Having already cemented his place on the scene with a flurry of impactful offerings in recent years, London-based artist Dilan Skies isn't slowing down anytime soon as he returns with his vibrant new single 'HABITS'.
Capturing more of that rich and riveting alt-pop aesthetic he has been growing lately, 'HABITS' makes for an incredibly warm and immersive return for him. With his spellbinding vocals layered across an anthemic production from start to finish, he is certainly looking to get us up and out of our seats 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 been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
This might be a bit left field but the Djembe! I had Djembe lessons in school and it was the class I looked forward to the most because even though everyone had no musical background, everyone wanted to learn but also just have fun with it.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
As any young person finding their love for music, I had a lot of phases: Pop, Punk, Rock but my first introduction to music was Bollywood music as that’s what my family mainly listened to but I could only connect with the melodies as Hindi isn’t a language I’m fluent in. So I ended up connecting most with RnB music because it carried the familiar romantic melodic vibe I got from Bollywood music while also providing me with a story I could understand since it was in English.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first & only physical album I own was gifted to me as a kid, it was the first Vengaboys album. I don’t know why this was given to me but as a kid I just liked the fact that I owned a physical album!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I could list a million songs but I think I’d have to say Eyes Off You by PRETTYMUCH. Not only is it an incredibly underrated song, I love the sentiment, lyrics & the whole feel. I remember hearing it for the first time & it really inspired me to hone in on the way I tell my stories.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I usually just have moments of inspiration & so whenever I hear something in my head or have an idea I stop everything I’m doing & record it on my phone as a voice note because I like the idea of being able to capture the initial idea that sparked the song & have it exactly like that in the final song.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Right now I’m loving Daniel Seavey. His new album “Second Wind” sounds amazing, it captures a wide range of different vibes & I just love the songwriting throughout.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Chase Atlantic & The 1975! Our sounds have a small crossover but I just feel that everyone has a good time at their shows so it would be so cool to be a part of it.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part is whenever someone reaches out to let me know a song really connected with them. Recently I received a message from someone from a country that I’ve never been to or even know anyone from just appreciating a lyric I remember being so meticulous about. That felt like a big win!
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is how hard it is to get seen/heard as an independent artist. This means I really have to push myself to be a presence that can’t be ignored but I love having that challenge!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
There is no right or wrong in music, as the Artist I should always go with whatever feels right to me.
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Dilan Skies' new single 'HABITS' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.