Interview: Chatting with DejaVilla About “Gravy,” Turkish Soap Operas, and Their Upcoming Album
By: Randall Radic
Tags: Music, Dejavilla, Interview, Gravy, New Music

DejaVilla

Moments ago, DejaVilla released their latest single, “Gravy,” featuring Runkus, via Ultra Music.

The two halves of DejaVilla are David Marston and Sarah Couch. The twosome hail from Kingston, Jamaica, although David now lives in the U.K. After hooking up as DejaVilla in 2017, they dropped their debut single, “Suit a Rebel,” followed by “Feel Me Running Away” and “Ochi to Mobay,” featured on their self-titled debut EP, on Ultra Music.

DejaVilla’s contagious sound merges elements of dance, reggae, hip-hop, and Afrobeats into captivating sonic confections, blending flavors that, on the surface, wouldn’t seem integrate. Yet they do, resulting in a delicious sound both unique and lacking contemporary equivalence.

Pop Off caught up with DejaVilla to find out more about how they got together, their creative process, and the genesis of “Gravy.”

Hey DejaVilla, thanks for the interview. Can you tell our readers a little about yourselves?

David: Hi — I am David — I am the production arm of DejaVilla. I am Jamaican, but I currently reside in the United Kingdom. Sarah and I met when we were at high school in Kingston, but we only re-connected through music a couple of years ago via a mutual friend.

Sarah: I’m Sarah, singer/songwriter from Kingston, Jamaica. Born and raised! The vocal half of DejaVilla. I’ll go ahead and say, it’s me all the rudeness comes from. The rebel of the two. Lol

There’s a distinct Jamaican influence to your sound. Where do you see yourself fitting in the modern music scene, if at all?

David: To be honest, I have not given too much thought to DejaVilla’s place in the music scene. The goal from the outset of the project was just to make cool music that fused elements of Jamaican music with dance and electronic music.

Sarah: I’m not sure where but I hope we find a place somewhere … our influences are far and wide. David and I find a good way to put it together.

“Gravy” is lovely. Can you share the inspiration behind it?

David: I had made the ‘Gravy’ beat with my friends Ase and Neal, aka MadStarBase, when they came to visit New York sometime in 2019. Musically, at that time, we were inspired by Afrobeats — and in particular, a Ghanaian producer, Juls. We started vibing out on a rough version of the ‘Gravy’ riddim that day in NYC, and I thought Sarah would sound great on the beat. I went to Jamaica later that year and Sarah and I recorded the song together at her house in Kingston.

Sarah: David actually sent me a melody idea for the track chorus and that’s what really inspired the whole thing. I don’t know but maybe because I cook a lot, “gravy” came to mind. But the idea of the song is basically saying “no long talkin’” let’s get to it!

What was the creative process like in terms of linking up with Runkus? Was it intentional?

David: Runkus is a massive talent! Sarah and I have been Runkus fans for a while and we were keen to collaborate with him on this album. We reached out to him to make the collaboration happen and fortunately he was up for it. Soon after, he sent me his vocal parts. I remember being impressed by the intricacy of his vocal recordings.

Sarah: I’ve always been a huge fan of Runkus since his track “my girlfriend” came out. I saw him somewhere and told him about the project. I actually had him in mind for a different song so I sent him both songs and ‘Gravy’ is the one he chose.

With both of you being in separate places, do you see that as a positive or a negative? Why?

David: I think, all things considered, Sarah and I would prefer to be in the same place. We have been able to maintain our creative chemistry despite living in different countries, but I think we work better when we are in the same place and we can build off of each other’s energy and creativity.

Sarah: I think we could accomplish a lot more if we were in the same place, but this is just how it is for now and we have to do the best we can.

DejaVilla

What do you hope your fans/listeners take away with them when they listen to your music?

David: My vision for DejaVilla has always been focused on blending musical styles that wouldn’t automatically be considered compatible. I hope that fans can enjoy a fun and vibrant musical experience by listening to DejaVilla.

Sarah: I hope people can relate to my lyrics and songs. I’ve always listened to music based on my mood and how I can relate to a song depending on what I’m feeling at the time. And what I need from music at the time. I hope people can relate to our music and it makes them feel a sense of validation emotionally.

How has Covid-19 affected your growth, if at all? Any hobbies you’ve picked up?

David: I haven’t started learning to knit or bake sourdough bread, yet, but one thing I have been focusing on is improving my mixing and audio engineering knowledge. I’ve also been making a point to ride my bike more often than I used to.

Sarah: This year has been a year of major growth for me. I feel Covid has really forced me to be with myself, get to know myself and be ok with who that person is.

Which musicians/vocalists, if any, influenced you the most?

David: Musician: Stephen Cat Coore, guitarist of the legendary reggae band Third World. Vocalist: Eva Cassidy.

Sarah: I’d have to say my parents, both of them being musicians and growing up with a recording studio at home. That was the foundation for me. They introduced me to a wide array of music from reggae to rock to jazz and everything in between from when I was a baby. Plenty of legends passed through our studio back in the day like Toots, Gregory Isaacs, Eurythmics. It was all a major influence.

Are there any artists that you are listening to now that we should keep an eye (or ear) on?

David: I’ve enjoyed listening to Liam Bailey’s new album, Ekundayo. His music is remarkably soulful and heavily influenced by reggae. At this moment, another notable artist for me is a Mexican musician called Fer Casillas. And, obviously, you should also keep Runkus and MadStarBase on your radar because they are doing awesome musical work.

Sarah: My playlist is all over the place. I’ve been listening to Mereba, Lucky Daye, Yohan Marley, Mortimer, Jessie Reyez, and Chronixx, of course. Lianne la Havas, Princess Nokia, Quada, and that’s just a few. It’s all about the mood really.

Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?

David: Turkish soap operas.

Sarah: I love trap and dancehall.

Why do you make music?

David: Inherently I feel that I have always gravitated towards music over other art forms. For me, I feel that I can express myself best through music relative to other creative outlets.

Sarah: I don’t know, I’ve been writing songs and melodies from about 8 years old. I think it’s just something that brings me joy. To be able to express myself that way.

Looking to the future, what’s next for DejaVilla?

David: 2020 has been a trip. For 2021, I’m looking forward to releasing all the new DejaVilla tunes on this upcoming album. I hope we can get back to doing some performances and live shows as well.

Sarah: The album. It’s really cool, I think it’s so unique and I’m happy we can give a whole 12-song experience to get immersed in.

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