Ahead of GRAMMY Awards, Rocky Dawuni reflects on musical inspiration and creative process
Photo courtesy of AQUARIAN Records. Photo credit: Life In Lens.
Daily Reggae caught up with Rocky Dawuni to learn more about the creation of his Grammy-nominated song, “Neva Bow Down” featuring Blvk H3ro, the artist’s inspiration process when creating new music, and balance writing new music and performing.
Rocky, congrats on the GRAMMY nomination for “Neva Bow Down”! How did you and Blvk H3Ro come together in the creation of the song? What makes this a special song for you?
Thank you so much. I had originally written "Neva Bow Down" and producer Bob Riddim did the production. I had fully completed the song but after awhile I felt like song would benefit from a collaborative feature. I had originally approached a few musicians in Ghana, but it kept dawning on me that this was a song that had the potential to tell a bigger story by combining forces with the African Diaspora. I had also been aware of Blvk H3ro from the the great work he had been putting out and Bob Riddim had also already worked with him. So it finally clicked that he could be the right artist to engage for this song. This happened when we were both in Los Angeles at the same time so we hit the studio and the magic happened!!
"Neva Bow Down" is special for me because it is a song that seeks to define and confront the challenges of our times. We are at a cross roads of humanity where Artificial Intelligence and irresponsible use of technology are dangerously transforming society in unprecedented ways. The song is to heighten people's awareness to see through what is going on and to take a stand for their human rights.
How do you get inspired to create new music?
I get inspired by life and my interactions with the natural world. Nature provides me with an ever flowing source of inspiration. I also draw deep inspiration from my traditional culture as well as from African teachings.
Does music or lyrics come first and what is your recording process?
The music and melody come first and then pieces of the lyrics begin to form themselves. I am usually the architect that pulls it all together into a wholistic form although sometimes I do work with others like on this song but usually I am the producer as well. My preferred instrument of composition is the acoustic guitar where I first write most of my songs.
How do you find balance between making new music and performing live shows?
I think that live shows and writing compliment and inspire each other. Connecting with audiences allows me to also feel a broader sense of the energy that is eventually distilled into the songs that I write. But my comfort zone is the stage where I get to truly experience the songs with my audience.
What is your advice to up-and-coming artists?
My advice for up and coming artists is to have a deep sense of their musical mission and to strive to use their mouth piece for a meaningful purpose. I also encourage them to focus on songwriting and to push the boundaries of whatever sound is their preference.
