Dluxx’s music career has been a tale of lessons learned and its proper applications.
Times were so sweet when Dluxx released his debut project, ‘Elevate‘ EP in the early periods of 2021. The singer was fresh off his well acclaimed single ‘Dutty Vibes‘ that had put him in the limelight. At the time, so many people could see the raw talents embedded in the new singer. Since then, Dluxx has continued to catch the eye with his music and showed why he deserves all the hypes he gets.
His sophomore project—also another EP—titled ‘Love In The Trenches‘ has been making waves since its arrival in mid September. Earning him more recognitions in his home state and abroad.
In this piece, our correspondent sits down with the calm Dluxx in a discussion that centers around his musical journey so far and of course his recently released project ‘Love In The Trenches‘.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and background.
A: My name is Onyemechi Peter Iloka. I am from Enugu State. Although, I was born and raised in Lagos. I come from a very humble family. My mom passed away when I was little but my Dad did a good job raising me and my younger sisters. I was not born with a silver spoon, so growing up in the trenches was challenging. I can remember my dad always pushing me to do better and be a better person and to be careful when it comes to making life choices and making friends.
Q: Okay, let’s talk about the early influences you had as regards to music.
A: As a child, I was greatly influenced by 2 Baba, Usher, Wizkid, P-square, and Asa. These are my heroes. You could even perceive this in some of my songs. I see these guys as magicians and respect then a lot. In fact, I still respect their cadence, flow and longevity.
Q: Early influences are important factors to an artist’s career. How have your heroes helped you to shapen your career ?
A: I learned a lot of things from them. They are figures that I don’t joke with. Generally, I learned from them the habit of consistency. It’s something they are all synonymous with. They deliver on each of their releases and that is exactly what is needed in times like this. Also, I have learned to always channel my energy to the right things and focus on the music. Honestly, I have learned a lot of things but these are the most important ones I hold to high standard.
Q: On a scale of 1-10, how much can you say they have been helpful?
A: 9.5 ( Laughs), if not 10.
Q: Wow, Okay. So let’s take a stroll back in time. Tell us how your music career started.
A: My music career started a long time ago. Back in lagos, I had friends in Ajegunle who I started this music journey with. It was not easy at the time, but amidst all the struggles and hustle to be financially buoyant, the one thing that kept me sane during those period was my yearning to be in the studio. I was always willing to put out a song. I don’t know what it was but it felt like an itch. Amazingly, when I eventually get an outlet to let those feelings out, it was usually euphoric. I mean the whole studio feels the energy and even when I play the recordings for some of my acquaintances, the receptions were positive.
[LISTEN] ‘Love in the Trenches’ by Dluxx.
Q: So one could say those studio sessions played an important role to the artist you have become. What lessons did you draw from those golden moments?
A: I came to the conclusion that confidence is key. Not only in music, but in all other areas. If you believe in yourself and you put in the work, people would believe in you too. It’s not rocket science, it’s just a normal phenomenon. Once your confidence is high, there is nothing you cannot achieve.
Q: That’s true though. So when did your career begin professionally?
A: Those studio sessions were a stepping stone really. My confidence grew massively and I knew I was ready to take the leap. I started music professionally in 2020, a little while after I had just move from Lagos to Enugu.
Q: So far, what are the highs and the lows ?
A: I’m being totally honest now, my musical career has been both great and terrible at the same time. My first official single Dutty Vibes has over 200 thousand streams on all platforms. For my first single to rack up such numbers, I was pretty amazed. Thereafter I have released 3 singles and 2 EPs. There were days however when I wanted to quit. Some days where I was tired and angry. But through it all, I kept fighting hard to better myself not just as an artiste but as a person too. Currently, I have been creating a buzz around town, a lot of people know me and I even have people who cannot go a day without listening to my sound. So, I’m convinced that I’m almost there.
A: That said, the challenges too has been overwhelming, but everyone going through the struggle knows there is always a challenge so I’m embracing it. My first real challenge was when I first started out. It was difficult finding a producer who had a sync with me. It was like none of the producers I worked with understood my sound but then I found this guy Krizzpy. A very amazing guy. The best producer out there, I must say (chuckles). Also, another challenge is finance and I know this is an issue many of us face. You really cannot do this music thing if you have no monetary background or sponsors. In my case however I have been so lucky. To add, the lack of collaborations and honesty has not helped at all. I mean egerybody is out to gain and not to work. I’ll just leave it there.
[LISTEN] ‘Love in the Trenches’ by Dluxx.
Q: Let’s talk about your new project ‘Love In The Trenches (LITT)’. When did works begin and share with us the creative direction for the EP.
A: Well, the works on this project started early last year. Actually, I had earlier identified who my target audience was, so it was important that I get it right. I agreed with my team early this year that an EP will suffice. So, the idea surrounding this project was to summarize love from the viewpoint of an ordinary person and in the same vein share my journey not just as a musical artiste but as a person. So when the title for the EP came to me, it was perfect and apt. We thereafter specifically picked the colours Peach and Pink which I agreed with my team that it will best convey the underlying meaning of the EP. You can see that it is reflected on the art.
A: So we picked five songs out of the lots we recorded. We picked songs that best suited the times and trend. We employed Amapiano, Salsa, Afro-Fusion, Dance and Afrobeats. You could see the elements in the songs we picked. So, It was five songs that was set apart to carry the missionary journey. There were songs which didn’t make the cut, they were mad songs too regardless that they were not picked. Some of them might be released independently though. There where no features to the EP, I did that because this is my story to tell and nobody can tell this story better than I would. It is a complete work because we gave it everything.
[READ]Review of ‘Love in the Trenches’ EP by Dluxx.
A: Did I forget to mention that I hosted an outdoor listening experience of over hundreds of people. It is the first of its kind actually. Everybody who controlled the entertainment space in Enugu was invited. Talk about the media, influencers, club owners, student leaders, Oaps. Shout out to my team though, K-legal, Kempes, Tochi, Zuko, Cenny Mighty Krizzpy and Keedy.
Q: Cool stuff. You are not new to creating a body of work, this is your second EP. What did you do different while recording LITT ?
A: Well I think I experimented a bit with LITT. I explored the paths I usually did not find comfortable early on as an artist. In essence, I challenged myself. It is safe to say every song on LITT accurately conveyed how I was feeling at the time of recording them.
Q: With this project available for streaming already, there is definitely a pre determined goal to achieve. Can you share some with us?
A: Okay, just like every artists out there, the aim is to get the music accross. i want this project to breach boundaries, to influence, to start a whole new culture and also to stand the test of time. I believe this EP is solid work. It has to get out there. People need to appreciate this wonderful.
Q: Good. Moving forward what are the next steps you intend to take to grow as an artist?
A: Growth comes from within, so definitely I like to challenge myself more so I can improve. Also, I want to collaborate more and I want to help the young artists out there really putting in the work.
Q: Quickly, tell us some of the artists you would be interested to work with.
A: The list is much honestly. But if I have to pick, I’ll say Blaqbonez, Olamide, Boyllona, Oxlade, Rema, Ayra Starr. The list goes on.
Q: Any message you would like us to relay to your fans out there?
A: For my fans out there, my message for you all is to keep believing in your dreams and never give up. Spread love and joy in everything you do regardless.
Read our review of LITT by Dluxx.
