Deyah

Name?
Deyah

Describe your style in three words
1. Soulful
2. New school Hip/hop
3. Honest

What's the best gig you've ever been to?
Dr Meaker.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Hiatus Kaiyote & Dr Meaker, I'd want to perform with them because they bring a raw sound that I believe has been lost over the years. Their performances are just pure artistry, you feel and hear every instrument and every ounce of everything. Different levels!

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Hip Hop / Rap and R&B, especially 90's era, artists like TLC, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, YoYo, vibess.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
That's so mad to answer because there are bags of people I look up to in history. In my mind though right now, I would say Fela Kuti because of his approach and method towards his craft, as well as the courageous movements he made politically for the betterment of his people. He said once, that music isn't just about entertainment, it's a tool one should utilise to make a positive and productive change.

Of all the venues you've played, which is your favourite?
This isn't easy to answer either, but I'd have to say Richmix in Hackney. The venue was a perfect size - big but not too big, so it allowed the performance to be more intimate, but the crowd were absolutely amazing, from the minute I stepped on stage, to the minute I got in the car.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Michael Jackson for me is the greatest of all time, but in terms of an unsung hero or heroine, I'd have to say Nai Palm, her music is beyond music, it's soul food. Her track 'Homebody' has been on repeat every single day without fail since it was released. I know I've picked one but another unsung hero would be Saba, his lyricism as well as the production of his work and how he connects them together is like nothing else I've heard.

Deyah released her new Ep 'Loner Lover' at the start of June 2019, stream it via Spotify below.