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Inspired by his father’s love of classical music and artists such as Frank Ocean, Hong Kong singer-songwriter Derek Dali blends a variety of genres including indie, alternative, emo, funk and R&B. “Music was a space to explore creativity and escape,” Derek reflects. “It became a way for me to channel my emotions and ideas into something new.”
For Chinese American rapper and hip-hop artist Bohan Phoenix, combining multiple styles is also key. His music journey began when he moved to the U.S.A. at the age of 11 and found inspiration in Eminem’s “8 Mile”, which mirrored his struggles with displacement and identity. This moment influenced Bohan’s entry into rap, using it as a medium for authentic self-expression. “The more I avoid being pressured by social media and what my peers are doing, the more I can create music that I’m truly proud of.” His approach is deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences and emotions. Bohan’s dedication to originality comes through in his raw, unfiltered sound that tells a story and evokes emotion with every bar.
17 October 2024
The second episode, “Connection”, follows the respective musical journey and collaborative process of Derek Dali and Bohan Phoenix as they work together with Delf on the track “Slide”.
This collaborative track blends their personal philosophies, genres and artistic dedication into a unique creation.
Collaboration brings a new dynamic to my creative process. It's about being open to different perspectives and riffing off each other's ideas. When we let the music guide us, rather than imposing our own ideas, we create something fresh and meaningful.
Derek Dali
Singer-songwriter
Collaboration is all about connection and finding common ground. Even when our journeys seem different, music has always been that bridge. No matter where we come from, there’s a shared language in the rhythms, struggles, and stories.
Bohan Phoenix
Rapper, Singer-songwriter
The union of Derek, Bohan and Delf strikes a balance of creative energies tuned to the same frequency. Derek describes the process as an organic evolution: “We started from a random place but ended up with the shared concept of making time for the delicacies we care about.” This project was more than just a track; it was a celebration of their shared commitment to authenticity and the art of their craft.
The new track “Slide” reflects a nuanced understanding of what it means to be authentic in a rapidly changing industry. As Bohan puts it, “Our job as artists is to put out what we genuinely want to share.” “Slide” weaves together the artists’ love of music with their personal journeys—a piece that resonates with their combined artistic expressions.