The last time we met you performed at a concert at Freedom’s Ark. What has touring around to other events been like?
Dire Pitan: Oh wow, I don’t know about touring, as we are still honing our craft. Nothing has changed much in the sense that I still have butterflies in my stomach each time I’m about to go on stage. I can’t help it whether it’s in front of 10 or 200 people. Although the feeling you get from connecting to people when either the lyrics of your song or something you said triggers an emotion, is priceless.
When did you learn how to play the guitar?
Dire: I picked up the guitar in May 2013 after a friend offered to dispose of his old guitar. But became even more engrossed with it when my mum passed in July 2013, as I used it as a medium of relief during that season.
What or who are your musical influences?
Dire: I would be lying if I said there was one person in particular that influenced me. I believe life is foremost my primary influence, although Aṣa played a pivotal role in boosting my confidence when I consider my style of writing.
This is a tough one but think about it – what is your favourite song and why?
Dire: You are so correct, that is a difficult one. To mention a few; Bethel Music – Draw Near ft Jeremy Riddle, Aṣa – Iba, Anthony Hamilton – Pass me over, Ray Charles – Georgia on my mind, Siji – Morenike, Nina Simone – Feeling Good, the list is endless. You will notice a common theme with all my favourite songs, “Content of lyrics.” I know it sounds odd, but I try to imagine or feel the emotion that spurred the song writer. I’m usually intrigued by the story behind a song.
Now I wish I was born in the 40’s so that I could grow up in my twenties experiencing 60’s music which I think is great. Is there any paticular decade that does it musically for you?
Dire: This is odd right, but the honest truth is I didn’t listen to a lot of music growing up. In fact I was the one kid in my family who could not be bothered with memorizing the lyrics of any song. My love for music only grew in the fall of 2000, early 2001 when a family friend of mine bought me an album called “Shout to the Lord 2000” by Hillsong Australia. Let’s just say from then on I got hooked.
You have a studio session booked. You can invite 3 musicians/singers to your jamming session. Who do you bring? (Mine would be Nina simone, Roberta Flack and Stevie Wonder if you were wondering)
Dire: Jeremy Riddle, Anthony Hamilton, Ray Charles
If you had it all to do again what instrument would you learn to play and why?
This is connected to the last question I asked but a lot more random but give it serious thought-if you could be a musical instrument what would you be and why AND who would you have play you?
Dire: Piano – simply because of its elegance and its ability to carry the depth of a song if played properly. I would like to be played by Robert Glasper.
You get an opportunity to feature on an artist’s track- whose track is it and why?
Dire: Geoffrey Oryema – Makambo (the song resonates a painful experience that could only be expressed musically)
I absolutely adore movie soundtracks. One of my favourites is the soundtrack for the movie The Man from U.N.C.L.E. What is your favourite movie soundtrack and if you got to do a song for a movie what movie would it be and why? (The movie doesn’t have to exist)
Favourite movie soundtrack: Dreamgirls – Stepping into the bad side & Fake Your Way to the Top
Movie Song – There is no movie I can think of but I would like to do a song for a movie that focuses on uniting Africa as a whole.
Dire Pitan is working on releasing his first ever EP thanks to hard work and a truly great team. On his kickstarter page he explains further
Thankfully, we are nearing the tail end of this project and the most exciting bit is that we all get to share that moment together. We are not just going to talk about it, but also sing about God’s endearing love for us.
You guys are going to be the one to make this project awesome with your help and support to reach our funding goal.
With the budget, we will be able to complete the mixing, mastering, cover artwork, pressing physical copies, PR and other essentials.
A huge thanks to you all!
Want to be part of the team?! Show your support by watching Dire Pitan’s kickstarter video and backing it here! Thank you!
