GET 2 KNOW: NADEEM DIN-GABISI

Artist name:

Nadeem Din-Gabisi

Location:

Bedford/London/Croydon (The Thameslink!)

How would you describe your sound?

The songs in my head. A quiet/loud internal conversation.

To be more specific, my sound isn't 'mine' per say, it is an accumulation of all that has inspired and moved me musically and otherwise – channeled through my experiences and the body I currently find myself in. 

Could you tell us a bit about when and how you got started?

The clearest start musically is probably the Steam Down nights that took place at Buster Mantis in Deptford in 2018. 

However I feel I've only recently started writing songs and being confident in that. Prior to that – it was a combination of poetry and raps that became songs. I feel I'm a lot more intentional now with writing, with songs. So it keeps ending, it keeps starting.

First artist that inspired you: 

2Pac – because he was the first artist who looked like me, who I heard, who was emotionally vulnerable and politically aware. 

What are some tracks from the past year that you find yourself returning to?

A.P.I.D.T.A. - Jay Electronica.

 The one tune you’ve got on repeat right now is…?

‘Doris’ by Leon Bridges & Khruangbin.

I was waiting for a bus in Croydon, going back to my mums and it was raining lightly and I decided to listen to something I'd not heard and I just kept on repeating the song, so touching, subtle, simple and moving. Really deft touches.

Given the times we’re currently in, what keeps you inspired and motivated? 

My children (twin boys!).

My partner. 

The natural world which makes things make a lot of sense.

Making an impact… small, medium, large…

Speaking to people and realising despite the fractures, we're more whole than we think we are.

One piece of advice you’d give to budding musicians / creatives: 

I would say develop a unique creative voice. One that cannot be easily imitated or copied – an expression that inspires beyond consumption. An expression that stands the test of time… however long time is…

Any new projects you’re currently working on that we can look forward to this year? 

There is a song I recently recorded called 'Wear' with Tara Cunningham, Chiminyo and MTMBO that I'm really excited about people hearing, so look out for that…

My album POOL is coming out on the 17th June, so put that date in your diary!

Lastly, where can we catch you performing live:

I've got a headline show at Omera – 16th June in London!