Beginning to assert a fastening hold on the British urban scene, emphatic female MC, Deyah is back with her brand-new 'Care City' EP – out via High Mileage, Low Life which was released on April 10th.
Following up 2019’s Lover Loner EP, Deyah’s new project, Care City is an extensive blueprint for a tumultuous few months, the darkest period of her life so far. Passionate and wholeheartedly to the point, it embodies a journey to the murky depths and back again, her mental state meticulously documented and relayed with brute and asserting honesty. A conceptual masterpiece,Care City searches for light in the eternal gloom.
The video to her new single, ‘Venthouse Suite’ is out now, addressing the torment of being judged and mistreated by others, together finding forgiveness in anguish and despair.
Few artists are able to replicate the raw, unashamed candour of Berkshire-based rapper, Deyah. A gripping open book, her confessional lyrics are articulate and unapologetically frank. An opposing blend of rousing narration behind lethargic, lo-fi beats, she excavates her deepest insecurities, probing and scrutinising the essence of her innermost vulnerabilities. Unconstrained by self-interest and armed with purposeful integrity, Deyah is free to pursue her own unique vision.
She was nominated for the 2019 Welsh Music Prize and has performed at notable festivals such as Reading & Leeds, Boomtown, Outlook and BBC’s Biggest weekend.
Read our Get to Know Interview with Deyah here!
Hi Deyah, welcome to The Lowdown! Let’s get you introduced to our readers. Tell us who are you and what it is that you do?
"Lowdown! wagwan.. ok so i’m a chilled out non-cussing rapper/singer/song writer who lives my life wanting to serve others…"
How long have you been making music?
"I’ve been making music since i was 16 but it was only last year that i actually took it seriously."
How many releases have you had?
"I’ve just recently released my fourth EP."
What made you fall in love with hip-hop music?
"I grew up listening to hiphop material from early, everything about it is a vibe to me; i don’t just hear the music, i feel it."
How would you describe your music in one sentence?
"Chill and truthful."
How do you want your listeners to feel when they listen to your music?
"I’d like it if the listeners felt an openness, the ability to relate, a safe space, freedom, lack of judgement, faith and authenticity through the music."
Who are the most important people in your life and how do they inspire your work?
"My mom and best friend Danielle without a doubt are the most important to me. They keep me focused and aren’t afraid to kick me up the backside when i need it."
Who are your musical influences / who do you admire?
"Michael Jackson/ Fela Kuti / Lupe Fiasco / Erykah Badu / Lauryn Hill / J Cole."
Your most recent project is your ‘Care City’ EP. Can you tell us a little bit about its content?
"Care City is purely documentation of a very dark season i endured. During that time, I learnt so many life lessons that i transferred over into my methods of creating. There’s such a freedom within this new project. I’m no longer controlled by the expectations of others or their wants regarding the music i create, I create what i want to create. Care City is me being me."
Do you feel like ‘Care City’ is a significant milestone in your career so far?
"I’d say the creation of Care City is a landmark in my personal life as well as my music career. It is for sure a significant milestone. It’s the first time I’m genuinely proud of a body of work I’ve created."
What’s been the biggest challenge of your career so far?
"If i’m honest, i haven’t faced many challenges in my career as of yet. I’d say the only struggle is within myself, trying to remain motivated to keep creating conscious music in an ignorant industry."
Alternatively, what has been your proudest achievement?
"Performing at Reading & Leeds festival is for sure my proudest achievement. It was very surreal but I remember every minute of it. It was magic."
When you’re not making music, what do you like to do in your spare time?
"I cook a lot, knit and read. I like to chill."
What’s your greatest goals for the future?
"I aim to collaborate with all my musical heroes, perform in mad venues and sign artists under my label!"
Find out more about Deyah HERE
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