#IMMusicMonday: Sidiq
For those who haven’t heard your music before please introduce yourself.
My name is Sidiq, i’m a music artist from South East London. I sing, write and produce music. My core sound is r&b fused with all types of music from soul/pop/afrobeat/hip-hop.
How long have you been making music and where does your inspiration come from?
I’ve been making music for the past 10 years. My musical inspiration comes from 90’s early 00’s r&b/hip-hop/soul, old school/new school afrobeats, 90’s/00’s pop, 60/70s soul music and Gospel music. I love artists like Michael Jackson, Brandy, Beyonce, Usher, Whitney Houston, Justin Timberlake, Boyz 2 Men, Mariah Carey… list goes on. From a personal point, I draw inspiration from my life and others, also films and TV Shows.
How do you think also being a producer influences your work as an artist?
Producing influences my work as an artist as it gives me a deeper understanding about music. Being able to sing sometimes you want to show off you vocal abilities, but having a producer mindset, allows me to appreciate and understand that my voice is part of the instrumental, so it has to compliment the bass, the snare, the hi-hats ect to create whichever vibe i am going for. Producing my music gives me an over view about the song in its entirety.
As a songwriter do you find it easier to write about others or from your own perspective and why?
I used to find it really hard to write about personal matters so it was more easier to write about made up scenarios or others experiences. This was because i used to fear exposing myself through music. That was a mad disconnect within myself and my art. But as i’ve grown in music i’m now finding it much easier to write about personal matters because i’m appreciating my story so much more and i believe it’s important to tell my story through my art.
What unique quality would you say you bring to the music scene with your work?
I bring me to my work and that is unique. There is only one of us in the world. Thats my unique quality and offering to the scene. All that I do has probably been done before and it has come from somewhere as i’ve been inspired by so many things and always open my self to be inspired. I just take what I get and birth something new that comes from me deep within. A lot of my songs are based on self love, positivity, upliftment and encouragement, in the world were majority of songs are sexualised i guess that could be seen as unique…. I do like singing sexual chocolate music too though lol
What is separated really about?
Separated was written about a friend who was going through a much needed break up. I had advised him that his relationship was toxic and wasn’t doing him any good. He finally realised it and broke it up. As soon as he broke up with her, his life started to take a turn for the good. I realised that i too and others around me were going through the same thing but not in a boyfriend girlfriend setting. I also realised that we all as humans go through the same issues of wanting to leave someone or something that no longer serves the new and improved us. Once we leave we always elevate to new heights – we get upgraded. I started to hear people talk about similar scenarios of wanting to leave someone or something behind to better themselves. So i decided to write Separated as a celebration for the new and improved us fleeing from things that no longer serves that i.e bad relationships or bad habits. Separating form things usually is seen as a negative, but I have decided to turn it into a positive.
If there is one thing you want people to take away from listening to the song what would that be?
What I want people to take away from Separated the song is that breaking up from someone or something doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. Everything in life is a lesson, and if we learn from the lessons, we grow… thats always a good thing.
You decide to do an all star UK remix of separated, which three artists would you pick to be on the track and why?
OOO GREAT QUESTION!
What are your thoughts on UK R&B right now?
I think UK R&B is getting back to the days when we had Craig David, Lemar, Jamelia, Misteeq, Ms Dynamite and Shola Ama just to name a few, charting and waving the flag for the genre in the UK and doing it so so well. There is a growing hunger within a lot of UK r&b artists wanting to be heard just like the MC’s and Rappers are and i’m loving it. With the success of Ella Mai and rising stars of acts like Tiana Major9, Hamzaa, Mahalia, Jvck James and so much more… this is an exciting time for the scene and I’m excited to be a part of it. There are more DJ’s and social media influencers opening up platforms for us to all shine and it’s a beautiful thing. Now i feel we need to support one another and make sure that we work hard to contribute the best we possibly can, great music and art to the world.
Is there currently an EP/Album of any kind in the works?
I am low-key working on an EP that will be released in 2020. 2019 is my 8EEN Era. This era is derived from the number 8, which signifies new beginnings and resurrection. Having changed my name from’Fola’ to ‘Sidiq’ late last year, I wanted to just use 2019 to express myself musically without committing myself to a project. So I will be dropping a lot of songs, remixes, covers all connected to my journey and tastes as an artist. Also growing my fan base.
What’s next for Sidiq?
More music showcasing my versatility as a singer, songwriter and music producer. More visuals in the form of photos, more live showcases. An EP that will be released in 2020. I am also currently working with platinum selling UK Dance/House act Phats and Small. I have written, sung and co produced some songs on their up and coming album as well as 2 soundtracks to a children’s movie entitled ‘Strike’ which will be released in Cinemas around the UK and Europe in May – Exciting times.
Any final shoutouts or plugs?
I would like to shout out all the people who listen to my music and help promote it – God Bless You All!