SOPHOMORE is the second installment of Grammy nominated artist Devin Di Dakta’s EP series on the way to his debut Album the St Mary deejay said. Produced By SAINTkingstonMUSIC, RomieIkon & DJ Slow Motion, ‘Sophomore’ boasts features from Dancehall superstars Busy Signal & Charly Black and one of the queens of African music, Yemi Alade. The EP is distributed by Symphonic Distribution and is now available on all digital platforms worldwide.
Devin joins WMV to answer questions about his latest project.
Devin, congratulations on second sophomore EP “Sophomore.” What can fans expect from this new project, and how does it differ from your previous work?
From this project, fans can expect songs to get them moving. Especially the women, this project is all about them. The main difference between this project and previous ones is the choice of riddims and delivery.
You’ve were nominated at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in the Best Reggae category. How has that recognition impacted your career and music-making process?
Being Nominated for a Grammy has opened doors that became a school for me based on how much I’ve learned about the music business. My music-making process has also changed because now I am more conscious about how people in different territories consume music.
Could you share some insights into the creative process behind “Sophomore”?
The creative process behind Sophomore was simply “Make music that women can dance to.” It was also important for us to incorporate the original/hardcore dancehall drum pattern from the 90s but with a modern interpretation.
Were there any specific themes or inspirations that influenced this EP?
The main ingredients are 90s Dancehall with a dash of modern lyrics and a pinch of outside influence.
You worked with Sly and Robbie, legendary reggae producers and musicians. What was it like working with such iconic figures, and how did their influence shape you as an artist?
Sly & Robbie introduced me to reggae music songwriting. It was there I learned how to write reggae songs. With that knowledge, one of Jamaica’s most successful artist managers, Robert Livingston, was impressed by my writing abilities. He immediately allowed me to record on his Reggae Juggling “Cold Heart Riddim,” on which I did a song titled “Forever More.” That song went on to be my biggest song in various countries in Africa.
Can you tell us more about the producers you collaborated with on this EP and how they contributed to the overall sound?
On ‘Sophomore’, there were two main producers with me. RomieIkon & Dj Slow Motion. They helped to shape the overall sound of the project. Other contributors to the production are Rejiche Smith, Kurt d Flurt, Jay Edge The Jamaican Singer, Alistar Mcintosh, Jovainne Murdock, Khary Cammock, Andres Lopes & Kardo
Keen Kreative.
Reggae music often carries powerful messages. Are there any social or personal messages you aim to convey through “Sophomore”?
There are no social or personal messages on Sophomore. All I want to do with this project is project is get the women to dance to some hardcore dancehall music. For music with messages, I have an upcoming project specifically for that.
As an artist, how do you see your sound evolving or maturing on this sophomore EP compared to your earlier work?
Vocally, I think I am in a better place than I was a few years ago. I also have a better understanding of how to write a song with fewer words but still impactful. Another key element is that I am more intentional about the riddims I choose to record on and also the mixing and mastering of the songs to get the final product
ready. I am not where I want to be as yet, but the songs and overall production on “SOPHOMORE” are a step up from “FRESHMAN” (the first EP in the series).
What do you hope your listeners take away from “Sophmore” in terms of emotions or experiences?
The main takeaway from Sophomore should be the energy. I want people to listen and be reminded of what it was like when dancehall music was hardcore and danceable. If they can make some babies during the process that would be great too. Just add “Dakta” to di baby dem name lol.
Lastly, can you give us a glimpse into your future plans and upcoming projects beyond “Sophmore”?
In the future, I will be more focused on projects. A few singles in between but the Majority of my upcoming music will be released as bodies of work. I think that is one of the ways Jamaican Artists can help to move our (reggae) genre forward. ALBUMS. When an artist is in the studio working on an album, the mindset is completely different. It is like a baby or a plant. Albums are important. Dancehall artists need to make it a priority.
