Five Minutes With: Montréal Alternative Hip-Hop Musician Spaceman Dela

From the Canadian melting pot of flavours known as Montréal, independent hip-hop artist Spaceman Dela arises out of the woodwork. Raised in a family of musicians, Spaceman’s keen ear and raw musicality stand out in his works of art. With a strong lyrical core and an off-kilter approach to flows, this MC’s fluid combination of freestyles and writing provides a truly authentic experience for listeners. Fusing ethereal sounds and concepts (space) with deeply-rooted human emotions and experiences (man), Dela bridges a middle world through his music, where souls of all kinds can find what they need. With an emphasis on substantial content matter and pure expression, “Space” has set out to break the mould and bring something fresh to the table with every release.

Spaceman Dela

Name:

Spaceman Dela

Genre:

Hip-Hop / Alternative Hip-Hop / Rap / R&B

Founded:

2020 (current alias)

# of Albums:

2

Latest Album:

Nobody Teaches You To Come Down

Latest Single:

SHiNE

Latest Video: 

Favourite musician growing up:

When I was younger I really loved classic rock like Zeppelin and Rush, Jimi Hendrix too. Then I went through a phase of listening to more emo bands like Paramore and Blink 182. Lil Wayne and Outkast really got me into hip-hop though. When I first heard Andre 3000 I freaked out, I think it really ignited something in me.

Favourite musician now:

That’s hard to say, it really goes in waves. I think Mac Miller will always be one of my favourite musicians, I’m also a huge fan of Kendrick. I’ve been really into Smino and Saba over the past few years too. Honourable mentions go to Anderson .Paak (NxWorries), Hiatus Kaiyote, Dijon Jordan Ward and Dominic Fike.

Guilty pleasure song:

I don’t really think I have one. Maybe Welcome to My Life by Simple Plan? It’s pretty corny but it reminds me of a certain period in my life and hits me in the feels.

Live show ritual:

I wouldn’t say I have a ritual per se, but If time permits I like to be able to do things that calm my nervous system down and wake my body up like breathwork or qigong before I leave the house. Otherwise, I’m usually pretty calm before my shows. I might have a drink or smoke a little joint with my band if they’re performing with me.

Favourite local musician:

Ouf that’s tough. There’s so much talent in our city right now! Shout out to the homies Nyota Parker, KIN, Mosez Jones, Darkus Millon, Shem G, Hardbody Jones and all of the other incredible musicians I’ve had the opportunity to work with. The list could go on and on.

EP or LP?

Depends, I think it’s fair to say that we’re in the era of EPs and find it really dope for artists to be able to create these smaller vibe capsules to showcase different stuff they’ve been working on. But I also love longer, more conceptual bodies of work that tell a story. Everything has its place!

Early bird or night owl?

I’ve been a night owl for most of my adolescence and adult life, but I can say that I’m starting to transition (or mature) into being an early bird. I smoke a lot less than I used to and it’s helped me really appreciate getting up early and getting a good start on my day.

Road or studio?

Studio! I love being in the studio. I love the process of creating, experimenting and collaborating to come up with new and fresh ideas. It really excites me. I also really love performing live, but it can take a toll on the nervous system and body, not to mention drain my social battery and energy at times.

Any shows or albums coming up?

I have a bunch of different collaborations and projects I’ve been working on. There may be an EP coming very soon that people can look out for! Otherwise, I fully encourage people to hop on the bandwagon and take a seat – my best is yet to come!

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | Facebook

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Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Damn, there are so many great spots. There’s this place called Le Pégase that I’ve only been to a couple of times but wow, it’s such a gem. Love me a good Bossa sandwich. Jardin Du Cari is lowkey bussin too.

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

Hmm, I don’t know if there are any streets that I’m really fond of like that. Notre Dame is cool in the Saint Henri area, lots of great food spots. St Denis is cool too for music venues and all kinds of cool shops.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

I think I’d say Lafontaine. I love that you can just get lost in that place and find all kinds of little pockets of people chilling, playing music, reading, etc.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

I might have to give it to Turbo Haus for what my homies that do the Growve jams have been able to set up there. I’d love to perform at MTELUS or Club Soda too, I’ve seen some epic shows there and the sound and lighting seem super on point.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

When it comes to vinyls and just vibes in general, 180g is the SPOT (they have awesome food too). Otherwise, I love to visit Steve’s or Long & McQuade to browse instruments and gear.