A few months back I bumped into my old college friend Kieren aka DELS.
Coming from a small town to the big city, I admire his ambition and perseverance to become a contender in the music industry – which is never easy.
Back in 2004 or 05 was when we met and even then he was making music. Now fresh from being signed to Big Dada / Ninja Tunes records - which he fully deserves I get an update.
Innovation and creativity is what fuels this world- With his musical talents I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more -
j-Update me with your current projects!
k-I am working on my debut album. First single from my album, 'Shapeshift' drops on 23rd August on Big Dada / Ninja Tune records.
j-I remember your group ‘Alliance’ back in college – what’s happened to the other members?
k-They all got fat, married and had children.
j-You went your way and how’s that been for you till now?
k-Brilliant. I get to do things my own way without compromising my vision. I'm happy.
j-Tell me about your struggles? I like the blood and sweat stories.
k-No. This is too clichéd…personal. Listen to my music.
j-Ok if I must! What keeps you going?
k-Bakewell tarts, party rings & orange juice.
j-Aside from tarts, what’s happened to the massive pink teddy thing you did for college?
k-Alexis Taylor (the lead singer from Hot Chip) has one in his family home. My ex-girlfriend has one gathering dust underneath her bed.
j-I like London more than Ipswich. How about you?
k-I like New York more than I do Ipswich.
j-Where to be cool and hang out?
k-Anywhere in the countryside. Nobody bothers you there (you can't get no reception, so no emails/texts etc.)
j-Where in London do you go for fun?
k-Anywhere alcohol is sold and good music is on rotation. Art book shops. Galleries.
j-Tell me your influences?
k-Anyone from Yoshitomo Nara to David Lynch. MF Doom and Andre 3000 through to Joy Division and Micachu.
j-At what stage in life would you say you are in right now?
k-Mid-20's crisis.
j-You into pop cheese.com by any chance or am I still on my own?
k-You're on your own.
j-Describe your music.
k-A waterfall in the middle of a council estate. The unexpected. Hip-Hop.
j-What do you enjoy most about making art, making music?
k-Firstly, I get to experiment with sounds and visuals for my own satisfaction. Then people tell me if they like it or not. I enjoy the critique. Makes me want to create more. I love playing live shows and seeing how people who don't know my music react.
j-Can you describe me your perfect environment to work in when you are getting creative?
k-In my bedroom - ‘pretend’ studio.
j-How do you decide if something works or not?
k-If I don't like it, you won't hear it or see it.
j-Besides music, what other stuff are you into?
k-Dreaming about to being able to afford clothes by Martin Margiela and Tom Ford. Conjuring up nuke-proof plans that will enable me to live in Tokyo for at least a year. Obviously, I have been unsuccessful so far.
j-What are you most afraid of?
k-Freddie Kruger and Cheese.
j-Do you believe in fate and destiny? Or it’s a load of rubbish to you?
k-I create my own fate..luck.
j-What are you thinking right now?
k-That I need to vote for Labour and cook for my Aunties this evening.
j-How would you end this?
k-Thank you and goodbye.
Go pick up his single Shapeshift - out next month!