INTERVIEW: Enrico Delves | Soul-D-Out (UK) Live!

Short. Sharp. Facts!

Name: Enrico Delves
Birthplace: East London
Repping: London Town
Musical Debut: Singing since aged 10. Realised at 16, that this is my desired career.
Awards/Accomplishments:

• Western Union MOBO 'Unsigned' Winner, 2008
• Supporting artist for US artists Joe and Jagged Edge
• Worked with UK artists Shola Ama, Eska and Shaun Escoffery to name a few
  

Q&A

The extremely talented, yet modest UK Singer/Songwriter that is Enrico Delves has performed alongside international artists across the globe, as well as for Tom Cruise and John Travolta. Winner of Best Unsigned Artist at the 2008 MOBO’s, Delves is fast becoming a major force in the music world and is currently promoting his new EP. ONiT! had a quick catch up with him, prior to his performance at Soul-D-Out (UK) Live tonight, Friday 4 June.

How did you get involved with performing at Soul-D-Out (UK) Live?
I was in contact with one of the organisers for the event. When I was asked to perform, I was very interested because I had heard loads of positive comments about the Soul-D-Out Live showcase.



How would you describe your style as a performance artist?
POP/Electro/Acoustic



How did you first get into singing/songwriting?
At the age of 10, I found Michael Jackson's instrumental of his song, 'Man in the Mirror'. My Mum had the single at home and I would listen to the recording nearly every day, mimicing his voice, singing over the instrumental. My Mum overheard me a few weeks later and gave me some boasting words. That gave me the confidence to sing to my friends at primary school and their support pushed me to continue. The rest is history!



What has been your personal favourite gig so far?
Erm, that is a hard one to answer because I have had so many good experiences. I have 3 top gigs that I enjoyed performing; 'Remedy' showcase, Jazz cafe's 'Soul Jam' event and hopefully 'Soul-D-Out' [laughs].



Any nightmare gigs that you can share with us?
Yes! I have had many of those [laughs]. There was this performance at the International Black Film Awards in Birmingham. I was quite nervous because the cast from Eastenders were sitting at the front. My PA CD was severely scratched, so I had to start again, twice! Then it decided to jump to the next song and my voice cracked. I was sweating with embarrassment [laughs hard].



How did it feel to win your MOBO 'Best Unsigned' award?
I still can't believe it happened. It was overwhelming. All I can do is praise God for his blessings.



What has been your most inspiring moment?
My most inspiring moments have been when I am at shows, watching other up and coming artists that blow me away. I have a passion for music, so when I am touched by a composition, voice, performance, etc, I am inspired in a huge way.



What do you particularly enjoy about performing in London and/or the UK in general?
I just think people are open to all musical styles. As long as it is good, you capture the support of the audience. Also, I sing with a British accent, so it isn't really distracting to UK music supporters.



If you could work with any other recording artist(s), dead or alive, who would you choose?
I would work with a collective of artists; Michael Jackson, Rahsaan Patterson, Taio Cruz, Simply Red, Gnarls Barkley, Aaliyah and Otis Redding.



What can the audience expect from you at a performance?
They can expect to hear quality songs with ear grabbing melodies and a strong visual performance, that can only be described as Enrico Delves in action!

What performances and projects do you have coming up?
I am currently working on the campaign for my official debut single which is set for release later this year.

Also, I will be supporting for N-Dubz, Chipmunk and Ms Dynamite during July 2010.

Anything else you'd like to share with us?
Yes, check out my latest EP, whch you can download for free here :)

Further info:
www.twitter.com/enricodelves
www.youtube.com/eme10d1c
www.myspace.com/iamenrico
www.facebook.com_enricodelves

You can see Enrico Delves live, TONIGHT (Friday 4 June), at Soul-D-Out (UK) Live!

For dinner reservations, please contact Cottons, in advance, on: 020 7833 3332/ http://www.cottons-restaurant.co.uk/. A two or three course meal will guarantee your entrance fee to the Soul-D-Out (UK) Live! show is frozen at the mere price of £8.

Doors open at 6pm
Show commences at 9:00pm sharp
After party until 2:30am with music from RAMPAGE (BBC1Xtra)

Entry
£10 before 11pm/£12 after on door
Tickets available with your meal, if booked in advance, at the discounted fee of £8


Venue
Rhum Jungle
Cotton's Caribbean Restaurant
70, Exmouth Market
London EC1R 4QP

Nearest Tubes
Angel (Northern Line) / Farringdon (Hammersmith & City or Circle Line)

Listen to the Soul-D-Out Radio Show with D'Nyce on BANG Radio 103.6fm / http://www.bangradio.fm/ at 19:00 BST every Thursday for the very best in Soul music.

Soul-D-Out (UK) Live! where the soulful reside