Born In Calgary, Alberta Canada SIDIKI grew up in a household with a deep appreciation of music from various cultures and backgrounds. In his teens he started his musical career playing drums for his elder brothers Blues and Classic Rock cover band. As a drummer he was always drawn to the music of Africa and Latin America. As his musical horizons expanded he ventured into the world of Jazz but continued to lean towards Afro Cuban and Brazilian forms of Jazz. Ultimately his desire to create his own form of music led him to pick up the Guitar, Bass and Keyboard. All of the music and vocals on his solo projects are played by himself. The polyrhythmic sounds of West Africa particularly resonated with him and has heavily influenced his fingerstyle guitar playing and soloing. This coupled with thought provoking song writing creates music which is both aesthetically pleasing and intelligent. SIDIKI now lives in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia where he continues to play and record.
Can you describe your sound in one ramble-on sentence?
SIDIKI is a multi instrumentalist singer songwriter combining folkrock with world music rhythms and beats. With influences that range from Jazz, West African and Latin music SIDIKI strives to create music which is spans a diverse spectrum of genres.
What's your earliest music-related memory growing up?
Growing up I would have to say my first musical memory would have to be of my parents singing. My father played the harmonica and percussion and both my mother and father had beautiful voices. We would have friends over on the weekends where my parents would perform for our family and friends. I still have fond memories of my father singing the Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel.
If you were to cover another band/artist's album, which would you pick and why?
If there were an album I would aspire to cover it would have to be Paul Simons album the Rhythm of the Saints. Paul Simons unique ability to paint a picture with words combined with the rhythmic melodies of Brazil has been one of my favourite albums of all time.
Do you write/compose your own songs? Briefly describe your songwriting process.
My recently released EP NOW... Has been my first solo project. I have written the lyrics, composed and performed all the music myself. This project was the culmination of my desire to create music which was completely my own. I had played drums with a number of bands in the past but felt I wanted to take a more active role in the creative process and produce my own music. I therefore picked up the guitar, bass and keyboard. As a drummer I feel I compose my music from that perspective. I often start with a particular beat. I like to work in odd time signatures and phrase my music in interesting ways. I will often compose a fingerstyle melody line as the primary melody of the song and layering other fingerstyle and lead melodies over that with keyboard or a guitar synth to play my organ sections. When composing a new song I often have an idea in mind of what I want the song to be about and upon recording a rough draft I will then write the lyrics to flow with the music. Performing the primary and back up vocals will be the final part of my recording process before mixing.
Does anything in particular inspire you to write? What get's your creative juices flowing?
I often write songs that have particular significance to me or to remind myself to aspire to certain ideals. I feel the best music results when there is a fusion between different cultures and style. We find common ground in music regardless of the languages we speak. I find that music is a way to bring ourselves closer to each other and I enjoy writing music that attempts to break down the imaginary barriers we surround ourselves with.
What has been a highlight for you in the past year?
I would have to say the greatest highlight in my music career is the release of my recent EP. Choosing to play all the music and perform all the vocals myself was not the most efficient way to produce an EP but it has been extremely gratifying. On a personal note I had the pleasure of seeing Paul Simon in Vancouver, on the first leg of his farewell tour. Being able to see him, who has been a huge influence to my own music, the year I am releasing my own EP was a magical experience.
What 's next? Can you give us a hint for whats to come remainder of 2018 into 2019?
I am currently working on my next EP/album and again plan on playing all the music myself. I hope to release it mid 2019. At that point I may form a band to perform my music live.
What do you like more: Performing live or recording in the studio?
I would have to say at the moment I prefer recording in the studio as it gives me the freedom to play all of my music myself. It also gives me the freedom to play what and how I want. I enjoy the creative process and find that spending time in the studio versus performing live gives me more of an opportunity to do that.
What are some artists/bands that you're into at the moment? Or any particular song you find yourself listening to over and over?
At the moment I am really enjoying an album by Vusi Mahlasela from South Africa, Naledi Ya Tsela as well as Dave Mathews Bands album Come Tomorrow. In particular the songs Jabula and Mighty River from Vusi's album I can't get out of my head. Dave Mathews band has also performed a song with him on that album called Sower of Words. Definitely some of my favourite artists on those albums.
What's one thing people should know about you?
I create music for the love of music. If it is somehow fated that I find that elusive opportunity where the stars line up and my music reaches a broader audience that would be great but if not I am content in creating music for the sake of music itself.
What do you enjoy doing outside of music? Does your hobby rejuvenate your creativity?
I am an avid Scubadiver and a competent sailor. As you can tell from my music I have a deep love for the ocean and feel a strong connection with it. I feel very strongly that we need to make greater efforts to preserve our environment and if I can use my music to help spread awareness to that effect I feel that is a privilege.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
Thank you for your support and encouragement. It is extremely fulfilling to have others enjoy my music. My music is very personal to me and to have others enjoy and identify with the messages in my music gives me hope for the future and inspires me to keep creating more. So thanks again to all of you out there who believe in peace, love and the stewardship of this earth for future generations. This music is for you.
Visit Sidiki on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingdrums