Darui - UP (EP) + 10 Questions

Darui is a Multi-faceted artist & audio engineer. His style of music, which combines elements of Rap and R&B, has gained him a growing following, with his energetic  beats and mesmerising vocal melodies resonating with listeners worldwide. Darui's music is characterised by his honest and introspective lyrics, delivered with raw and emotional intensity. He tackles themes such as  self-discovery, Love and perseverance, drawing inspiration from his own life experiences and struggles. Darui’s release ‘UP’ is a 5-track EP that was recorded and finalised in 2022 and is set to be Darui's first project of 2023.

"UP" offers an introspective overview of Darui's true life experiences while providing a motivational message of hope despite adversity.  Darui's Latest EP showcases his versatility as an artist, deftly navigating hard-hitting beats with confident and skilled lyricism. Throughout the project, he conveys underlying themes with ease, demonstrating a mastery of both form and content.

Overall, Darui's latest work is a testament to his growth and evolution as an artist, and is sure to captivate audiences with its impressive blend of style and substance. "UP showcases production from French beatmakers AsiaBlvck &  Saint Lasome on tracks 1 & 5 respectively and production from Russian beatmaker Risk on tracks 2 - 4. The Ep also includes features from up-coming artists and frequent collaborators of Darui's A1thsnd, PrettyBoyCowa, Prezz, Asuka & Do. Up was entirely Written, Recorded, mixed and mastered by Darui Himself and is set to be released on all streaming platforms on the 19th may 2023.

Darui 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 first began making music at a very young age but it was never anything serious. I remember while I was trying my best to be the next football sensation my mom would always encourage me to try out music because she used to sing in the church choir but I always ignored her. I started to take music more seriously when I left London. I had nothing else to do so I started getting a bit more into audio engineering and it awoke my passion for music. I was on the brink of going to university to study psychology but I changed at the last minute for a course in audio production in Paris. Very random, yes but I haven't looked back since.

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

I know his situation is a bit crazy right now but Tory Lanez inspired a bit part of my sound. His early mixtapes leading up to his first album, that period was incredible. the lyrics, the melodies, the beat selections and especially the message, He for sure shaped a big part of what i do now. Other than him my influences vary, you'd be surprised how much rock music. Eli Sostre is an artist I respect a lot and I'd like to work with him in the future if it's possible.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

My next Ep entitled UP is  dropping on the 19th of may 2023. Up is basically 5 tracks of me talking about the ups & downs of my life but most importantly the message is to always look up regardless of whatever life throws at you, just keep on going. If I can inspire / motivate a couple people with this tape I'll be very happy. Apart from that there’s so much more music just ready to drop. R&b, afro etc but the problem is finding the right time. If all goes well I should drop 4 other projects before the year ends.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Personally I've always struggled to describe my sound but if I really had to choose  I think I can safely call my sound melodic rap with a big emphasis on the melodies.

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

Before I ever started music my main goal was to release a project so when I dropped my first mixtape in 2016 I was incredibly proud even though it only got like 10 listens but yeah, I feel like i had achieved everything I set out to do so everything else that has come after has been a bonus for me. I’m just enjoying the opportunity I have to express myself the only way I know how.

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

 Passion, patience and persistence. Those words are my motto. You need to have the passion to want to go through the journey of learning about music. The patience to realise it's indeed a journey, a long one and you might not make it overnight. And the persistence to know you have to keep on grinding every day of every month of every year to make your dream a reality. Also, it is very important to be realistic and to manage expectations. I know everything about this game. I've been in the industry for a long time as a ghost writer & sound engineer. Like football only 1% make it to the very top but you don't need to be at the level Drake is at to have a good career. Be realistic about your own definition of success. I know a lot of artists that are virtually unknown that make a very good living off of music. And on the flip side, I know a lot of popular artists who are really struggling financially.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Wild-boy, he's a wavy artist & producer from London. I like his sound a lot. Also A1thsnd from Ottawa, Canada and P rezz from Paris. They’re next up, believe me. I like artists that come with fresh energy and are hungry for more success. Imagine I sent Wild boy an idea for a feature. He sent back his verse the same day! No drama, no politics, just straight passion for this music thing. I respect that a lot.

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

Recently I found my way back to the gym so I've had lil durk’s album 7220 on heavy rotation. Also I'm a big fan of curren$y so I've been spinning his latest album with Jermaine Dupri and to balance it out I've also been listening to Usher's 8701 album. I can’t get through a week with some r&b.

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

A lot of cooking. I love cooking. I know it sounds weird but it helps me relax and problem solve at the same time so my mind is still active obviously. One of my favourite rappers is Action Bronson and I like how he was a chef and he incorporates that life and his music life into who he is as an artist.  I would love to do the same.

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

For one i like having some calm in the studio. I can't do sessions when there's a lot of people in the studio for no important reason. secondly something to drink preferably a bottle of water for when my voice starts going crazy and last but not least my phone to record voice notes of ideas as they come to mind.