Danien & Theø

Danien & Theø were an Italian duo formed in 2016 by Danien (Daniele Nelli) on vocals and production, and Theø (Matteo Botticini) on vocals. Both had previously played in the metalcore/screamo band Upon This Dawning, with Danien as singer and Theø as guitarist; constant touring and time away from home during that period, combined with exposure to trap music during trips to the United States, pushed them toward a new sound. Together with videomaker Tommy Antonini and producer Sigi Gourmet, they were part of the Kvlto collective.

The duo built a reputation within the Italian trap scene of the late 2010s with tracks like «Rock ’N Roll Queen», «Lollipop», «Sugar Mama» and «Rock$tar», mixing melodic hooks with dark, moody production typical of the genre's early Italian wave. Over time their sound evolved beyond straightforward trap, moving toward more varied, pop-leaning textures, a shift most visible on their album La dolce vita.

Danien & Theø were active until 2019, when the project ended. Danien continued working as a producer, while Theø went on to found the group LA SAD, carrying forward the melodic, emo-tinged sensibility the duo had cultivated together.