I won’t compare myself to any artiste — Dice Ailes

Dice Ailes

Damilola Alesh aka Dice Ailes is an up- and-coming artiste signed to Chocolate City. He talks about his fascination with music.

What is the meaning of Dice Ailes?

Dice means that I’m unpredictable and there are many sides to me. Ailes was made out of my last name Alesh.

How long have you been doing music and how did you get started?

I have composed music for at least a decade. I started when I was about eight years old. I wrote music with my uncles.

Is your family supportive of your career?

I am of Nigerian-Ghanaian descent. My family have been kind to me and my career. They have nothing against what I do.

What is your genre of music called?

I make a fusion of Hip-Hop, Rhythm and Blues, Pop and Afro-Centric sounds. I am passionate about those genres.

Who was your first influence in music?

My first influence in music was Hip Hop. So, I was influenced by Styles P, Jadakiss, and The Game who are strong names in Hip Hop.

When you were coming up, which artiste/s did you listen to for inspiration?

I listened to many artistes including The Game &Jadakiss. But I am a really big fan of Wande Coal and I believe that his music has inspired the type of artiste I want to be.

If you could compare yourself to an already established artiste, who would that be and why?

I wouldn’t compare myself to any artiste. I think everybody has their individual style and what makes them unique, I just try to be the best me that I can be.

What do you think your listeners will get out of your music?

My songs are very musical and lyrical. I think listeners appreciate the fact that I can appeal to any mood and feeling they express at every point in time.

Who do you consider to be the most influential and successful artiste in your genre today and why?

MI is a very influential artiste. He has done a lot to redefine Hip-Hop in Nigeria.

Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats or for the lyrical flow and content?

My music is enjoyed for all its components; the beats, the lyrics and themes.

Do you make your own beats and write your lyrics?

I write my own lyrics. I have an amazing team in Chocolate City and also in Canada that ensure I get the best technical support for my music. This makes it easy for me to work with different producers.

Have you literally ditched education for music?

I am currently a third year student at York University, Toronto where I am studying Health and Society. In a year ,I would be done with school . I can then focus fully on music. I could always go back to being a doctor later in the future.

How many singles have you released and when are you planning an album?

I have a couple of songs out but just one out under Chocolate City called Fantasy. I am currently in the studio working on putting out an album in the near future.

What in your opinion is the biggest barrier an artiste like yourself has to overcome, to gain any commercial success?

I think the biggest barrier I could face to get to where I want to be in this industry would be being accepted by people and earning their respect. I believe when I accomplish this, I can take the people on a musical journey and give them so memorable moments which would in turn interpret to commercial success for me.