Who is Dashius Clay?
Ice Breakers
1. So what’s it going to be – a Brazilian or a red head Sicilian? I’m definitely going to go with a Red Head Sicilian this time around. I need a little attitude in my life.
2. At the Dade County Fair, you’re most likely to ________ (the first thing that comes to mind) Not ride much, have a beautiful woman along side, win the biggest stufed animal for $1 and hope to not get sick of all the different food.
3.Your favorite Colombian Dish would be Women
Q&A
1. Who is Dashius Clay? Give us some background information on yourself as a person, artists and how you started rapping.
It got serious over a year ago when I signed onto my management deal. They put me to work and I never looked back. My whole life I have been a musician and singer so it was really second nature to me to continue. All my family in Colombia is either an artist or musician as well, so aside from it being in my blood its what I have always done best. I love making people smile so it doesnt get any better. I mean, isnt it the cool thing to do? Ha!
2. How do you describe your music?
I describe it as just being FREE MINDED and keeping my ear and head open to sounds and ideas. I love to blend different genres whether its the way its written, mixed, or the sound of it. I just get an instant feeling that basically tells me where the direction im gonna go in is. For the most part everything for me is real dance-electronic. I love the music coming out of UK right now to the point that Im considering the move. Aside from the vibe just being so energetic, I really love the way it comes from such a good place. None of the records are really about “Me, Me, Me”. In the states I tend to follow so much Hip-Hop that it can somewhat get to me at points. I want to really create and inspire to the fullest.
3. Track #3 - Coldher off of Blue Dream is about being in love with the “one” (unless I’m mistaken). Was this about someone in particular? Tell us some more about that.
Actually it was. Every time you have to go in depth like that it comes easiest pulling from life experiences. So many people have that ONE that no matter what situation your in, you cant help but think about them. When I heard that record it hit me like a train and I couldnt help but write that. It such a poetic feeling to it, that I wanted it as basic as possible. I knew one day I would probably recite it, so why not make it in that perspective. The ending is my favorite part because it wasnt really meant to be a hook, I was going to just lay it as is, but then all day i kept repeating it and went back for the changes.
4. Is that you on the hook with the Barry Manolo/Shaft voice going on in Track #4- No Chaser on Blue Dream? This track seems reminiscent of that 80′s laid back Funk. Did you draw inspiration from that era?
Yea that is all me. Its funny you say that because thats exactly what it basically was. Justincredible is a huge Isaac Hayes fan so when I started thinking of the hook I caught a quick vibe of him and how he would sing over a record like this. 90% of the album is so 80′s sample based that it was real natural to constantly be in that mind set. I have a real cool gift to be able to morph my voice into different octaves so I went with it. I am one of those old school addicts, so for me to get the full experience through speaker and it sounding like that blew me away. I really have the best job on earth.
5. What’s your favorite track off of Blue Dream?
I love this question because every last person has told me left and right what their favorite song is, but not too many have asked me what mine is. I always want to avoid it because I start panicking. I have probably said a different one every time asked because I cant get my hands around which exact one is my top top favorite. If it was do or die, I would more than likely say “Sweater”. The way Justincredible put that together and layed out the perfect pattern for it was almost magical for me cause it was exactly how I wanted it in my head, then when we finished it, I remember feeling complete with the whole project. I must of played it back to back 100 times once it was mixed. I have big plans for a beautiful visual for that. I just have to find the timing to do it.
6. How did the collaboration with JustIncredible come to be for Blue Dream?
Justincredible is actually a long time friend from Junior High that was always known for creating the “craziest sampled beats”. Everyone who wanted custom beats or just needed to go to someone with equipment used to go straight to him since then. Aside from me, he probably has one of the deepest affections for music ever since I’ve known him. He is actually one of my main mentors early on when I started producing. I been bugging him for years to do a whole mixtape but timing was just never right and we would get unisnpired quick. In December we were both in a room listening to some of his new shit and after about the 4th one I had a basic concept in my head and persuaded him to get it started.
7. Tells us your process for creating a song. Do you go off of an instrumental you’re really feeling or does the rhyme come to mind first then you find production to match it?
Creating a song is so weird every time around. At least for me, I can never think of a formula or certain pattern that I love to abide by. I’m such a rebel to guidelines that my music is definitely significant of that. I like to keep on course but the production of music can be so beautiful in all genres its always the most difficult thing to let some go. I always find the music because each song and sound tells its own story. If your going to narrate over it, you need to bring the right voice and character. Of course there are always ideas that get brought in from when Im just going through the day, but for the most part its all in the music.
8. Who’s been your favorite artist to work with so far?
I’m pretty sure all around is more producers i can think of than artists. A lot of artists have different schedules and live in different regions, so I dont always get to vibe with everyone but I sure make it a point to meet with as many producers as possible. Sarcazm and Shaul are 2 of the dopest and funniest people I have ever met. Theyre attention and passion for what they do is so intense its a secure feeling they give. You know that not only are they going to provide you with whatever sound your asking for, but they will always go to the hells with you on it. I dont respect people who just throw music around and forget about it. To me that is very irresponsible and disrespectful. I really want to work with more UK artists at the moment, they seem to enjoy life a bit more.
9. Do you have any new projects coming up?
Every day is a new project for us. That I can talk about, Im gearing up to do a follow up with Justincredible on a more upscale uptempo vibe and then I am dreaming of completing Worlds Most Interesting Man Volume 2 by April. We have a handful of videos that are either in editing and/or being shot soon so that is the main upcoming point for us alongside all the new remixes.
10. Where can we hear more of your music?
You can hear all of my music basically everywhere there is music played, but the quickest way to get what you want go to WWW.DASHIUSCLAY.COM or download my new APP in the Android and Apple Market Store.
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