Q&A with the rhythmic raconteur Doller

We sat down with North London Dancehall dynamo Dollerm, who recently joined forces with East London rapper Sincerely Keane  to serve us a suave single, ‘BAD GYAL’, released on September 30th, 2024 via the Beyond Dis World imprint. Doller has made a significant impact in the UK Dancehall and grime scene with his dynamic sound and engaging performances. His track ‘Skadoosh’ gained recognition through the film Sket, and he has performed internationally, including a tour in Dortmund with Cblock and headlining major events like Hackney Social’s Wynters Wonder List. With notable airplay on BBC Radio 1Xtra and his song ‘This Year’ earning BBC Track of the Week in 2021, Doller is solidifying his influence. Drawing inspiration from his musical family and diverse genres, he has collaborated with artists like Sir Spyro and Tion Wayne, while his label Go Getters and a culinary YouTube series showcase his versatility. His latest work, including the single ‘BAD GYAL’ reflects his wide-ranging influences and appeals to fans of both Dancehall and Hip Hop. Sincerely Keane is an emerging rapper known for his introspective lyrics and unique sound, blending elements of hip-hop with personal storytelling that resonates with a diverse audience.

 

Stream ‘BAD GYAL’ while you read our interview with Doller below.

 

Set the tone for us. Why the arts?

The art is in the DNA, the art is part of our lifestyle, like breathing, honestly. Big up my father Kush Tafari, roots reggae singer, and big up my uncle, Flash Deejay.

 

Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?

Could be either, sometimes a great topic/song concept comes to mind first or sometimes you are presented with an amazing beat.

 

Does your material feature any collaborations? 

This song ‘BAD GYAL’ features Sincerely Keane.

 

What’s on your current playlist?

Silk Boss, Masicka and Friday.

 

Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.

Electric – they call me the most electrifying musician in the entertainment industry.

 

What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?

I play with tones, melodies, syllables. I even try to create witty lyrics that will catch people off guard, I always push myself and try to inspire myself to walk in directions I have not walked in.

 

Take us through a day in the recording studio.

To be really honest I treat recording sessions like a football match, I feel I have to score and assist. I warm up my voice, I make sure I have my water. I make sure I’m in love with every word, phrase and sentence I am going to perform. If a line lacks emotion I’ll redo it until the room feels what I am saying.

 

Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?

Back home in Jamaica at a local stage show, I witnessed a performer by the name of “Granny.” This man had entertainment value on a Michael Jackson level, singing, performing and dancing the whole package. From that day I said I want to shock and excite people in the same way.

 

What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?

I keep water close by while playing a set that is probably the most important thing to me. It’s spiritual as well, so simple but so important, the stillness of the water reminds me to stay at a neutral level while things are moving so quickly and intensely.

 

Any emerging artists on your radar?

Sincerely Keane and Dampah.

 

What gets your creative juices flowing?

Life to be honest, it could be a great film a new album, anything innovative could trigger me.

 

Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.

I just need two iPhones to be honest, one to play the beat and one to record the memo.

 

Any side projects you’re working on?

Nuh, I’m just working on singles that will connect with the people.

 

How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?

I used to do more than one genre, but a lot of people have told me to focus on my Dancehall, so yes.

 

Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?

Great question, you can expect music that’s going to move you this year. I am really focusing on making the people feel good this year, I mean really in their souls.

 

Famous last words?

Ever since I said bigger business the business has been big.

 

Follow Doller:

Facebook – X – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify

 

Follow Sincerely Keane:

Facebook – X – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify