Looking for a soul-infused lesson in love? Take a page from Dayo Bello’s memoir.
At Majestic Journal, our “Fresh Sounds” feature aims to showcase not just the latest tracks from our favorite up-and-coming artists, but the messages behind the music. In our latest offering, we focus on one of London’s new “sons of soul,” Dayo Bello, and his debut EP “360.”
South London is the creative epicentre of the UK’s growing soul scene, with Sampha and Tom Misch being just two examples of the genre’s local flagship artists. Dayo Bello, a 20 year old singer-songwriter, is a new talent surfacing in this music capital, having shared the same music school microphones as King Krule, Adele, and Amy Winehouse in his teenage years. Following Dayo’s 2017 breakthrough video “Mine” and celebrating the release of his independent EP “360” this week, we explore our favorite tracks from Dayo’s 6-track project and unravel the visuals and message behind his first reel “Mine.”
360 //
‘360’, the EP’s title track, is a balladic memoir, Dayo’s hymn-like and choral soundscape the backdrop to a message of thanks and reassurance; communicating the value of a supportive partner in one’s life. With the track’s opening piano sequence reminiscent of Hozier’s ‘Work Song’, Dayo’s wave of sound builds into the full ‘360’ big band experience; the mix of vocal harmonies, crashing cymbals, guitar licks, and soaring high notes a cinematic and indelible introduction to Dayo’s work.
“We met in college - something like golden years; you stole my heart and one became two”
Something to You //
“Something to You” explores the barriers in a new and guarded relationship to trust – an outstretched hand of support to those who have lost their way in love. While a common theme in old school soul, the track’s stripped back piano and Tom Misch-esque guitar outro brings a new twist. Dayo’s simple, pensive and sentimental lyrics also serve as a recurring and irresistible feature of “360”’s narrative.
“You’ve only just got accustomed to nights on your own - you don’t feel ready, but why won’t you let me break down these walls?
”
Mine //
“Mine” is “360’s” swansong, exploring the lethargy of a mind trapped in lost love. Navigating a London nightscape, the video opens to an ex-lover doused in a warm yellow light, joining a despondent Dayo in a blue hue apartment. Between a disused record player and the flicker of TV static, the imagery chosen to describe this inescapable headspace is poignant: The scaffolded exterior of Tom Williams’ House (the setting of the final exchange) and lyric “held captive in stone” suggest that longing for what could have been, at times, is the only thing that keeps us from falling apart.
“And you don’t even know, you’re like my wildest dream - held captive in stone - held captive in stone: wishing you were mine
”
Still from Dayo Bello's "Mine"
Still from Dayo Bello's "Mine"
Still from Dayo Bello's "Mine"
Dayo’s debut EP “360” is out now.
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Written by Alex Farrow-Hamblen
Edited by Jaclyn Siu