Deja Solo is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. Although he only just debuted as a solo artist in 2020, he has quickly produced a formidable catalog. Over the course of multiple singles, an EP and an album he has carved out a unique stylistic niche somewhere between Rock, Hip-hop and Pop. That kind of versatility is not surprising with a list or influences that includes artists as varied as; Chester Bennington, Eminem, Tupac Shakur and Jimi Hendrix.
“Wicked Bogus, Kid” is Deja Solo’s most recent single, released December 18, 2020 to all major streaming services.With it’s New Wave vibe and Indie Rock heart the song is an excellent example of Solo’s ability to use musical genres as ingredients in the mix. The song’s ringing, chorused guitar brings to mind smart 80’s bands like the Fixx or Icicle Works. Then a Lo-Fi Indie Rock beat and ethereal vocal harmonies brings us back to the present, and to the future.
We had the chance to catch up with Deja Solo for a little virtual back and forth. He turned out to be as smart and insightful as his music. Check out the song and the conversation below. You can also hear “Wicked Bogus, Kid” on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. Follow the links at the end of the article to connect with the artist.
7 Questions With Deja Solo
The Static Dive: Where are you from?
Deja Solo: New England! Specifically New Hampshire. The only claim we have to fame here is Adam Sandler; I’m hoping to change that
SD: How long have you been making music?
DS: For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to make music. I’m 24 now, so a little over 13 years. I remember when I was 11 years old I put on a garage sale and sold all my Star Wars VHS tapes so I could buy my first microphone. I had a thrash metal band called “Black Plague”. Our first and only show was in front of our moms; and it was awesome
SD: Who are the musicians involved in your project?
DS: Most of my instrumentals are all free for profit beats I find looking through YouTube! This instrumental specifically was made by an extremely talented producer that I’ve worked with on a couple songs; they go by the name “wetgropes”. But all Deja Solo songs, with the exception of a the making of the actual beat, is written and produced right in my bedroom studio
SD: Who are your biggest musical influences?
DS: Oh boy, where to start! As a kid I fell deeply in love with Rock n Roll through the likes of Jim Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz and Linkin Park. As I got a little older though I would steal my brothers Sony Walkman and listen to all his hip hop albums while he was at work .
Artists like Tribe Called Quest, Tupac, 50 cent and Eminem HEAVILY influence me still to this day. As an adult I’d say the artists that have impacted me with the most longevity would be Justin Vernon (most notable from his Bon Iver project) and Kid Cudi. Both have discographies that not only changed my life, but changed my perspective on music altogether. Honorable mentions: Schoolboy Q, Kendrick, Mac Miller
SD: What are your biggest non musical influences?
DS: I am a massive fan of the poet Charles Bukowski. A lot of my work is actually filled with samples of different audio clips and interviews he did in the past. Most notably I used his interview with a French media outlet in my song “Bukowski’s” interlude. Just an extremely raw an honest poet who speaks on the reality of a mans depravity and his navigation through heartbreak. Another notable influence, is philosopher Alan Watts. Extremely brilliant and radically provocative speaker. if you listen closely in the background of Wicked Bogus Kid and you can hear a clip from one of his lectures
SD: What inspired you to create this project?
DS: I’m always writing, man. All the time. And I love it! It’s the fire to my soul. But as an artist, we can have days where no matter how much of a superhero we are, no matter how amazed we can make others, we just feel a missing piece. And I think anyone who has a calling to greatness can relate to this, that in pursuit of our own greatness, we fall short of allowing ourselves to truly be loved. So this song is about that feeling; feeling like an angel without his wings, trying to find his way through this crazy world
SD: What are your plans for the future?
Deja Solo: I wanna take it all the way man. We’re talking about selling out Madison Square Garden and calling up Jay Z just cause it’s a Tuesday and I can. I’m extremely proud of where I’m at already but I know I have so much more to go. And I’m attempting to redefine what it means to be an artist. People ask me all the time, “what’s your genre?” And I tell them “Expression”. I may make a rap song, a rock song, or a country song; who knows?! I do my best every time I’m in the studio to do one thing and one thing only, and that’s to share my heart with honesty.
And as a black man, I have a huge heart to be a good role model for these young black kids, any kids really growing up in this wild world. For me growing up, showing emotions was always made out to be a weakness; especially as a man. So I’m hoping one day soon I can be an icon for these kids, for anyone, to look to and say “Hey! It’s okay for me to be emotional. It’s okay for me to struggle with mental health. And you know what? I can be just like him.” So my plan for the future? For Deja Solo to change the world.
Connect with Deja Solo:
Deja Solo on the Deep Indie Dive playlist
