North West London based Andre DS was drawn to music from an early age. Listening to a range of artists, including Craig David, Destiny’s Child, and 50 Cent. Andre found himself in recording studios addicted to melodies, songwriting and the larger than life persona it encapsulated. Seeing the crazy antics of Busta Rhymes on MTV, the smoothness of Snoop and the iconic duo of Ja Rule and Ashanti, shaped his teenage years heavily. Andre has been building his brand, connecting with young producers, and taking his music to a higher level for the last couple of years. On the back of several successful performances at venues such as The Miranda at east London’s Ace Hotel, Andre is the headline act at The Rocksteady in Dalston on 14th December. We caught up with Andre in London, ahead of an exciting winter.
Hi Andre! Thank you for granting the interview. Tell us what you’re currently working on?
I’ve just released my single “Que Bonita”, a bit of a Latin infused chillwave hip hop song if you’d call it that. I collaborated with a French London based singer I’ve known for a year now called Vicky Jean; we’ve performed together earlier this year so chemistry isn’t a problem. She killed this feature. I’m still pushing the single as it’s the first release from my upcoming project. I just wanted to make something for the ladies. The video is very minimal and I did this on purpose to make you focus on the nuances in the film: a kid messing about in the park behind us, the cute chicken shop date, the cars rushing past while we’re chilling to the music on a landing. Not everything needs to be a Hollywood blockbuster. I’ve got my headline show in Dalston next month, and I’m always looking to collaborate with artists from whatever region of the world.
You’re a songwriter and rapper? How important is it to write your music?
I’ve never had a ghostwriter. If my vocal range could permit, I’d probably write pop songs all day long because I love those jingles – Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran or probably Justin Timberlake was my favorite in my teens. It all boils down to great songwriting which stands the test of the time. That’s why I admire how Drake’s songs are structured, as well as a Tory Lanez, or when you look back at the stuff Quincy Jones was co-writing with MJ. That’s what people remember down the years.
Tell us about your songwriting process. How do you choose a topic to cover?
To be honest, sometimes no matter how hot I think the lyrics are for a given song it might not go anywhere or move the audience. I had in mind if everything else isn’t in order: the production and the mix. It all has to fit in place perfectly to work. An example might be my song from last year ‘Dice’, which is a bit of a sad tune. I’m reflecting on the hardships of getting older, facing more responsibility, chasing your dreams and seeing friends fall away during the journey. Oh yeah, and I’m taking digs at this new wave of IG wannabe models. A lot of people liked that song just because of its authentic realness. I’m not releasing any rushed material now, that’s affected me badly in the past; everything has to be set to a certain standard, we’ve got more time than we think to make quality music, its easy to get caught up in the rat race of microwave music.
When looking back on the production of your music and videos, what resonates with you the most and why?
There hasn’t been a music video I haven’t enjoyed to be honest, mainly because I play a major role in directing them and don’t work with a huge team. It’s me and my vision really; I location scout, I get a crew together, tell them how to dress and sometimes find locations on the spot mid-shoot. I’m trying to change that now as I think third party input can be beneficial in the long run.
What has been your biggest challenge as a singer/rapper?
Probably getting better at singing! It’s always a hard one, you don’t know whether you’re on or off-pitch. Sometimes the song you’ve spent a day or so developing is just flat and boring after you’re done, it’s always a tricky one. Same with rapping, people are drawn to what feels right with them so beat selection and themes for a song matter so much I’ve learned.
Who are your musical icons/influences?
I have a long list. It all started with 50 Cent and his braggadocio when I was 10 years old seeing him for the first time but we got Drake up there. The Weeknd, Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Travis Scott, Young Thug, J Cole, Kendrick. I love what Summer Walker, Ari Lennox, and Jhene Aiko are doing right now too. Old school artists like Nas, Jay Z, Big L, LL Cool J, Wu-Tang Clan, Biggie and all the greats. In the UK I’m loving Dave, M Huncho, Skepta, Slowthai, D Block Europe and this young singer called Col3rane who has Frank Ocean vibes. This barely scratches the surface by the way.
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?
My Instagram is always active with snippets and new releases: @andre__ds as well as all digital outlets like Spotify, Apple music where you can find me as Andre DS. You can check out some of my discographies on my youtube channel as well:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3r2bhKl32_XaaCs9uNmiTw
https://soundcloud.com/andredsmusic
So what’s on the horizon?
I plan to release my next project in January, maybe sooner as I’m refining a few things just to get it right. The project has a name though, “Something For You Too”, it’s a follow up to my release last January, expect to hear some downtempo RnB vibes, adrenaline-fuelled anthems, and a few feel-good vibes. I’m a huge fan of Drake and his idea of making ‘playlists’, that is music suitable for any season in the year.
Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Thanks for reading. Be sure to check out the Que Bonita video and follow me on Spotify so that you can be notified of my upcoming project J
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