'5 Questions With': Denis Coleman
"It would have been nice to be able to get some guidance, but at the same time, there was an element of excitement that came with figuring things out on my own."
Photo Credit: Edward Cooke @edwardcooke
Denis Coleman is paving his own way in the industry and making genuine waves, but for this 17-year-old pop star on the rise, music is just “a part of his life”. The New Jersey-born, London-based musician has collaborated with a flurry of top producers, but it’s his new track ‘Tangerine’ that sees Denis hone in and take full force on his artistry by writing and co-producing the track, in important distinction in a world where pop artists rarely have full creative control and produce their own music. The result? An effortlessly cool, catchy pop song that stands out in its own lane.
Speaking on the track, Denis explains; “’Tangerine’ is about the truth that comes out in the night. After a certain hour, all the facades we build to hide our insecurities, our fears, our desires crumble down leaving nothing but our genuine self, beautiful in its simplicity. Tangerine describes being able to tell that someone is fighting their own demons and wanting to help but realising that you still have to be patient. If you bite too soon, they might lash out. But like the tangerine which appears to be an ordinary fruit with a rough skin at first, getting know them is worth it because behind the barriers they put up, they are a genuinely sweet person.
Read the full interview below…
Words & Interview by Danielle Temeng
EQ: Hi Denis, welcome to EQUATE! Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you developed your love of music?
DC: Thank you so much for having me! I’m 17 years old, live in London and I sing, write and produce my own music. Music has always been a part of my life. When I was a kid, I used to listen to classical pieces and golden age hip hop during car rides in New Jersey (where I grew up). When I was six I started playing the violin and I wrote my first piece of music when I was seven. Gradually my interest in classical music morphed into a love of pop, its creativity, transience and societal impact. In the years since discovering this passion, I’ve been developing my craft and identity as an artist.
EQ: Did you grow up in a musical household and what would you say is the soundtrack of your life thus far? Has there been one song that’s really resonated with you?
DC: Despite being surrounded by music and people who appreciated it, neither of my parents could actually play any instruments at all! It would have been nice to be able to get some guidance from them, but at the same time, there was an element of excitement that came with figuring things out on my own. The soundtrack of my life is definitely the song “my future” by Billie Eilish, as I’m quite an optimistic, driven person. Right now, I’m really relating to “virtual reality” by Renforshort, as I’ve just about had enough of living through a screen and can’t wait for real life to come back into focus.
“…I’ve just about had enough of living through a screen and can’t wait for real life to come back into focus.”
EQ: Your new single ‘Tangerine’ is out now, congratulations! What was the creative process like with you as you not only wrote, performed it but were part of the production process too?
DC: Thank you so much! Making Tangerine was an incredibly organic process. I did indeed write, record and co-produce this track and what that essentially means is that this track is very personal. The pop music industry often blurs the line between art and artist, and this song is the most genuinely ‘me’ song I’ve ever written. I always hope that people can relate and appreciate what I write and sometimes making it as personal as possible is the best way to achieve this - somewhat paradoxically.
EQ: The meaning behind your single is complex and intriguing, it discusses the cautiousness taken when dealing with a loved one and breaking down rough barriers to reveal the sweetness underneath. It’s a very vulnerable track, do you ever struggle to release your art or is there some you definitely keep to yourself?
DC: Thanks, I’m glad you find it intriguing! There really is a huge range in the vulnerability of the art I create, as my writing process is incredibly varied. While every song I write gets filtered through my own perspective, my inspiration comes not only from personal experience but also stories my friends tell me and even books, films and philosophers. I’m confident in releasing most of the songs I fully produce and record as long as they meet the standard I set for myself. However, there are definitely a few voice memos hiding in my phone that no one has heard - or ever will hear - except me.
EQ: What’s next for you as life reopens - will we be seeing you at any live performances (when possible)?
DC: Yes, lots! In just a few days I will be performing as a special guest for HRVY in a globally streamed event at Royal Albert Hall (25th April). I’ll also be joining him on his in-person tour of the UK and Europe in October. In addition, I’ll be touring later this year headlining shows across the UK as soon as it is safe to do so. I can’t wait to reconnect in person with all of my fans and supporters as soon as possible!
YouTube/Denis Coleman
Stream ‘Tangerine’ HERE
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