Daecolm

We sat down with Zimbabwean-born R&B songwriter and producer Daecolm who recently returned with the video to his sensual single ‘Hot Topic’.

Daecolm first started music at the age of 14 with strong support from his father who helped him secure his first radio play on Choice FM. Over the next few years, Daecolm secured a number one single inNew Zealand and developed his confidence working with esteemed figures such as James Fauntleroy, Elijah Blake, and Pricilla Renae. In 2016 he signed his first publishing deal with Sony ATV, securing three placements on Chris Brown’s album ‘Heartbreak On A Full Moon’. Proving to be a catalyst for his songwriting career he has since gone on to work with Ella Mai, Jacques, Mario, Mabel, AJ Tracey, MO, and more.

Having refined and matured his pen in the background over the years, 2021 now marks the beginning of Daecolm stepping to the forefront as an artist in his own right. We had to find out if he could star in a TV show, what it would be and why.

NEO: Where did your artist name come from?

DAECOLM: So it is actually my name. My parents actually made up my name. My mum saw a movie in Zimbabwe (both my parents are from there) and they heard the name ‘Day-gon’ and my dad always liked the name ‘Malcolm’ so they just blended the names together.

NEO: How would you describe your music journey?

DAECOLM: Like a rollercoaster. There are so many ups and downs and i would be lying if i said there were not many points that i wanted to give up but because of the passion i have for music i never did. My love for making music, writing and producing has really pulled me through and i really try to stay focused as much as possible

NEO: Do you have any up and coming projects you are working on?

DAECOLM:I recently released my single ‘Hot topic’ and the video so i have been promoting that heavily and i am trying to release the next single within 4-5 months but you know anything can happen. I am however trying to be consistent with releasing good quality. For me it is definitely quality over quantity

NEO: Explain your last single/EP/Album using three words

DAECOLM: Real, Not-filtered, and Pure

I know those three words can fit under one umbrella but this song is just really that. It has been the most organic song i have made and released. It is a real life story and I feel is very relatable to everyone.

NEO: What is your favourite album of all time, no skips?

DAECOLM: This is hard. Damn. I would have to say ‘8701’ was a good album for me by ‘Usher’. Also FutureSex/LoveSounds by ‘Justn Timberlake’, i think i probably played that a few time back to front front to back

NEO: If you could star in a TV show, what would it be and why?

DAECOLM:Damn i never really thought about that. It may have to be ‘The David Letterman Show’ . I would love to do that style of show. One day when I have these big accolades and achieved a crazy amount I would love to sit down with him and let him pick my brain. He really has a way of asking really interesting question and speaking with his guests

NEO: What would you like to achieve before your next birthday?

DAECOLM: Freedom out of this lockdown lol! But forreal though I want to be able to look at myself and say ‘i'm a consistent’ person and not just make music but promote myself and put myself at the forefront. Being a songwriter you tend to be in the background quite a bit and it is hard to bring yourself forward and put yourself first sometimes because now it is about you. I am really trying to come out of my shell and promote my music and show people who I am.

NEO: What is one thing that you are deeply proud of in your life?

DAECOLM:(Points to plaque) Chris Brown- heartbreak on a full moon. I got to do 3 songs on the album. I co-produced 2 of them and wrote 3.

NEO: If a millionaire decides to fund all your expenses on a one week trip to anywhere, where would you go and what would you do?

DAECOLM: You know what I have not been to Bali yet. Everytime i am on the Gram I see someone there. I am like ‘Yo i need to be in Bali, it looks sick!’

I would go out there for a week and just chill in a hammock, sipping a Pina Colada or something like that. Something relaxing for me would be great and if there is any money left over then you know you can just put it in man’s bank account lol

NEO: What are your passions outside of music?

DAECOLM: I used to play basketball a lot. I haven’t been able to play for a while to be honest my life is so centred around music even just helping people with music is a passion of mine. I love seeing the Youth creating and taking an interest in music. Recently I have been doing some Instagram Live’s and doing cash prize giveaways which I feel like it could help a 14/15 year upcoming artist get a little bit closer to funding their studio time or shooting that music video for their next release. Things like that make me happy and I thoroughly enjoy that. I feel like it is money well spent to me. I really love helping the Youth come up in the right way in music!

NEO: Let us know where to find you on social media

DAECOLM:@daecolm