Dante Fire has had a wide exposure to the arts and business – from performing bass and drums since the age of 12, to producing over 20 albums. Since his chance meeting with Arsenio Hall at the Comedy Store in Hollywood and work on the infamous Carlos Martinez Show, Dante has led the jazz fusion group Cross-Effect through some very good times. One of his career highlights is holding down the bass chair in the band of legendary "Funk Master" Rick James. Some may recall Dante’s earlier hip-hop work with Word$ Of Mouth featuring Thump/Universal rap artist Bossolo. Additionally, Dante produced and directed music videos like “Insane” that aired on Yo! MTV Raps in the 90's or "Love Exorcist" from his 2013 Dark Angel album. In addition to being a bandleader and musical director, Dante has also managed the vocalist Sabrina Vargas. Receiving his Bachelor's from the University of Redlands and MBA from the University of Phoenix, he has taught drums privately and lectures at the college level in the music business at The Art Institute of San Diego. He has also guest lectured on the history of African Drumming at The Los Angeles Academy of Arts, The Orange County School District, Loma Linda Academy and La Sierra Academy in Southern California. As a record executive, Dante worked under Judy Valsi at EMI Records along with Monte Lipman, current CEO of Universal Republic before starting Music Mattress, Inc./BLUE NOTE DIGITAL. From a musical perspective, he has worked with many top artists ranging from jazz to rock and r&b/hip-hop to gospel. Some of the artists include George Duke, Al Jarreau, Jamie Foxx, Rick James, Candy Dulfer, and Ice-T. He has also performed with vocalist/actress Tichina Pam Arnold (Martin) Jazz legend Henry Franklin, Andy Waddell, Gustavo Ramirez, Ronald Bruner Jr. (Marcus Miller/Stanley Clarke/Kenny Garrett bands), Carlitos Del Puerto (Bruce Springsteen/Frank Gambale/ Chris Botti/ Arturo Sandoval), Donald Barrett (Last Call with Carson Daly/Seal/Pink Bands), Zane Musa (Arturo Sandoval/Carson Daly Show Band).
