Get 2 Know: DYLI

Born and raised in California, RnB/Pop princess DYLI is steadily leaving an imprint with her melodic and blended sounds. Musicality was destined to be the avenue DYLI went down due to her early introductions to differing genres by her parents who own a bar in North California. From writing as an outlet to creating with her sister, DYLI went on to release her first Spotify single at just 13 years old and has released two albums since. Championed by American industry elites, DYLI is a name to watch.

Rae: What attracted you to follow a musical pursuit?

DYLI: I’ve always been a huge fan of music because my parents have always been huge music fans. I grew up around so many different styles of music, I think I really started writing in 2014 after my Grandpa passed away and I wanted to write a song for him. I was 11 years old at the time and that’s what really pushed me into writing, which is crazy because I think overall, writing is my biggest passion when it comes to music. My parents had some friends in the industry, I was just supposed to have a writing session with some people and it turned into a whole studio session and my love for it just continued to grow. It was like my spiritual awakening to music (laughs).

Rae: Who are your musical influences and who would we find on your playlist?

DYLI: I love this question because I don’t really ever have a straight answer... My go-to is mostly RnB. I love HER, I love SZA, I love Jhene Aiko but I listen to everything. I grew up listening to old school Hip Hop and Reggae, on my playlist you’ll find Reggae, Pop, RnB, even things like Etta James. I love Jazz and Classical music, I kinda like to take bits and pieces from every genre to inspire me and help me create my art.

Rae: You released your first single on Spotify at 13 years and have gone on to record two albums, if you hadn’t invested your time in music, what do you think you would be doing now?

DYLI: Honestly I have no clue, I try and ask myself that a lot, but there’s nothing that really calls to me like that, not even to sound cliché. I just don’t find anything else that I want to put my time into or spend the rest of my life doing

Rae: With the lockdown restrictions and current climate, do you feel like your creativity has been impacted?

DYLI: Yea it definitely has, I mean it’s crazy what this whole year so far has brought. At first, my outlook on it was like.. dang this is crazy, but as time goes on I find myself more inspired to create, especially in times of need like this. These things that are happening are super important, especially with the movement. I find myself enabled to create, writing is like my diary in a way, so it feels good to be able to create something to help other people … I know music helps me get through tough times and crazy situations so it makes me want to create more.

Rae: Who would you like to see yourself with collaborate with and why?

DYLI: There are so many people I’d love to work with. Post Malone is honestly someone who I’d work with, he is a legendary artist, his skill set is ridiculous and he’s just amazing. I’d love to work with Daniel Caesar as well, he’s one of my favourite artists who I listen to all the time. I love his writing, his writing style is so unique.

Rae: Describe your music in three words

DYLI: I would say smooth, a vibe, and passionate.

Rae: What can we expect to see from you next?

DYLI: I’ve been doing a lot of writing and communicating with my producers, so we’re gonna get a couple of singles coming out here as soon as we can, shows are on hold under the circumstances, but yea I got some singles and music videos coming

Check out her recent track 'Backseat' below: