DJ Dris recently returned with another track, dropping ‘Eternal Flame’ to highlight his Afro House beats and genre-blending innovation.
Featuring the soulful vocals of Roxa Damas, the track displayed DJ Dris’ signature sound, bringing groovy rhythms whilst seamlessly blending shuffled percussion and soft keys. Having been leading a busy 2024, consistently releasing tracks for listeners to dive deeper into his funky sonic world, DJ Dris indicates promise, cementing himself as one to watch.
In this behind-the-scenes interview, DJ Dris takes us through the journey of creating ‘Eternal Flame,’ from the initial concept to the final production. We delve into his creative process and the unique elements that Roxa Damas brought to the track. So, join us as we uncover the story behind this release and get a glimpse of what the future holds for DJ Dris.
Hi DJ Dris, how’s it going? Congratulations on the release of ‘Eternal Flame.’ What has the response from listeners been like so far?
Hi, thank you. It’s been very positive. People love the feel, and a lot of listeners are saying it has grown on them.
What was the initial concept or idea behind ‘Eternal Flame’ and how did it evolve during the production process?
I started with the thought of making a track that would be an anthem for everyone from all walks of life. One for people to be able to shake a leg to at all ages and demographics.
Can you talk us through your decision to collaborate with Roxa Damas again for this track? What unique qualities do you think her vocals bring to ‘Eternal Flame’?
I work with Roxa quite closely in all things music; she oversees most administrative things for me so I can focus on music at all times. For this track, she was beside me typing away on her laptop while I made the instrumental, and at one point I asked her if she could think of a melody to vocal over it. She quickly understood the message I wanted to convey, so we came up with a catchy hook which fits perfectly with the softness and brightness of her vocals.
How did you layer the instrumental arrangement to complement Roxa Damas’ soulful vocals?
I layered her vocals around the track itself, ensuring that I kept her vocals adapting through the track. I’m a big fan of the late Fela Kuti, and he always used to give space in a track for the drum patterns to shine alone with some instruments to allow people to dance. That really helped when I was trimming the vocals to fit that bridge section.
Can you walk us through the process of recording the vocals for this track? How did you work with Roxa Damas to capture the right emotion and tone?
This was the third track we had worked on together, and I understood her tone of voice and how to get the best out of her vocals. She has a voice that I liken to old-school garage singers, so it was really about being cute and delivering on each note with some not-so-generic wordplay. So, I knew that we needed to make sure the syllable count wasn’t high and the lyrics were relatable.
When reflecting on the production of this track, can you share some of the highlights and any challenges you faced during your time in the studio?
During my production process, I tend to be very critical of myself, and with that, I know that if I dance to a track, then it’s good. So, when it came to ‘Eternal Flame,’ let’s just say we were dancing for a very long time. Haha.
In terms of challenges, we didn’t agree on the lyrics straight away. However, I always have a vision of what I expect to hear on a track. So, when we finished writing it, I knew it was what I wanted, and Roxa quickly warmed up to it while she was singing.
With influences from multiple genres, how do you ensure your sound remains distinct and original in each new release?
I honestly just do what I feel. I listen to a lot of my own music, trying to implement what I like from previous productions and always building on that. I don’t follow trends because they work; I really just follow my vision and my feelings and believe it will be received well.
How does your workflow differ between each of your tracks? Do you find that your process alters for each creation?
I think as time has gone on, I really experiment with different synth sounds or drum sounds whilst keeping a recognisable structure of my own. The true difference is my emotional state when creating the track and the lyrics placed upon it. I always think to myself, “Will I dance or have a feeling invoked in me when I listen to this track?”
The rhythmic beats and shuffled rhythms are a key part of the track’s energy. Can you share any techniques you used to achieve this dynamic rhythm?
I truly believe there is no right answer to rhythm, and that’s the key. With ‘Eternal Flame,’ I started with the chords and the drum pattern I played freehand without quantising, which is why it had an interesting shuffle. For certain parts of the song, I remove the shaker patterns and various elements to create different feelings.
Finally, can you give us a glimpse into what the future holds for DJ Dris?
31st July, Mystic Man ft Hempress Kango. I can’t wait, and many more to come.
As we wrap up our conversation with DJ Dris, his commitment to sustaining his artistic evolution remains clear. Having remained consistent when it comes to exploring his sound and honing his abilities, DJ Dris keeps building on his creativity to establish his vision and bring fresh music to listeners. So, with future projects still on the horizon, make sure to follow DJ Dris across social media to keep informed on his next releases, as his commitment towards his craft and passion for music ensures that we will be hearing much more from him in the future.
Listen and Buy ‘Eternal Flame’ now here.
