Interview with Don-e


Q: How did you start to get into music? What was the Don-e like before he had that famous contract with a major label?

Don-e: Music been in my family for years, my dad plays my mother sang, so it was destiny I guess! Life was cool before the record deal, I think that kept me grounded.

Q: You were signed to 4'th & B'way at a very young age (21 y.o. I guess). How did it feel to get so much attention, being hyped as "the next big thing" back then and to have the opportunity to release a debut album which was self-written/produced/played?

Don-e: It was a crazy time! Like goin to a massive music university! A roller coaster ride, a lot of pressure but i enjoyed it.

Q: What did you learn from your time with a major label? Would you like to be signed to a major again?

Don-e: I wouldn't turn my nose up if they came with the right situation, i.e. artistic control, I think thats important.

Q: I guess Atomic Dred Productions is your own company. How long does it exist and what is your objective? Will you also sign other musicians?

Don-e: Yeah! Its been around for a lil while now! Got a few artists on there, at the moment rapper, singers n stuff. Hopefully you'll hear more stuff next year.

Q: You've also produced/wrote songs for artists like Nu Colours, Deni Hines, Shaun Escoffery, Mica Paris, Beverley Knight, Lynden David Hall, or Rahsaan Patterson. What do you like about the job as producer? And what did you learn from the artists you produced?

Don-e: I love producing, it allows me to go with the music I've never been before or stuff I wouldn't do on my tracks it's cool! Each artist brings something different to the tabel, I just try and bring the gravy that suits their style.

Q: Why did we have to wait such a long time for your third album? What does Try This mean to you and what's different from its predecessors? Where do you see your progress as musician?

Don-e: Well, I've been doing quite a bit of writing, i.e. Sugarbabes' Kiesha White, Outlandish, Liberty X, Grace Jones! So that's kept me busy and away from the public, so to speak. I've also been developing my producer skills, recordin tracks has changed from the early nineties. It's all digital now. So hopefully this new album showcases this. I like it. I wanted to make this album be more about my vocals.

Q: No Reason is a song you've wrote and recorded with Omar. Please tell me something about this track...how you met, the recording session etc.

Don-e: Omar has been a mate for years, so it was just a matter of time before we hooked up! The session was great, been a long time coming.

Q: Please tell me more about the message of the Dropped Recordz interlude.

Don-e: Dropped is basically having fun with the idea of being dropped from your label. It happens to the best of them.

Q: What can we expect from you in the future? Hopefully not another long hiatus :-)

Don-e: I got more tricks up my sleeves, I just need an audience to play them to. I got a new album in the workin as well, hopefully I'll do more live dates and stuff...so you'll be hearing from me real soon, I won't leave it so long, no.

For more infos visit domerecords.co.uk, don-emusic.co.uk, download the video Slow here and read my review of Try This.