With the difficult times we are facing at the moment, it is the perfect time to try something new whilst you are forced to stay indoors and over the next couple of weeks we are interviewing acts that are putting on everything from projects to lessons. Today, we are talking to CDriz who released his new single a few weeks back and part of that song was written in lockdown.

Hello C Driz tell us three unknown facts about yourself?

1. I have a concave chest which I’ve had since I was born – it’s not a fatal body deformation, just looks a bit weird! At least I have a bowl for popcorn wherever I go. 
2. I used in a rock band when I was 11 until 13 as the lead singer. We did one show of cover songs and I left shortly after that because my voice got too deep. 
3. I was stillborn at birth and brought back to life by the doctors. You know the saying, you only live twice!

How did you get into music?

It all started when I was 15. One night after school, I sat in my room and started writing lyrics to a Kendrick Lamar beat. Came into school the next day and showed it to my friends and they rated it. Then from there I wrote more, met people who were able to help me progress and develop and just worked really hard to get better. 

Who do you find your inspirations? 

My first inspiration in terms of hip hop was Eminem. Then I would say Hopsin, Kendrick Lamar and JME would be who got me to invest myself into rap music

Tell us all about your latest single Choose The Way You Play?

The song was written with replay value in mind. I wanted a positive song that people could vibe to, feel happy when listening to it and have it stuck in their head. So far from the feedback I’ve received it has accomplished what it was set out to do. 

How long did it take to write the song? 

I started writing it around the start of 2020, then I revisited it around May and finished it off then. 

Where does the inspiration for the song come from?

I’d say my inspiration for this song would have to be from my love of afrobeat instrumentals and the message of the song – which would be living life how you want to live it

What is your favourite song you have ever written and why?

I would have to say this track. I love the vibe of it. Another favourite would have to be a song I made in 2018 called Strengths & Weaknesses. 

How do you go about writing lyrics? What inspires you?

Lyrics come to me from anything. I could be on the train or driving somewhere and think of something totally abnormal considering where I will be. I’d say receiving new stimulus and experiencing new things is the main thing for me to improve my writing ability. 

What is the most challenging thing when it comes to producing a record?

I’d say waiting for it to come out. Because you just want people to hear it ASAP, but obviously you’ve got to promote it in the right way to get people excited for the song. So yeah, definitely the promotion side of things.

Tell us about some of the projects you have been a part of – you have been part of writing albums in time limits tell us more about that?

Yeah so myself, Kayncee and SUV worked on an album called 48 Hours in 2018 with a few other featured artists. Then last year we made 72 Hours with a crazy amount of people. Both albums were produced in the time that the title states and it’s a mad task to take on – But, it definitely brought out the best in everyone involved.

How do you warm up for a show?

Drink loads of water, chat to loads of people at the venue to calm myself down and let people know when I’m on stage and just chill out really. It’s very rare for me to get stage fright.

Also let’s talk tour – will there be live shows coming next year?

Currently, myself and the crew haven’t got anything booked in to my knowledge due to Covid being a thing… But, we did have a lot lined up for this year in terms of shows and festivals. So hopefully they will be carried over to 2021 and we can see everyone there.

What is one of your favourite songs  to sing live? 

Probably an unreleased song called Faces featuring myself, Kayncee, Samosa and Ray Wills.

What is the toughest song to sing live and why?

Probably Faces again. I go crazy fast in it and speak a bit of Spanish, so it’s a tough song to perform, but a very fun track to do as well.

How have you been keeping creative during lockdown? 

Definitely! I’ve got a lot more songs coming out and I’ve been learning more about the craft of music production.

Has it lead to lots more songs?

For sure, watch this space! I’ll have more out soon.

Out site also is about improv – in a music sense, what have been some of your favorite improvised melodies that you have created and been able to use in songs and why?

I’d say Choose the Way You Play, I love the simple but wavy melody it has. Also, another song called Nobody by me and Kayncee (unreleased again) – the melody on that chorus is sick!

If people want to find out more where can the find you on social media?

Instagram – @cdrizofficial

Facebook – C Driz

What are your plans for 2020 / 2021?

Release more music, stay in touch with my friends and family, plan for the future and work my backside off!

And finally why should people check out your music?

You should check out my music because I feel I have a very varied skill set and am able to appeal to many different audience’s tastes. Also, I don’t take myself too seriously and like to have fun – so if you like having fun then listen to me!