Dave Giles II
Systems · Sounds · Stories · Experiences
photo, Sarah Northrop.
Dave Giles II is a creative systems architect, songwriter, and interdisciplinary operator working across music, media, technology, and live experiences.
His practice centers on designing cultural infrastructure—building the stories, systems, and experiences that allow communities, ideas, and creative work to move through the world.
His work spans Grammy Award-winning music, publishing operations, curriculum design, product strategy, editorial platforms, and large-scale cultural experiences, united by a singular belief: culture is both a creative medium and an operating system.
Field Notes
Paint where it ain’t.
Culture is infrastructure.
Stories shape systems, and systems shape stories.
Design for participation, not consumption.
In Context
You've been carving a lane for yourself in this space for a very long time now.
Okayplayer’s The Almanac of Rap
Podcast • 2023
One of my favorite writers and MCs…
Cor.ece for Ban Ban Ton Ton
Interview • 2022
On a mission to transmute love, empowerment and socio-political commentary through genre-bending music.
Run The Trap
Article • 2022
A creative force who moves seamlessly through music, media and technology… using culture as a tool for transformation.
Whiskey Sour’d
Podcast • 2025
In Conversation
Overnight takes decades…
WVZ Weekend Keynote Address
Keynote • 2023
I realize the opportunity gaps… Miles Davis said it best… play the notes that aren't there…
Faith Fanzine
Interview • 2021
When you create something and put it into the world, it belongs to the people.
LA Chronicles with Diane Marois
Interview • 2024
If you don't understand the history, the temperature of the room, and the cultural context of why you're solving a problem, you won't be successful.
cuSTEM Journeys #15
Interview • 2022
photo, Mark Clennon.
SYSTEMS
SOUNDS
STORIES
EXPERIENCES