John Dalton is more than just a student—he’s a living testament to resilience and transformation. Once a member of the famous San Diego-based hip-hop group, The KneeHighs, Dalton's journey has taken him from the stages of a major label deal to pursuing his passion for music production and education. As he continues his studies at City’s music program, Dalton shares how his journey through personal growth and sobriety has shaped his creative ambitions.

Dalton's story is grounded in the power of change. "When I got sober, I lost everything, no joke," he recalls. "And so, it's like slowly piecing yourself together." Sobriety goals were initially at the forefront of his mindset, but over time, Dalton recognized that his true ambition was much more profound. One of the goals he set for himself early on was for people to eventually look at him and say, "Oh, I would never know that that guy went through the most complex personal hardships that pretty much anybody could possibly go through." As his journey unfolded, Dalton found that while he had accomplished that goal, people often didn’t grasp the depth of his past struggles. Yet, he was okay with this; his focus was always on where he was headed, not where he had been.

When asked about his sobriety, Dalton is candid but humble. "I’ll never say I’m proud of that," he says. "I’m proud of the things that I can and will accomplish because of sobriety." This mentality underscores his approach to life, a desire to channel past struggles into future creativity. His journey towards being an independent artist now leads him to producing his own music and exploring new ways to connect with others in the industry. "I want to create something new and different, something that moves with the evolution of the industry, but also moves away from the norm of it," Dalton says. His work is focused on carving out a new space for creators, one that emphasizes independence and authenticity, away from the confines of major labels.

For Dalton, music isn't just a form of personal expression; it’s a way to unite people. "I want to create an environment where people want to be a part of us," he explains. This vision is not about "headhunting" talent, as he puts it, but rather fostering a community where individuals can thrive. "It's important to stay in the current, because that current ain’t stopping for nobody," he says, reflecting on the rapidly changing music landscape fueled by social media and self-sufficiency. "The big labels, they know their days are numbered."

Dalton’s approach to music and community is shaped by his experiences at San Diego City College. The music program, which is loose, fun, and unstructured compared to the rigidity of classically trained programs, has been the perfect foundation for his evolving ideas. "It’s not just a fun music class," he says of the program. "You’re learning stuff. You can get in over your head real quick if you’re not careful." He sees the program as an opportunity for students to grow creatively while also gaining practical skills for the industry, helping them build the confidence to move on to larger universities and further their careers.

Dalton’s musical end-goal is focused on younger students, especially those who may feel they have no direction after high school. "There’s not a lot of direction provided to them," Dalton points out. "A lot of kids think their only option is to join the military, but there’s more." Through his involvement in music and at City’s music program, he hopes to guide younger peers, offering them a creative outlet and a path toward self-expression and success in the music world. "I want to emphasize what this program has to offer even after I’m done with it," he says. "It’s a real outlet for creativity, and that’s something a lot of kids need right now."

Dalton’s focus on mentorship and fostering relationships is evident in his passion for the community. "I’m a people person," he says. "I love meeting new people and getting to know them. That’s where I draw my inspiration." It’s this mindset that has shaped his approach to music and education, recognizing the importance of collaboration and shared experiences. "The people around me inspire me," he adds. "It’s all very circular."

As Dalton continues to evolve as an independent artist, aiming to create a space where anyone can come, learn, and grow, no matter their background. His future endeavors may include producing more of his own music, but at the heart of his goals is the desire to foster a music learning community — one that encourages connection, growth, and shared experiences.

Despite the challenges and the years spent overcoming personal demons, Dalton remains determined and hopeful about his future in music. "I don’t know if I’ll ever be satisfied," he says. "But I’ll keep pushing forward. I’m hungry to do more."

Dalton’s journey is not just about music — it’s about creating a better, more inclusive environment where everyone has the chance to express themselves and make their mark on the world. As he continues to build on his vision, one thing is clear: John Dalton is a force to be reckoned with, both in the music industry and as an inspiration for the next generation of musicians.