London creative Demae talks falling in love, being starstruck, and her dream festival lineup after releasing her latest single, 'Speechless.'

With innate curiosity and a deep-rooted passion for exploration, venturing into the music scene was never going to be a challenge for Demae, the Harlesden-hailing musician ready to take on the industry yet again with the release of her latest single, ‘Speechless.’ Accompanied by beautifully filmed visuals shot along a coast covered in beach grass, the stage sets a whimsical journey through Demae’s deep sonic palette. It is just another example of how she looks to break out of the norm and experiment with an intrinsic authenticity.

 

Adding a light-hearted humour to her songwriting, Demae’s personality is reflected so naturally through her work. ‘Speechless’ shines a light on that stomach-turning feeling when you realise you’ve fallen hard for someone. With a mix of lively vocals and melodic instrumentation, she hopes that listeners go through the motions, experiencing the track’s daydream-like qualities, transporting you directly to that feeling of falling deeply in love.

 

Themes of compassion and self-discovery resonate throughout Demae’s music and she weaves them in effortlessly to her new single. Sophisticated jazz arrangements and introspective lyricism are threaded throughout, cultivating a unique sound we’re all quickly growing to know and love so dearly.

 

Influenced by personal experiences, Demae’s music is written to and from the soul. Touching on early pandemic insights and heartfelt lyrics, the esteemed musician poses a unique connection to the music she creates, something she hopes her listeners find, urging them to seek a profound adoration for someone and to fall in love all the same.

 

Here, Demae talks her musical firsts: from early infatuations with the Jungle Book soundtrack to supporting BADBADNOTGOOD.

First time you fell in love with music?
This is a tough question because I feel like there have been so many moments that have contributed to my love for music, but the moment I remember most is when I purchased Little Dragon’s Machine Dreams album on CD and when the synths for the first song ‘A Qew’ came on, it absolutely blew me away. It sounded otherworldly.
First song you were infatuated with?

Really random but ‘My Own Home’ on the Jungle Book soundtrack. There were certain films I’d watch religiously as a child but there was always something about this song that got me in my feels, and to this day it does too.

First gig you ever played?

In 2013 as Hawk House playing Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen opening for BADBADNOTGOOD.
First time you worked with someone who you admired?

Fortunately for me, everyone I’ve ever worked with has been someone I’ve always admired. Eun was one of those producers. I’ll always cherish the time we spent working on my first EP, Life Works Out…Usually together.

First person you’d recruit if you had a band?

Justin Brown, one of my favourite drummers! He’s a drummer for Thundercat and many others, but if you don’t know, don’t sleep.

First time you felt starstruck?

To be honest I try my best not to feel this way. We are all human.

First thing on your rider?

Olu Olu Plantain chips.

First track you play when handed the aux?

Right now, Kendrick Lamar – ‘Not Like Us’.

First artist you’d add to your dream festival line up?

Sa-Ra.

First purchase after a major music cheque?

A yard! Or some land.

Listen to 'Speechless' now: