DeLon is an ever evolving musical sensation in the US and across Asia. He is one of the first Sri Lankan artists to place on the U.S. Billboard charts, and won “Best Rap Performance” at the Derana Music Video Awards in Sri Lanka.
Today, he unveiled his first single “Middle Earth,” from his second EP “Awake,” giving the Electronic Music and Rap communities something they’ll both appreciate.
He writes and produces all of his own music across multiple genres including rap, acoustic, pop, and electronic music. DeLon strives to create powerful songs that consider social responsibility, while ripping the mic and having fun.
“Middle Earth” is the lead single from his upcoming EP – which is scheduled to debut this fall. The song features valuable lyrical content about topics like reincarnation and self-reflection.
Learn more about DeLon in the following All Access interview with him:
Thank you for your time for this interview! What’s a typical day look like for you lately?
Everyday is different for me right now, but typically I’ll go over my business ventures in the morning. I’m a partial-owner of LXR Coconut Water, so I’ll meet with my partner and discuss business items. I’m also a partner at a real estate company, so I’ll go over cycles, meet with clients and catch up. Then I head to the studio to work on new music. With the new EP coming out soon, I spend a considerable amount of hours in the studio everyday. Once I’m done there, I like to go to the gym and spend time with my girl.
What’s it mean to you to be the first musician of Sri Lankan descent to be featured on the Billboard Charts?
This is an interesting question because it’s a big deal – I made history and I’m extremely proud to represent Sri Lanka, but at the same time I was only #22, so does that even count? Don’t get me wrong, it’s an awesome feat and I’m so happy that I’ve been able to show my heritage love, but the competitor in me says, “That’s great, next time let’s be #1.”
Tell me how you are creating meaningful songs? What are the important issues that you talk about in your music?
I’ve been doing a lot of self-reflection and staying away from suppressive people, drugs and the rest of the vices that get you down. I’ve been writing music based on what’s going on in my life. It helps me work out issues I’m dealing with or have struggled with in the past. Songs are the most meaningful when they come from the heart or if they help someone get through something, so if I can do that with my music then I feel like I’ve made a difference. I used to be so caught up in all the Hollywood bullshit, I was so stuck in it, but I got out. My new music is all about soul searching, about life and what you go through. Most importantly, it’s about being yourself and not worrying about what other people think.
What was the inspiration for your single “Middle Earth”?
I’ve been spending a lot of time meditating and reflecting on my own experiences and what I’ve been able to unfold about life. I’ve come to the realization that you’re in charge of your own destiny, whatever it may be, so you need to own your actions. All of us came from a very powerful place and where we are now may not be as powerful, but if we take responsibility then we can gain that power back. That’s what the song is about – taking control of your destiny and living your best life right now.
What artists today are inspiring you and your music?
I’ve been listening to a lot of experimental music lately – I like weird, crazy, really out there beats. Manufactured Superstars’ song “Like Satellites” is a great one. I think we’re in an era where good music prevails and it inspires me when I’m making my own music. I’ll listen to Pandora and Shazam for the songs I like. Right now I’m really into Lupe Fiasco, Ronald Jenkees, Dark0, and then Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift just because they’re awesome.
Growing up, did you always want to be a performer? If you weren’t an artist today, what else could you see yourself doing?
Growing up, I never thought I was really allowed to think about whether music was a viable source of livelihood. I honestly never thought I would do this for the rest of my life, but now I can’t imagine not doing music. If I wasn’t an artist, I’m not sure what I’d be – maybe a painter or an actor. I’d want to do something that takes great skills, something that requires a lot of energy. That’s what I love about music. You have to be there emotionally, physically and mentally – you have to always be focused and the energy you get from the crowd, there’s nothing else like it.
How do you think being from Sri Lanka has influenced you and your music?
It’s given me a starting ground, like a lift-off point – that’s probably the most important thing. And it’s helped me continue creating music. If I was feeling discouraged, the amount of encouragement I received from my people was incredible. It made me feel like I was good enough to be an artist in America one day. My Sri Lankan core fan base is incredible and it’s so gratifying to make music that represented them.
So far, what’s been a favorite experience of yours?
Every time I perform, it’s an incredible experience, obviously. I love it. I love when the crowd’s so into it, the energy is insane. The other thing I like is when you’re in the middle of creating a new song and it’s starting to turn out awesome. When you first start hearing how it’s going to turn out, you can hear the hook in your head and imagine people listening to it. That’s a moment you can’t recreate – it’s brilliant.
Who would you love to work in the future?
Eminem, Will. i. am, Leona Lewis, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. I want to do a rap with Ed Sheeran while he’s harmonizing and doing vocals. I think it would be awesome. He seems like a really fun guy, he’s such a character and he’s so fucking talented. He’ll be successful for another decade at least because he speaks from the heart and his songs reflect that.
For more information on DeLon:
Download Single: https://itunes.apple.com/album/middle-earth-single/id1018284953?ls=1. Website: http://delon2025.com/ Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeLon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/delonmusic Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeLonMusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCZmjyUYbe8bxejsnNZu0w http://music.allaccess.com