An exciting voice for the UK Jazz scene, 22 year old songwriter, composter and multi-instrumentalist Anjelo Disons exudes a soulful, Neo-Soul sound and is the founding member of the Jazz collective ‘The Oracle’, which includes musicians who work with Tom Misch, Dave, Kali Claire and Blue Lab Beats. Having been mentored by Jazz scene aficionado Julian Joseph, Anjelo attended the coveted BRIT School, and has also engineered and produced for a long list of artists that includes Hak Baker, Yizzy, Morgan Monroe and Bshp.

Anjelo sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I’m lucky to have grown up in a household in which music was embraced from young. My mum put me onto a lot of the first tunes to inspire me. From South African choirs like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ugandan legends like Bobi Wine, Jose Chameleon I found a love for the traditional, Motown, Gospel & RnB through my mum. Through my life I’ve been blessed to witness a lot of talented musicians and producers who who would tend to my curiosity by explaining how they’d make the music. I wouldn’t necessarily tie it down to one moment or thing my love for music but moments throughout my life.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Artists all around me in the Oracle and the London scene influence me on a daily. Artists like Labrinth, Lianne La Havas, Afronaut Zu & Emmavie are gems in the London scene for me to name a few. I’ll always pay homage to the classics though it’d take forever to name them all and the great mentors I’ve had throughout my career. Marvin Gaye, Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway, Bob Marley and of course Stevie are all artists I’d say definitely influence my music in many different aspects. Julian Joseph as well has been and still is a massive influence musically as a mentor and teacher.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?

The Oracle has many members, trying to rehearse while adhering to all of Lockdown restrictions was near impossible. Of course there was ways around it via online methods but the energy of being in the room together as musicians and playing can never be replicated. I deeply missed everyone in the band during the pandemic, We usually do everything together

4. How would you describe your sound?

A cook pot of an array genres rooted within the blues. For me music always has been an art form of expression, and my sound choice from picking the instruments right down to the writing & production are all tools in trying to paint a picture of different emotions.

I love making the listener feel what I mean by the song, whether it be happiness, sadness or love.

My main influences are definitely routed in Soul, RnB, Jazz & Gospel but I’m really just influenced by anything that evokes feeling.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

As an artist I’d say performing at The Southbank Centre as a headline act with The Oracle has to be right up there. It being in my local area and somewhere that I’d visit myself through the years for many different reasons made a massive personal achievement for me.

I’ve had many proud moments personally as a musician during the lockdown as I had more time than ever to dedicate to practice. I’ve made leaps and bounds as a guitarist !!

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Find your tribe, a group of people who care about your music who’ll push you to be the best version of yourself. Musicianship takes discipline to learn your craft and the ability to work with others to create something beautiful

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

I’d say immediately go and check out all the members of The Oracle, from Ava Joseph, Kaidi Akinnibi to Deji Ijishakin also known as XVNGO and many more. They all individually have a sound that will shift the UK sonic as they start releasing there own projects. Akinsoul, who is Deji’s is one of my favourite young UK male vocalists.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Currently I’ve been revisiting Bang!Zoom Bobby McFerrin one of my favourite projects. I love The Cavemen’s project Roots, beautiful songs throughout that capture the High Life sound in a way that few artists have been in able to in modern times. Ghetts’ album Conflict Of Interest is phenomenal, I don’t think I’ll be ever stop spinning that.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I love keeping active by going to the gym. Football, I love playing football with Wilf, Kaidi and other members of the Oracle all the time. Soon we’ll have Oracle FC !!! If I’m not playing sport I do love to read and expand my knowledge of the world through documentaries.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Food preferably chicken, you can’t make music on an empty stomach!!! A good seat to sit in, comfortability is key. Finally I’d say my hard drive, without none of the samples exist!!