From being a guitarist and backing vocalist for Florence + The Machine, and performing on some of the biggest world stages, London-based Dionne steps out as an indie-rock soloist, describing the long-time coming new path as “an oxtail in the slow cooker.”
Hailing from Birmingham, it seems dishonoring to call Dionne a rising star, as her musical footprint reaches beyond newcomer musicanship. With years of connecting with audiences and observing how much it takes to plough through the industry, it wasn’t until she realised she could handle it on her own, indeed.
“It’s just been a part of life always,” Dionne reiterates her passion as the youngest of three sibling musicians. Loosening the clasp on her held-in creativity, Dionne opens the vault on vulnerable remarks with her newest discography instalment, “Out Of My Mind.” Reminiscent of Mr. Fingers 1985 “Mystery Of Love,” the single rides the crashing wave of one’s disillusion, capturing the feeling of helplessness. Dionne adamantly encourages: “I know for myself, it’s so important to find the off switch as often as possible.”
Noctis talks to Dionne about becoming a solo artist, the differences and pressures between being part of a band versus touring on your own, and advice from Florence Welch. On February 11th, Dionne will unleash her brilliancy at the Notting Hill Arts Club for an intimate showcase, before opening and supporting Florence + The Machine in Liverpool, Sheffield, London, and Manchester across The Everybody Scream Tour.
Congratulations on the release of your new single, ‘Out Of My Mind’. Could you elaborate on the backstory of what the track symbolises?
Out Of My Mind is spoken quite literally. I feel that the mind is almost like this incredible superpower humans have, but we don’t quite know how to control it yet. It’s more accurate to say that our mind uses us rather than us using it. It’s this incredible tool that we need, but true creativity, joy, love – all these wonderful things – they lie beyond the mind. So I know for myself, it’s so important to find the off switch as often as possible.
What were some specifics in the production you wanted to capture for the track’s overall concept?
When I write and produce, it’s all based around a specific feeling/mood/colour. Often, I won’t know what sound I’m looking for, but we find it by describing how it feels. For instance, I knew that the pre chorus ‘There’s no light, it’s so dark, Stole my heart…’ needed to feel like that moment when you’re on a plane that’s bouncing it’s way through the clouds, and then suddenly you break through the cloud into this glistening kind of stillness that is vast. The lyrics here are still describing this kind of helplessness, but in contrast the music purposefully sounds like hope.
How does it feel releasing your own music after being industry for a while?
I guess it feels like oxtail in the slow cooker. For so many reasons, I’ve held inside a lot of creativity. I think maybe that’s why I love tennis so much. That has been my outlet. It feels incredible to let it all out in the form that feels so authentic to me – music.
How did the decision to start a solo career come about?
Being completely honest, coming to the realisation that I will be able to handle all of the challenges that come with pursuing this path. I’d seen close up how tough it can be and for a long time I felt sure I’d rather not have to face particularly the very strange paradox of selling your art.
What were some non-negotiable things you wanted to put in place since day one?
Assembling a team that understands how I define success and feels the same.
Were you apprehensive about some aspects of being a solo artist?
As mentioned yes, mostly the psychology of it.
How does the preparation for a live show look like as a solo artist vs part of a band?
Very different. In a band, I was playing a role to aid someone else’s vision. As a solo artist, I’m manifesting my own vision so the perspective is quite different. The picture is much wider. I’m thinking about what I’d like the stage to smell like to how we can facilitate the audience feeling very much connected with my band and I on stage, to feel part of the performance rather than just observing.
In what ways do you think you are more equipped for a solo career as someone who’s already toured and performed on some of the biggest world stages?
I feel so grateful for the experience I have because I remember very clearly the arena/stadium debuts with both Florence (Welch) & Laura (Mvula – my sister). What you hear as a performer in an arena is so different to what you hear in a venue like Notting Hill Arts Club (where I’m performing Feb 11th), so having that understanding is invaluable.
How do you think you will feel opening for Florence + The Machine as their former guitarist and backing vocalist?
I already feel so grateful. It’s such an honour – hard to put into words. I think I will feel quite emotional so I’m definitely going to keep the talking very very brief so I don’t burst into tears of joy ha!
Was there any piece of advice you took from Florence Welch that is helping you on your solo journey now?
Florence always said ‘The crowd makes the show’, and that always resonated deeply with me. For me, the show is about everyone in the space and myself experiencing something special together. I feel that this is what makes shows truly spectacular.
What were the first signs of you infatuation with music and performing?
I’m the youngest of 3 sibling musicians. We’ve been performing together since I can remember. Laura, James and I were a string trio, piano trio, we grew up playing music in church and in orchestras. We toured in Laura’s band together for 6 years before I joined Florence + The Machine. It’s just been a part of life always.
Were they any female musicians you particularly looked up to?
Alice Coltrane. Joan Armatrading. Amy Winehouse.
What can you share about the full picture of your debut EP that’s in the pipeline?
Maya Angelou said to ‘Tell the truth’, so this EP is me telling my truth as it looks and feels now; about the world and my part in it.
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Words: Karolina Kramplova