[In Conversation With] Delawou - Melodies

Shots for the Melodies cover (Image: @shooot2score)

Delawou is a 23-year-old up and coming artist who has been sharing his art for about two years. He is a singer and a rapper, and while not many can pull it off, Delawou truly masters both. 

He started making music in his room when he was 15. His brother gave up on a music set up and Delawou discovered it. He figured out how to use it, then started uploading videos of him singing on Facebook. But, he never really wanted to go to proper recording studios because of his underlying fear of putting himself out there. 

‘But when I finally did go to a studio I was like, ‘Why didn’t I do this earlier?’’ He says thoughtfully. 

Delawou then fell under Kennyon Brown’s wing. Kennyon found him early and basically took him everywhere he went as his mentor and friend. From events to studios, Delawou was there. 

‘Eventually we got into touring, I think we toured for two years straight around Australia and New Zealand. I think this is the first break we’ve taken because of coronavirus.’ Delawou reminisces.

However, this doesn’t mean he stopped what he was doing individually. For him, the timing lined up, as he had started to find himself as an artist. A lot of his listeners would have known him as a singer whose vibes were along the lines of Kennyon’s. His songs are tropical, feel-good, and body-moving. 

Now, he is moving towards showcasing everything he’s got. He is starting to rap more. The first real exhibition was in What’s Good by Jaecy, and the reactions were all positive and encouraging. From that, listeners were able to find out that Delawou is moving away from R&B and towards hip-hop and rap. 

‘I feel like the Australian music scene is popping off now, it’s a lot easier. Two years ago, it would have been a big risk, having your content based off where we’re from because people weren’t listening to that stuff. But I feel like a lot of other artists have made it more comfortable for artists like me to come out with more genuine content and lyrics.’

His latest release Melodies is a step towards who he really wants to be as a creator. He found it nerve-wracking before the release because he didn’t know how people would react to the change. This release is about knowing who’s around you, who’s who, and really having a team surrounding you. He knows that not having the right people around you can really hurt you, not just in music, but in real life. 

‘I made it from a place of like, ‘Are you with me or are you not?’’ He laughs. 

Delawou draws inspiration from the variety of artists he has on his Spotify, but also from movies and real life situations. His family, notably his brothers and cousins, push him and back him even if they don’t like to talk about it. But, his boys, who have been there since day one, are also there to fall back on whenever he loses motivation. Growing up in Western Sydney’s family-like mindset has nurtured close friendships for him that are now able to follow into his career.

Recently, one of his close friends Moe, stepped up to be Delawou’s manager. They’ve known each other since they were around two-years-old, and the duties began with Moe doing up Delawou’s calendar. It kicked off so well that it stuck. 

There’s two things that Delawou particularly likes about being a creative. The first one is the challenge that comes with the creative process; he finds it exciting having to figure out ways to make things work. The second one is seeing people’s reactions. It’s a good feeling seeing and knowing how listeners engage with his art. 

A little fun fact about Delawou; he has a rock playlist on his Spotify.

Check out Delawou’s tracks on Spotify
Follow his Instagram
Take a look at his YouTube

Melodies cover (Image: @yeahswish)