If you enjoy the soulful sounds of Michael Kiwanuka, JP Cooper, Paolo Nutini, or Samm Henshaw, then DIRE’s music is highly recommended for you. With his deeply soulful voice, Dire evokes memories of a younger Seal, and his vocal flexibility immediately captures listeners’ attention. He skilfully blends various genres, creating a unique and captivating musical experience. We caught up with him about his new release ‘No Delay’, what inspires and influences his music and some of the plans he has for upcoming releases.
Can you tell us a bit about your new single ‘No Delay’ and the inspiration behind it?
‘No Delay’ is a reflection of my journey in the UK, encompassing moments of feeling like an outsider, grappling with immigration intricacies, and societal expectations. Amid these challenges, solace emerged from voice messages left by my late mother, instilling faith and hope for a brighter future.
Overcoming emotional hurdles led to a profound realization that life abroad is about more than survival; it’s a path of self-discovery, merging my origins with a new culture, ultimately finding genuine belonging. My resilience in adapting and thriving, even in adversity, now drives me to convey this tale through music, aspiring to inspire others who share similar trials by nurturing hope and empowerment.
How would you describe your style of music? What are your influences?
At its core, my purpose is that of fostering connections. Through the medium of my music, I assume the role of an intermediary, adeptly spanning the chasm that often separates the diverse facets of existence and the realm of faith.
If you resonate with the soulful melodies of artists like Michael Kiwanuka, JP Cooper, Paolo Nutini, or Samm Henshaw, I strongly recommend delving into my music. Possessing a deep and soulful voice, I have been likened to evoking memories of a younger Seal. My vocal range effortlessly traverses octaves, accompanied by a quick vibrato reminiscent of the iconic Nina Simone. I believe this vocal versatility immediately captures the audience’s attention.
Furthermore, my penchant for blending different genres results in a one-of-a-kind and captivating musical journey.
Can you tell us a bit about your plans for future music?
We have meticulously produced an album’s worth of content, which we will unfurl gradually over the course of the year, like a series of exquisite revelations. Coming up very soon, we will be releasing another new song. It will be a beautiful addition to our collection.
I hope you will pay attention and join us in this musical adventure.
When did you first realise that music is something you wanted to do?
This quote has resonated with me for years:
“The fire of suffering brings out the gold of godliness.” – Madame Jeanne Guyon
Though my friends might argue that I have been singing for ages, I cannot recall much about it. I feel I truly grasped my purpose, or rather, my essence became clear to me in 2016.
Ultimately, the crux of the matter is that I did not make a conscious choice to embrace music; rather, it was music itself that elected me.
If you had the choice to work with any one person, who would it be and why?
I am genuinely excited about collaborating with artists whose musical journey aligns with mine. The artistic world is rich with talents I deeply admire. If I were to choose someone to collaborate with, Chandler Moore’s unique musical and spiritual approach stands out.
His fusion of gospel, R&B, and worship resonates with me deeply. His authentic and powerful voice holds a rare quality. I believe our collaboration could create something extraordinary, blending our distinct talents. This opportunity would inspire me and foster artistic growth.
Connect with Dire on Facebook | TikTok | Instagram || Download/Stream ‘No Delay’ on Spotify | Apple Music
