Having already delighted us with a wave of smooth and evocative releases over the last few years, California-based singer and songwriter DYLI has returned once again to deliver her latest RnB groove 'Backseat'.
With a sultry and seductive demeanour running throughout her latest offering, 'Backseat' uses minimal production and a throbbing beat to create a wonderfully warm and inviting new release that encapsulates her own bright yet passionate persona throughout.
So with her new jam doing the rounds right now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the guitar. I had always wanted to play guitar and when I was around six years old my parents let me start taking lessons. It's funny because I still don't even know the chords on the guitar and I'm 17 years old, I just loved learning songs. My guitar teacher, Anthony Soto, who I appreciate to this day for helping create the musician I am now, would always get mad at me because I never wanted to learn anything else except how to play a specific song. I recently started teaching myself how to play piano but once again, I don't know what any of the keys are. I only learn certain songs.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
When I first started writing music I didn't put much thought into the lyrics. As I have grown, I find my passion really lies in writing. My most prominent inspiration is genuinely the life that I live. Through the good times, bad times, and people who come and go, I'm always taking into consideration how I can turn this into a song. Writing music is like my diary.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
Since I am still a teenager I can confidently say that the music I love is mostly rap and R&B, but I truly listen to anything. I love old-school hip-hop and reggae but you can also find me listening to throwback Taylor Swift or ever farther to Etta James. I would never describe my music taste in just one lane. I have found some things I've enjoyed in every genre.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
Considering the fact that I grew up listening to old school hip-hop and reggae, The Dirty Heads were one of my biggest inspirations. I have talked about them since I started music. When I had my first studio experience I was 11 years old and my producer, Ruwanga Samath, asked me to send him my inspiration and it was full of the Dirty Heads and Iration. I still go back to my roots and often listen to my reggae.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
When I wake up in the morning my go to Artist is Daniel Caesar. I usually listen to him before I go to bed as well. His voice is so calm and soothing. I'd love to work with him one day.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Every single song that I have written by myself is about somebody in my life. Like I said before, I'm always taking inspiration from the things and events that happen. It kind of sucks though because everyone knows what I'm writing about. But oh well.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
The most memorable moment in my music career was probably going to SXSW. I had to do tons of preparation and vocal work leading up to the show, six hour rehearsals every weekend, and I was still in school. At the end of it all I was hoping for a great pay off with a really good show but I couldn't hear myself when I was performing. I prepared to perform for 45 minutes and was only able to play five songs. Also, I spilled tea on my outfit before I went on stage. Although it sounds like a big mess, overall it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. It taught me so much about myself and about life and other people. I really wouldn't change anything.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
When people ask me what my biggest passion outside of music is I don't really have an answer. I think it's because music is really my whole essence as a person. I'm not trying to sound cliché either, because even though it's my passion it's definitely still frustrating at times, I just can never see myself doing anything outside of music in my lifetime.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I always think about what I do if I wasn't a musician, and I seem to go back to the same couple of answers. Part of me would want to pick up travel abroad and do whatever I want. I also love the way the human mind works so I think a career in psychology would be nice, except I don't wanna go to school. Then I think about other things like real estate; although these things would be nice I really just want to be a musician. If performing doesn't work then I'll be a songwriter, if songwriting doesn't work then I'll produce, if that doesn't work then I'll manage , the list is endless.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to stay productive through the coronavirus lockdown?
If I were to give any advice to musicians looking to stay productive during this lockdown, I would say to experiment outside of your element. This is such a great time to work on yourself and build your brand. Maybe you experiment with some different genres or sounds and styles, you never know, you might just find what fits you the best. This is also a great time to make some cool connections. I've met so many people on Instagram just reaching out. It’s not like we have anything better to do.
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DYLI's new single 'Backseat' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.