the band here in Nova Scotia and Canada,” he says. Dyson has been playing gigs with a local band, Casual Funk, in Halifax and will always say yes to any opportunity to get on stage. “I look forward to when I can bring the Baha Men here because I know it will be worthwhile.” Dyson is also looking into creating music for movies, an interest he’s excited to embark on through his new education.

Advice for future music students

“Come empty. Forget your habits and be open and willing to learn and go through the process. A lot of it is much like the movie Karate Kid – you don’t understand why he’s doing the ‘wax on, wax off’ but suddenly it’s apparent that, oh, he was learning how to fight,” he says. “It’s a worthwhile journey.”