Preparing For Takeoff: Dapz On The Map Interviewed
Dapz On The Map isn’t a newcomer into the music scene. The grime artist has over 10 years of experience where he’s perfected his craft and earnt his name as a legend within the 0121.
After so many years, it’s only now we get to hear his first official debut album, ‘Landed’. An album with a sense of growth and expression we wouldn’t have seen from the artist earlier in his career.
Clash caught up with the Birmingham artist to find out more about his new release and how he’s grown.
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Love the new album ‘Landed’ by the way, have been playing it non-stop! Was your approach different to creating this album compared to others in the past?
I had made around four songs, with the intention of releasing another EP. My manager (Despa Robinson) opened my eyes to the thought of making an album. He told me to “look at all the greats within our UK scene. What do they all have in common…? Albums. Now is the time and if it’s not the time, when will be the time.” That was the energy I needed, to be brave and create and create a body of work that resembled an album.
It’s great to hear you singing more on this album, is it something you’ve opened up more to recently?
Singing has always been my secret weapon. I used to sing more in my earlier days, but as my career progressed, I found it harder to be vulnerable, knowing I have a bigger audience with genuine listeners. I hardened my shell and my music suffered because of that. If you look at my last project ‘Champion Settings’ – ‘ROWT’ was the only song I was singing on. With this album, I forced myself to be more vulnerable, honest and ultimately sing more.
As you’ve grown up and now have been in the scene for a while, has it given you the confidence to go out the comfort zone more?
100%. The response from the album, has reassured me that my best music comes from vulnerability. It’s given me the confidence to be more honest and try new things.
What made you choose the name ‘Landed’ for the album?
Originally It started off as a slogan ‘Landed & Expanded’, but it’s a metaphor, for growth and maturity. Whilst making the album, I watched a film called Flight, by Denzel Washington. He’s a pilot under the influence, of drugs and alcohol. He manages to land a plane that’s out of control, but has to answer for being under the influence. Pilots have the huge responsibility of taking passengers to and from their destinations and the passengers expect no excuses. It occurred to me that I’m also a pilot to my friends, family and supporters. They expect me to take off and expect me to land. After watching the film I decided the album should be called ‘Landed’.
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How was the feedback back since the release? Has it given a new level of motivation for the future?
The feedback has been amazing. Nothing better than people relating to what you’ve been through. I saw a DJ Khaled interview the other day and he said “I don’t know why musicians take breaks and stop when opportunities never stop.” Brought me a lot of clarity with this album. Keep working and you will be rewarded.
Is there a tour incoming after this release?
Million percent!! DSAW.
Do you have any goals for the future? or is it a case of taking it step by step.
Pretty much taking it step by step. I’m trying to appreciate my journey as in the past I always looked beyond my blessings. I know my next step is to do ‘EXPANDED’, (a deluxe of LANDED) then it’s onto the next album. I’m an album artist and should have embraced this mindset ages ago.
Birmingham is place you hold close to your heart, is there any artists we should be looking out for in the future?
There’s plenty of talent. Pheleba, a singer-songwriter who is the only feature on the album. She’s amazing and is one to look out for. ‘Trill Troy’, he’s from Wolverhampton but is definitely one to watch. Apart from the usuals like Jaykae, Tempa, Hecki, Scorpz & Choppa, who all have new music en route, I want to introduce you guys to ‘Jordvn Emmanuel’, an excellent rapper also from Birmingham. I call him the rappers, rapper. Definitely one to watch. Last but not least ‘Infamous Dimez’, a singer, rapper & producer. He produced ‘Explore Page’ and added background vocals to the track; one of the best musicians I’ve come across.
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Make sure to check out Dapz On The Map’s new album ‘Landed’.
Words: Joe Hale // @Joesquestions
