Artists now have the freedom to take to the cyberspace 'airwaves' in record numbers, vying for our attention.
Published: Tue 29 Sep 2015, 12:00 AM
Last updated: Tue 29 Sep 2015, 10:34 AM
WITHOUT THE INTERNET the music industry would possess a far different landscape. Right up until the '90s whether musicians made or not often depended on the say of one record executive. Artists now have the freedom to take to the cyberspace 'airwaves' in record numbers, vying for our attention. The more notoriety they receive online, the more likely they are to make it big. It is becoming an increasingly democratic process.
No incident illustrates this better than when singer Demi Grace appeared on our radar over Twitter. Thousands of miles away in New York, we in the UAE would never have heard her output if it weren't for the social media platform.
Here we talk to Demi about her music, including latest release Poke It Out, signing for management agency UNK New York and life as an artist.
What can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Abidemi Grace. I am a singer, songwriter, dancer and model. I was born in London, England and grew up in California. I also lived in Atlanta briefly and am currently based in New York City with my sisters. I first got into music when I was between 10 and 12 years old. Even though I wasn't recording music at that age, I started writing songs and poetry. I started recording music when I was 17 with a family friend and a few local producers she knew.
How would you describe your sound?
Right now, it is an overtone of electro-pop with afrobeat/dancehall roots. My inspirations include Grace Jones, Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix. I do generally pull inspiration from songs that I like and they could be songs from none of the artists I just listed but those are my core group of artists that I really admire. I also pull inspiration from the world around me. I pull inspiration from the hustle of New York City.
What can you tell us about your latest song Poke It Out?
I wanted to write a song that people can listen to without having to think too hard but if they really listened they can hear the message. Poke It Out is for the girl working on or finding her confidence after a failed or multiple failed relationships. It's for the girl who needs to stop looking at what she thinks she lost and look at what's in front of her, waiting for her. People can access my music via my website www.DemiGrace.com.
Is the music industry everything you hoped it would be? How did your tie-up with UNK New York come up?
I feel comfortable, I feel like I am free to learn what being myself actually means. The most fun aspect is creating in every sense of the word, not just recording and performing. The least fun aspect is networking or self promotion. I'm a very personal person and I like any person I connect with to be a genuine, fruitful and long lasting relationship.
My tie up with UNK New York came up very spontaneously. I met the CEO at an event in the meatpacking district of NYC and he spotted me out of the group of eight girls I was with. The rest is history. It has helped because I no longer have to wear ten different hats and can focus on my art.
How do you find the industry respects female artists?
I honestly believe that it's not about being a female or a male, rich or poor, fat or skinny. I believe that when you have a unique brand, you will find the most success. When you've figured out exactly who you are, you will reach the height of your career.
What advice do you have for other artists trying to follow in your footsteps?
I would say be yourself. All art eventually finds its own audience.
Have you ever been to the Middle East?
I have not, unfortunately. I have heard great and glamorous things about Dubai; mainly stories from my mother. I would love to visit and would especially love to perform in Dubai.
How would you describe your look?
My style is, as I tell my best friend, half boy-half girl. I like to wear baggy pants sometimes with a more feminine sexy top or vice versa, sometimes I will wear male sized shirts with female sized shorts. I also love colourful print. The more, the merrier.
The only tip I have to looking good is being healthy from the inside out and being confident. Confidence makes anything look good.
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