At the end of last month, I completed a round up review based around songs with elements of soul-rock. One such track was Underneath Your Mask by powerful musician and vocalist Dread Fury. I really enjoyed the song, and I wanted to find out a little more about Dread Fury – see hoe we got on with our interview below!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new single titled Underneath Your Mask. What can you tell us about the song?
Thank you so much for this interview. I can tell you that Underneath Your Mask is about someone in a relationship being left in limbo by their partner as they are being shunned, and he isn’t sure why. So he’s always second guessing. The great thing about it is that the song serves as just part of a storyline so it is part of something bigger. It will all make sense when the album drops later this year. I originally wrote this song in 2008 and tried recording it a few times but constantly shelving it. But this version now? That’s what I always wanted to create from the very beginning.
How has the reception to Underneath Your Mask been so far, and where can it be purchased?
The reception to Underneath Your Mask has been incredible. I’ve had more reviews than ever, it’s been played on radio, it’s been added to a lot of playlists in a short space of time. It’s really mind-blowing. You can hear it on all online platforms such as Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Music, Amazon, Bandcamp, etc.
Do you have any more singles planned for release soon?
I plan to release about 3 more singles. Then after I release the album, I might release a couple more singles. Plus a good friend of mine has done a remix version to Underneath Your Mask and I can’t wait to share that as well.
Do you have any plans to release an album or EP in the near future?
I have a double album due for release later in the year. It’s a double concept album and it tells a story. And you will hear how Underneath Your Mask fits in to it. I honestly am so excited about it all and really can’t wait for you all to hear it.
You’re a one man band, playing all the instruments within your music. Does that make it harder or easy to create?
Truth be told, I find it easier to create. I have a certain routine when I lay some tracks down for recording so it becomes second nature. The great thing about being a one man band and having your own studio set up is that when you feel inspired to lay something down on record, you can do so in that moment. It can be so easy to get an idea but then lose it because you didn’t record it. Another bonus is that I also can spend more time shaping up the song and make it exactly how I hear it in my head. Every note and groove I record has to be loaded with the right intention to have an impact so I guess that makes me a perfectionist, haha.
Your music has quite a unique sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
Prince is my biggest influence. I’m also influenced by the likes of Jimmy Hendrix, James Brown, Chuck Berry, David Bowie, Lauryn Hill, Public Enemy, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Harper, Blur. I could go on. I’ve been listening to the Black Pumas, Michael Kiwanuka, Curtis Harding. I just love that retro soul sound. Listening to different types of music has really helped me develop some form of eclectism.
You’re from Ilford. What is the local music scene like in your area at the moment?
In Ilford, we have the Redbridge Music Lounge which has been going for over 10 years and they put on a lot of gigs over the course of the year. It’s really great. A few pubs have live music. But apart from that, there isn’t really a music scene there so I often go into the city to get my gigs.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
I have a number of singles lined up and some gigs over the next few months. Plus the album release, of course. It’s shaping to be a huge year.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
No tour but I’m trying to play a lot of gigs this year. Since February, I’ve had a gig a month, but it will get busy. But check out my social media, there’s always an update.
Any last words for the fans?
Enjoy your life. Live for today and take nothing for granted. And thank you so much for supporting my music. I’m eternally grateful.