DAMOLA is a rising star of the Irish urban scene and part of Word Up Collective – an exciting Dublin-based collaboration of diverse talents working in hiphop, spoken word, R&B, rap, pop and related genres, who got together earlier this year to exchange skills and elevate their profiles.

As part of the group Backshed inc with Ange MC, Sam Ojo and video director Steven Beatsmith, Damola runs his own studio, engineers his own tracks and also produces for the likes of ProFound – check out his quickfire delivery on recent single Workflow here.

The Collective also includes AikJ, Anti-One,  Axiom,  Craft Work,  Dyramid, Katie Laffan, Soulé, Stay Gold and Young Phantom. Currently working on setting up festival shows, they recently made their presence felt with a blistering show in Dublin’s Bello Bar, with a follow-up gig in the venue coming next month.

First Fortnight caught up with Damola to get more info on the Collective’s plans and to hit him up for our regular FiveOnFriday questionnaire…

1. What are the aims and ambitions of Word Up Collective and how does it relate to your group BackShed Inc?  Do you find working with others shapes your musical style or creative process in unexpected ways?

Word Up Collective basically brings artists from different backgrounds (mainly urban acts) with a common goal together and creates an environment for artists to be inspired creatively and get their music out there via exposure through press work and gigs. As BackShed inc, we’ve always had the same passion so it was great to link up with likeminded individuals and share resources and ideas and also build great relationships.

It’s good to always have a different perspective. It definitely makes the music better. I’d say being in the studio with other artists or even just hanging out with other artists has made me better at my craft.

2. The Collective had a launch gig recently in Bello Bar? Any good / interesting memories from the night?

Ohh man, so many. From Aik making all d gyal dem blush, to Dyramid killing those freestyles, to Ange MC surprising everyone with his freestyle at the end. It was a great night, really enjoyed it. It was also great to see some familiar faces around and other industry individuals in the building.

3. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing artists in general (or you personally) in this country at the moment?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve seen artists face is the lack of/limited resources needed to consistently produce great material. Within the urban scene particularly, there aren’t many great at music production (which is an extremely important aspect of urban music) and it typically costs a fortune to get your music properly mixed and mastered. Thankfully for me, I happen to know how to mix and master, I do help and would love to help more but I’m very limited with time as I have to look after the music production of BackShed inc as well.

4. What is the next project/track/gig we can expect from you?

I am currently working on a new music video to my next single. I’m not gonna say the name, haha! The single is off my upcoming EP titled Childlike Mentality to be released later this year.

I will also be playing at Soul Etiquette’s show titled TrapSoul on the 23^rd of April alongside all members of BackShed inc and some other great urban acts too. The show will be at Dive Bar, Turk’s Head, Dublin.

5. Name three tracks you tend to turn to when you’re feeling in need of a spiritual/emotional lift?

To be honest for spiritual/emotional lift it would mostly be gospel songs like:

My God is Awesome by Pastor Charles Jenkins

Hosanna by Hillsong

 

Unbroken Praise by Matt Redman

 

 The Word Up Collective are coming to a venue near you – this weekend, members hit the southwest – Katie Laffan plays Levi’s Bar in Ballydehob, Cork, (Fri 22 April) and tomorrow Saturday, she’ll be joined by AikJ and Young Phantom – Yp for a showcase night at Connolly’s of Leap.

Catch Damola at Soul Etiquette’s TrapSoul at Dive Bar, Turk’s Head in Dublin this Saturday (April 23). 

Word Up Collective return to Dublin’s Bello Bar on May 19.

See www.wordupcollective.com