Having already been championed by the likes of BBC 1Xtra host and former Pay As U Go Cartel member DJ Target and renowned UK publication GRM Daily, fast-rising artist Ishy Dee is back at it once again with his sweeping new single 'Sunday Morning'.
Channelling a wonderfully smooth and airy approach to the R&B sound, 'Sunday Morning' makes for a wonderfully light and breezy listen. With his warm and soulful voice riding across a humbled acoustic-led production, he is certainly looking to sweep us off our feet with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I remember beating pots and my mom always telling me off for making senseless noise but to me it made sense in my head. Later on I would end up being a polished drummer playing mainly in church and for friend artists at their gigs.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Growing up in Africa until the age of 12 meant that I have been exposed to so much musically in my lifetime. Obviously Afro beats was very dominant but one of my older brothers would always play Bashment and Dancehall songs around the house but also play 90s R&B when our mum was around so he wouldn't get in trouble for exposing me to rude songs.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I don’t ever remember owning an album legally but the moment I got exposed to Limewire I would be downloading everything. My earliest memories of that platform would be an album called ‘7 minutes before time’ by Angel with songs such as Raining girls and Bottles on it.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
‘Jealous’ by Labrinth is a song that needs to be studied because of how clever and technical it is but yet so simple. He is such a legend and I’m so happy he’s receiving the flowers he deserves.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I have been asked this question so many times and the answer is always the same. I try to be like those artists that have one way of working where they know they will create a hit song within minutes but with me it varies. Sometimes I can pen a song down in 10 minutes but at other times inspiration may come through the production within the sounds I hear first then build the song backwards. I would like to say maybe one day I’ll figure it out but that’s art, it’s unpredictable.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I have never been a fan of SZA until I saw her live at wireless festival last summer. She knows how to cast a spell through her performances and I am really enjoying the new album because it showcases not just one but different sides of her artistry. I am also a sucker for WSTRN. Their chemistry on each and every track is undeniable especially in their recent project WSTRN season 3. PRGRSHN is my hero the way he directs all their music in their projects.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
USHER, USHER…USHER!!! Personally I believe he is a token of what MJ left behind as a performer. (Argue with yourself lol) I am yet to see him live but I have really studied that man and what he can do, not a lot can come close in my opinion.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
People come to me and tell me how a certain song of mine helped them when they were in a bad place. That to me is more rewarding than anything because if your music can’t speak to people then I don’t see a point in it unless it's just a hobby. And this to me is nowhere near a hobby, it’s bigger than me.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part for me is being your own manager, booking agent, investor, producer, engineer and many other roles that I have missed out on. I know I can get other people to do some of these things but as a perfectionist; I’m a Virgo, you convince yourself that no one will be able to translate what’s in your brain better than you, so you end up working yourself to the bone as an upcoming artist. I hope one day in the near future I am fortunate enough to have a team around that I trust will be able to bring my visions to life.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as an artist?
Art is subjective. No matter how successful someone has been with their own career, if they say something about your own art and you feel that they’re wrong, chances are they are very wrong. Because they didn’t feel what you felt when you made that piece of art. Believe in it like you’re the only one that's ever going to and everyone will follow suit. Explains why most of us creatives are very emotional and grow attachments to our creations.
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Ishy Dee's new single 'Sunday Morning' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.