In a candid and reflective conversation with Davionte, a rising star in the music realm, we explore his unorthodox journey in music creation and the genesis of his latest track, “Be Alright.” Davionte’s initial foray into recording, battling noise issues while using a phone app, forged invaluable skills that remain at the core of his creative process today, even in professional recording settings.
“Be Alright” emerges as a stirring anthem, challenging self-doubt and comparisons in the music industry. Davionte candidly shares how the song serves as a personal affirmation, encapsulating his resolve to persevere despite perceived setbacks. This track symbolizes an ongoing commitment to the journey, resonating as a daily reminder to stay the course.
The unconventional inspiration for “Be Alright” stemmed from Davionte’s exploration of alternative Afrofusion. Enthralled by its unique beat and melodic undertones, he effortlessly penned the song, completed in just two takes.His artistic identity thrives on experimentation, where every new sound contributes to his evolving musical palette without compromising authenticity.
Despite the rapid ascent in the industry, Davionte encountered the challenge of maintaining authenticity amid perceived peer expectations. He learned the invaluable lesson that true peers embrace and appreciate one’s genuine identity.Check out the interview below and do remember to stream “Be Alright” beneath.
Your musical journey started in a rather unconventional setting. How did those early experiences shape your approach to music creation, and how do they resonate with you today as you continue to evolve as an artist?
Recording vocals on a phone app was a challenge in itself since a lot of noise was picked up during the recording. However this shaped our skills (me and my producer). I learnt how to project my vocals to sound audible and clearer while my producer got better at mixing and mastering raw vocals. I still keep this skill under my belt even when we are in a position to record on professional equipment.
“Be Alright “is described as a song of revolution against self-doubt and negativity. What inspired you to delve into this theme, and how does this track represent your personal growth as an artist?
My career has always been faced by a lot of comparison to other artists/rappers/musicians who I felt were doing better than me in terms of numbers and press. This comparison which I mostly did myself. It made me feel as if I was lagging behind or losing the hope of making it. I got over this feeling by making the song. Honestly, I didn’t even know it’s meaning until much later when I sat down to listen to it. “I came a little late but I won’t come last,” this line felt like reassurance that I even though I might compare myself to others sometimes, I’m still going to come up as well. ‘Be Alright’ is a reminder to myself everyday to never quit the mission as it has just started.
You’ve mentioned experimenting with alternative Afrofusion as a starting point for “Be Alright.” Can you walk us through your creative process when you stumbled upon the beat that inspired this track?
I feel like I’m an experimentalist because if it’s something new I just stumbled upon and I really feel it, I’ll just want to do it myself. I fell in love with the beat kick on ‘Be Alright’, the consistency and melodic undertone it possessed. The beat wasn’t like any afrobeats I’ve heard before and that’s what I liked about it. Writing the track was simple since I already liked it, and recording was done under two takes.
The spontaneous session at Jabali Afrika’s lead singer’s home studio seems like an incredible experience. How did that collaboration come about, and how did it impact the final version of “Be Alright”?
The collaboration was unexpected really since all I knew that day was that I was going to my friend’s video shoot and I’d be on my way home when it’s done. The DOP who we just became acquainted with said that he had to head back home since he had a studio session with his buddy. I decided to come along, then when we got there I noticed musical plaques on the walls and I got curious so I found out who the house belonged to. We bonded over music with Muziwa and he told us we can record actually he implied we had to record music that day. We did that from 11pm to 2am and that’s all I can say about that day, we had fun.
“Misunderstood Let Me Explain” received significant praise, especially for tracks like “Pride.” How does your new single “Be Alright” differ in terms of its message or musical direction from your previous work?
‘Be Alright’ differs from ‘Pride’ as it’s crucial for the whole catalogue as it delivers one message: freedom of expression.
You’ve expressed a desire to explore diverse sounds and avoid monotony in your music. How do you navigate experimenting with new sounds while still staying true to your artistic identity?
Experimenting is my identity. I am everything I like doing.
Could you share a bit about your musical influences, especially those that have shaped your unique style? How have these influences evolved as you’ve progressed in your career?
Every influence has a crucial role they play. For example I love Little Simz’s rap aesthetic and how it ties with her as a person as she tells personal stories , I love how Mac Miller is vulnerable in his expression, Kahush has a sense of self knowledge, and J Cole sums it all all up by having all of these traits as the ‘FINAL BOSS’.
Starting from scratch just a year a go and now standing as a promising artist,what challenges did you face in this rapid progression, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
Sometimes along the journey you meet people you assume are your peers and you feel the urge to switch up your identity in order to fit in. However, I learnt that if they’re really your people, they’ll only need more of what you have.
Your authenticity as an artist shines through in your music. How do you ensure that your genuine voice is always reflected in your work, especially as you continue to grow and adapt?
By consistently creating and listening to more alternative sounds; exposing myself to new experiences music wise, and picking what I like most to feed my creativity.
As someone who’s making significant waves in the music industry, what advice would you give to aspiring artists trying to break into the scene?
Keep doing what you do, learn from your influences but don’t try to copy them. Go out to more events you may never know who you might meet, and always believe, no matter how delusional you might seem even to yourself.
