Indie-pop singer-songwriter Dali has been all over radio since the release of his debut album Shades of Blue, with his singles ”Ahhh” & ”Nirvana” catching the ears of all three of BOB’s judges and ultimately earning him a place in the Final 6. This Friday he will make his mark on THOM’s stage and we caught up with him to learn a little bit more about the Cape Town-based muso.
Texx: Give us a bit of background into who are you and where are you from?
Dali: My name is Dali and I’m a musician hailing all the way from KwaMashu in Durban, KZN. I’ve always had a love for the arts growing up especially music but it was only in university when I started writing and recording music with a professional intent and when I realised there was no way that I was going into corporate as I was studying Economics and Finance at the time. My taste in music has always been eclectic largely due to my upbringing but I’ve always had a special love for pop music which ultimately led me to the conception of my latest album Shades of Blue.
Texx: In your own words, what kind of music do you make?
Dali: I would say I make pop music with indie influences being the reason why I also have had a lot of live instruments in my latest project. I’m always looking to grow from project to project as an artist and I’ve never wanted to limit myself and the direction that my music goes. Like I said before my musical inspirations and influences have always been eclectic, so as long as I’m out doing myself and previous works and growing as an artist I’ll always be in good hands.
Texx: Sum up your live show in one short sentence?
Dali: If there is a word I would use to describe my live show, it would be “ENERGY” in the sense that I’m here to share my essence as well as feed off the energy I receive from the audience.
Texx: What do you think you bring to the Final 6 that makes you stand out?
Dali: I would say that I bring a fresh perspective as a new artist exploring a new lane. I think all of the 6 finalists have a unique sound and I believe I’ve explored indie/pop music in way that is quite unheard of considering my background as a black man, who was born in a township in KZN where many people aren’t quite exposed to/ inclined to listen to the type of music that I make. I believe I’ve done a good job of reaching outside of my box even just going out of my way to find producers and engineers who could help me realise my sound and to bring my vision to life, which wasn’t easy as I also never had a lot of musician friends growing up or in the UCT commerce department.
Texx: Which act out of the Final 6 do you rate highly and why?
Dali: I would say I enjoy Pixie Whip who I happen to be competing against on the 21st. I first heard her when we were both on the 5fm pop chart not so long ago and we both shared a mutual admiration for each other’s art.
Texx: If you could pick any of the judges to drink with who would you pick and why – and what would you be drinking?
Dali: I would have a drink with each of the judges for different reasons but if I had to pick one it would have to be Tecla as they have been the one judge who I’ve already had a back and forth with who’s also been very dope and supportive of me throughout this Band or Bust journey especially as a new artist.
Dali takes on Pixie Whip at The House Of Machines this Friday 21 June at 9pm.
