Ant Deko is a revelation. His artistry is rarely seen, with a real world aspect combined with the wordplay that can rival any rapper in the game. CelebMix had a chance to speak to the businessman by day and rapper by night about his life, inspiration, and the music that you’re bound to love.
How would you describe your music?
I like to use the term post-modern rap. I am all about using wordplay and punchlines to paint a picture about the life I live and the life I have lived. My music has a range of themes from living life to the fullest to growing up in North London, Tottenham and I use various types of beats to help me express that. If you want a rollercoaster of emotions, expressed wittily, my music will give you that.
What inspired you to become an artist?
Growing up around music! My dad was a DJ and so were my uncles actually. Every day I would be in my dad’s room listening to him on his decks making mixtapes, actual physical tapes, to give away at any of the events he was playing at. Singing wasn’t really a gift I was blessed with, so writing lyrics was my way of making music.
What was the inspiration behind the name Ant Deko?
I get this question a lot. It is wordplay on the phrase Art deco. My name is Antoine, hence the first part of my name Ant, and Deko is following the second part of the phrase Art deco. I see myself as a postmodern artist and I try to paint art with words. That is the relationship my name has with the phrase Art deco. I thought it was genius at the time, but has stuck ever since!
You’re a businessman and artist, do you find it hard to balance both?
At the moment I am thoroughly enjoying both, although it has reduced the number of hours of sleep I get a day. I am literally doing a dayshift and then a nightshift in the studio, but if Clark Kent can do live two lives I really can’t complain.
Tell us about “Right Hand Man”
Right Hand Man is a track I believe everyone can relate to. You may not know it or title that person your ‘right hand man’ but everyone has one (or two). I am fortunate to have a few and the track itself is letting you know “me and my right hand man” have entered the scene and ready to make our mark!
What do you want to achieve with your music?
My main aim is to get everyone to listen to what I have to say. Time is a precious thing, and if I am able to get people to give me their time to listen to what I have to say I think that is a great achievement. To be on stage and have people actually listen to you, enjoying life with you….. I really couldn’t ask for more.
What do you think is the most important thing that people should know about you?
I live my bars. I actually live my bars. What you hear I say I did I have done. What you hear I say I have lived I have lived. My bars are not about me showing off; it is about me showing what is possible. I am genuine guy, and I haven’t got time for bull to put it politely. Everyone has a story and I just want you to hear mine.
What do you have planned right now for the future?
A lot! and all will be revealed at the right time. All I can say is buckle up!
Do you love Ant Deko? You can find out more about him on his facebook page.
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