Bank of Sounds Feature :Dee Wallz
When I first heard this track (2018) on hype machine. My curiosity stirred from the intro of ‘PlayStation'( a sample is taken from one of the most iconic game systems start-up theme ever) I have listened to this track at least 80 times since finding it on hype machine..
*The inspiration for the track came following a break up with an ex-girlfriend and Dee went into his studio, let all the creativity and emotions pour out and the result was this.
I’ve been listening to a few of Dee’s tracks over the past year. I particularly relate to his introspective approach to his lyrics and subtle wry humour.
I decided to get in touch( and after many months of sorting out how we would go about doing it ). I’m so grateful for Dee’s patience in helping me gain the courage to do my first feature interview on my blog.
So who are you?
I’m Dee Wallz one of the best up and coming rappers lol
Yeah man, I love your optimistic attitude. You do have a great flow and rhythm, and a distinct voice that has developed over the last 2 years.
How old are you? ( little ice breaker haha)
I’m pretty old now lol I’m 22
Yeah, you are so old. You come across as rather driven and focused for someone in their 20’s. No offence Though one source I found claims that you were 25 in 2017! )
*To clarify Dee is 27 & still young.*
Where are you from originally?
I’m originally from Memphis, TN but I’m living in the great city of Houston Tx .
What put you on the music path?
I actually started writing with my cousin Jarvis in Mississippi, I did it for fun but I really became dedicated to it in my hometown of Memphis, at the age of 13. And I’ve been writing ever since.
That’s pretty cool. Memphis is a hub for musical talent. So many great artists like Wendy Rene, Aretha Franklin come from Memphis. Its a place with an intense political history. And it’s where civil rights activist Martin Luther King was assassinated. You have that MLK track. It is a place where many iconic artists such as Louie Armstrong have gone to perform and been well received and perhaps been inspired by politics. You rap with so much depth & soul. There is nothing ugly about your rapping style.
Why do you continue to do music?
To me it’s therapeutic for me whether talking about my life experiences and/or it allows to express my creativity with my wittiness and wordplay.
Who do you look up to in the industry?
I definitely look up to guys like Jay Z and Nas, I love their growth, being just great artist (s). And now seeing how successful they are in other business ventures inspires me.
What influences your music?
My musical influences are from all over the place. From J Cole, Nas, Lil Wayne, T.i, MF DOOM, Big KRIT Jay Electronica, Jay Z, Elzhi, Royce da 5’9 and Phonte are the few that come to mind. Basically all of the top tier lyricists.
Have you ever released an album/or intend to?
Not yet but very soon so stay tuned. Right now I’m just releasing singles.
watch this space!
I know you’ve done a few collaborations with other music artists. It’s a great way to get into the industry.
I’ve collaborated with one of the dopest females rappers out of Cali by the name of MaCita on a remix of my song “Sorry, I Don’t Know You” and I’ve collaborated with my boy out of Memphis Capo Montana and my guy from New Orleans, King Studio Best.
Who do you believe would buy/listen to your music?
I believe my music has widespread appeal. So I think I’ll connect with all races, ages, genders and everyone around the world of different cultures. I’ve actually had my music streamed in 16 countries. So I truly believe that.
That’s cool. I too truly believe that music transcends language. It is the one common unifier and music brings people together.
What newspapers, magazines, tv shows, trade papers, or blogs have you been featured in?
I have been featured in The Word is Bond, EAR MILK which is two of my favourite blogs and I hope to be featured in a lot more.
Why should people care about you and your music(it’s a cutthroat industry to get in to)?
I feel like I give my story and life experiences in music but also provide comic relief with my punchlines. Or sometimes I’ll have my moments of doing both.
Yeah, I do appreciate being humoured when I listen to hip hop. It’s a great skill to have especially when you are rapping about serious issues.
What genres of music do you like to perform in?
Primarily rap & hip-hop but I’m for sure down to collab with musicians of other genres.
I think it’s vital to our creative growth to push ourselves out of our comfort zones in music or whatever we do
One track that comes to mind that demonstrates your versatility as an artist is ‘Fuck Mozart ‘track. It demonstrates (to me) you aren’t afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of your usual style of music while still retaining the essence of who Dee Wallz -the artist is. Your strength is in your flawless vocals. You have a distinctive sound.
Do you write your own music?
Of course, I consider myself a lyricist so I feel like that’s a must.
What do you do in your free time?
I’m a be honest music is my life (lol ), if I’m not doing it .I’m thinking about doing it or how I further my status in music.
What are your other hobbies though?
I would say the gym and video games. Those two are great stress relievers, and it helps just give me a restart before I pick up the pen and pad again.
True, it’s important to have other interests. Its a tough industry to be in and looking after your physical and mental health is vital to staying focused. Yeah, I can see how committed you are and how hard you train using different voice technique reflected in the tracks I’ve listened to
What are you trying to do in the industry?
I’m trying to make the biggest impact I can while being me and making the music I genuinely want to make.
What do you want to be known for/known as?
One of the greatest
😀 baht of course. A G.O.A.T. Indeed.
Make the best of Life. Make it count.
What do you hope to get out of your involvement in the music industry?
To create a lasting legacy and hopefully influence the general(?)in a positive way
What is your favourite quote?
It takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. I feel like I’m currently at 9,999
*A quote from the author of ‘how to achieve mastery in whatever a person does in life, by Malcolm Gladwell. It is a classic perfectionist quote. in my humble opinion.
What quote/sentence would you say best describes you and your music?
Introspective, Catchy and Witty
What kind of music do you listen to?
I know everyone says this but- all kinds (lol )but primarily hip-hop if I’m being honest…
What are your 3 favourite songs ?
-
1.J. Cole-Simba
- Lil Wayne- I’m Me
-
Nas- It Aint Hard To Tell
How does music affect your mood?
It can literally change my mood in an instant. That’s why if I’m feeling down I like to listen to something from my childhood to lift my spirit.
Nothing wrong with indulging in a moment of nostalgia. Music has a way of putting me in a different mindstate.
What is your perspective on the current state of the industry?
I love it, we’re in a state of independence and self-empowerment. I also feel like there is a balance musically.
I agree that music artists have more opportunities to self promote on different music platforms and access to information on the internet has made it easier for some ways to get your music out to the public.
What do you think will help the industry survive/what do you think the industry needs in order to thrive?
I think just embrace artist genuinely wanting to be themselves and not change them and jus accentuate what talent they already have.
Yeah, I agree that we should work hard to stay true to ourselves as well as being inspired or influenced by different artists/sources.
What are you currently working on?
Right now I’m just dropping songs at a steady pace and perfecting my craft more and more as I go so stay tuned…….. (quoted in 2018)
This track is interesting too
What inspired it?
It wasn’t anything too deep. I just wanted something more upbeat and fun (lol). I like to try new things with my creativity.
Thank you, for taking the time to do a feature. You have been so cool, helpful and it’s been a pleasure collaborating with you.
Dee Wallz’ last released track was this classical hip hop , his with lyrics full of passion and a still waters deep soul soundscape .
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Posted on Jul 12, 2020, in MUSIC BLOG and tagged Creativity, Culture & identity, MENTAL HEALTH, mental health awareness, Music, New Music Finds, song of the day. Bookmark the permalink. 1 Comment.
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