'5 Questions With': DEJA
"I’m actually so proud to say I’m making music with a vibe I’ve not heard before, which I’m so excited about."
With her signature soul-baring vocals, Birmingham born DEJA unveils her latest single ‘Control’. The track is her most recent offering in the lead up to her debut EP, and it’s fair to say we’re feeling the energy. Allow yourself to be transfixed by DEJA’s vocal ability, whilst simultaneously being unable to keep your hips still as they float over a bed of tribal percussion - a signature blend of stylish execution and infectious, soulful charm. Speaking on the track, DEJA explains:
“Corey K and I were discussing an alternate reality where women were and always had been the ones in power. For me, a recurring topic of conversation is the power of a woman; emotional, sexual, physical. Corey lay down a beat and these lyrics came to mind.“
‘Control’ is the second instalment from her upcoming EP ‘INTRO’, following charming single ‘ted talk’. Inspired by soul icons Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child, Aaliyah and Usher, DEJA began her musical journey at the tender age of 14. Now in her early 20s, her distinctive brand of Pop infused RnB has garnered the attention of The Jacksons, Emeli Sandé, Macklemore, Etta Bond and Ady Suleiman. ‘INTRO’ is set to be the fiery introduction to the exponential potential DEJA has to offer, and we at EQUATE are here for the ride. We caught up with DEJA with a quick, yet insightful Q&A, discussing women in the music industry, influences and plans for her future.
Read the feature below…
Words and interview by Elle Watson
D: Who wasn’t? I’m really lucky. I’ve been surrounded by great music from a young age. My dads vinyl and CD collection (all of which he still has today!) is, like me, eclectic. My parents listened to a lots of soul, jazz, soft rock, female vocalists. In my tender young years, whatever my older sister listened to would obviously become my fave! - Randy Crawford, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey. Getting older and listening to music on my own terms though, indie legends like The Strokes, Paramore, Jamie Woon, Coldplay were on repeat. But without a doubt, noughties R&B/Hiphop is what raised me. Destiny’s Child, Nelly, J-Lo, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, 50 Cent, PCD, Kelis, Drake, Diddy, Eve, Usher and the rest. This time and sound is what made me want to do music, hands down.
EQ: You’ve been on the scene since you were 14, how has your style or attitude towards music progressed over the years?
D: I started my music journey in my early teens. Back then I was mostly writing and featuring on house records and the odd movie soundtrack. I loved what I was doing but I wanted to get away from features and find my own sound. I was in and out of sessions for years trying to find ‘that DEJA sound’ when I finally heard Corey K’s production. I’ve been obsessed since. I’m actually so proud to say I’m making music with a vibe I’ve not heard before which I’m so excited about. And my attitude towards music? Again, I think I’m quite lucky cos I’ve still got the same wide-eyed love for my music career as I did back in my teens.
Instagram: @_dejaofficial
“I truly believe the Female is superior and that in history, the world had had the hierarchy all messed up. Hence we have to take back our ‘Control’ “
- DEJA
EQ: What was the creative process for ‘Control’? Did it differ from others.. or do you have a fool-proof method?
D: Definitely no fool-proof method. It differs with every project but with this particular track, Corey K (producer and co-writer) lay down a little boppy beat and we bounced back and forth with lyrics and melodies until we had a full track we liked. That day we were chatting about feminine power; how I truly believe the Female is superior and that in history, the world had had the hierarchy all messed up. Hence we have to take back our “Control”.
EQ: … And lyrically it toys with a reverse reality.. What is your experience being a young woman in the industry, or life in general?
D: As a woman in the industry, I’ve experienced everything a woman would. Overlooking, exploitation etc. You know how it goes. But let’s not focus on that negative space. I’ve managed to surround myself with a team of mostly boss ladies. With this I always feel safe, appreciated and understood <3
EQ: Finally DEJA, what are your dreams for the future? What does 2021 have in store for you?
D: In January I’ll be releasing my EP - so excited! 2021 will generally be release and tour prep heavy. Anyone who knows me knows LIVE is where my heart is. Tour is the dream and releasing good music is how we get there!
Stream ‘Control’ HERE
Keep up with DEJA on socials
Instagram: @_dejaofficial
Twitter: @_dejaoffocial