Artist Spotlight: Dayo Bello
Speaking to London’s Dayo Bello on his latest single, ‘Why?’, the creative process of his past releases as a producer, writer and vocalist and what we can expect from his upcoming full-length project.
Emily: What was the inspiration for your latest single, ‘Why?’
Day Bello: It’s about feeling like I don’t deserve the love being given to me by my lover because I’m going through my own mental struggles and at times I’m my own worst enemy. She’s better off without me because I might not ever find peace within to give her the love she deserves.
What was your creative process for your single ‘ILY (I’ll Love You)’, and what were the main themes of the track?
I created this song with Tomas Hennesy. We bounced ideas off of each other and wanted to portray a feeling of sadness and wallow, hence the eerie sounding guitar throughout the song but provide a bit of hope by using a groovy swinging 6/8 drum pattern. Similar to ‘Why?’, I wanted to channel the feeling that I can’t love you until I love myself first. I wanted to lyrically explain, “Though I’m running on E, you’re always here for me...”, through my struggles you love me the same. I want to reciprocate that love, but I can’t fully until I love myself first.
What was the inspiration for your most popular track, ‘Wait For You’?
The constraints of long-distance relationships are one of the worst to deal with, but even with all its twists and turns that aren’t ideal, you can actually push through and keep the relationship going. This song is for that moment.
How important are your visuals and what was the process like working on your videos for both ‘Mine’ and ‘ILY’?
I’ve not done many visuals, only the two. I always want the visuals to be perfect and to perfectly depict what I’m alluding to in my songs. They’re important to me so much that I’d only do it/release it if it feels right. ‘Mine’, was my first music video so that was a fun and new experience. I love it as it’s very cinematic.
‘ILY’, I co-directed this video with Edem Wornoo, who’s a good friend of mine. It was personal to me as it was shot in my room. There was only myself, Edem and the camera guy, Will Chamberlain for the whole shoot. So, it felt very intimate but sure as there were limited opinions and hands to get things done.
What was the creative process like whilst making your debut project, ‘360’?
Very beautiful. My first ever songs. I produced them all. It was the beginning of me finding myself. Very easy, yet so hard at times. But I got through it.
What can we expect from your upcoming debut full-length project?
My truth.
You said you were inspired to record your band in a live setting, whereby you all play on the track together. Can you explain why and what feeling it gave to the track?
It just provides a very true and honest feel to the song. No touch-ups, no midi instruments, just the honest feeling that we display in that one take. The listener feels the honesty. That’s what I want.
How do you feel your sound has and is changing since your first releases back in 2017?
Experimenting with loops and building from there. Writing after melodies and not before. More collaborations.
What first inspired you to start creating music?
It’s my truth, in my blood.
How did the multiple musical influences of growing up in London affect your sound today?
I grew up on grime, funky, gospel, RnB, pop, etc., so I guess my sound is a mesh of all of them, rather than just one or two. My album will really show this.
If you had to pick three tracks from other artists which most inspired you to create, what would they be?
D'Angelo - Untitled
Frank Ocean – Chanel
Kendrick Lamar – Sing About Me
Which artists are influencing your current or future sound?
Prince
What’s coming up for 2020?
Helllaaa music and live shows