Photography © Verygroup
Photography © Verygroup
"The million views on YouTube have changed lots
of stuff in my life but not the person I am."
"The million views on YouTube
have changed lots of stuff in my life
but not the person I am."
The 22-year-old rapper from a small town near Metz in the East of France talks to us with dazzling kindness and tells us about his influences, musical ambitions, and notion of happiness. The one who gave everything to see his career take off speaks with great humility about the choices that pushed him towards music and his relationship with his fans.
Doxx – whose real name is Dorian – told us without any taboo how he started his musical journey following a heartache that led him to reach millions of views on YouTube, gathering thousands of followers thanks to his true sincerity. Although he has always done everything in his power to achieve his desire for musical recognition, he doesn’t forget where he comes from and always has a word to thank his fans, particularly in the song ‘Merci’ that he dedicates to them. Once again, one can only fall under the spell of the young rapper.
Can you tell me a little more about your beginnings in music?
I started music eight years ago now, and it started from nothing. One night at the boarding school, I needed to express how I felt after a breakup... It just started this way. In the end, I really enjoyed the emotion it gave me, and since that day, I've never stopped. And little by little, I find myself here now. (laughs)
Speaking of breaking up, I often hear that your fans discovered you after a heartbreak and that your music helped them get better... It must be strange being a young artist and hearing, "Man, I’m going through a heartbreak, and your songs are helping me overcome it"?
Honestly, it’s not that awkward... My music’s purpose is to share things with people and write down what they feel. Heartbreaks are common to everyone, and generally, we all go through the same emotions. It means a lot to me when I hear that because I feel like I’ve been able to help people, and it’s rewarding.
Don’t you think it’s a pain sometimes always to be referred to as a “melancholic rapper”?
It’s annoying from the moment I try to do something else in my music and get blamed for it. Writing sad songs makes you a sad person, and I don’t feel like locking myself in that role and making more heartbreak sounds anymore. The past is past, and I want to try something else now. But I don’t mind being associated with this melancholy theme at some point because I wanted it initially, and it remains a recurring theme in my songs. Ultimately, my grief is still my best weapon because it made me know my current audience.
Two years ago, I heard that you studied cooking before you got into music...
Yes, I did a professional baccalauréat in France, where everything went well, but from the moment I wanted to go to university, I quickly realised that it wasn’t for me. I knew right away that I wanted to get 100% into music.
Did your family support you in this process?
At first, they were a little reluctant, that’s true, but I would have reacted exactly the same if I had a child who had said to me: “I quit everything to get myself into music.” It's kind of scary. Then, they were very supportive when they saw that it was working well for me, and I was very happy with what I was doing.
Have you ever regretted your decision?
It's indeed a challenging environment, and it’s hard to stand out, but for nothing on earth, I would get rid of music. And if I had to start all over again, I’d make exactly the same choice.
Can you describe the particularity of your Rap to an English audience?
I’d say it’s a very chill Rap with kinda rock sounds, with a lot of guitar and piano. On the vibe side, it’s more melancholic and closer to what XXXTentacion used to do. He’s an artist that I admire a lot.
Are there artists who inspire you in terms of careers and musicality?
I'd say Nekfeu. In terms of musicality, he’s very strong, and I also love what he represents. He’s a true source of inspiration with his texts and beats. However, I listen to quite everything. I’m also inspired by rock, and that’s what makes my sounds so diverse, I guess.
"It takes time to build a career."
"It takes time to build a career."
It’s amazing how quickly you chain up projects! In 2018 you released three EPs. You must have already several recorded songs...
Not really, actually. (laughs) I’m always creating new songs. I don’t like to be idle, and I always have to embark on a new project. In the future, I think I’ll take my time and really get deeper into the creation process and come up with something even more perfected than before. Every artist tries to reach perfection. I’ve done so many projects that I haven’t had time to make video clips for some of the songs I wanted to. It’s a small mistake I made, but the main thing is that all these projects have made my fans happy about, and that’s the most important thing.
Speaking of your clips, they're really great, and the visual is crazy, especially in 'Ça Va Mieux'... Who do you work with?
I almost always work with a Belgian video maker named Guillaume Dubois. He’s the one who made half of my videos. They are indeed perfect, and the rendering is great, but we both would like to push things even further in video-making because we know we are not at 100% of our capacity. What is holding us back is the lack of means and budget. It’s not easy sometimes, but we can work on these things to make it possible.
I guess it’s hard to create your network?
It’s something difficult that’s true, to develop our network, have your list of contacts... It takes time to build a career. I’m not from Paris, and breaking into music was very hard for me because our chances are different if we’re not from the capital. Everything’s going faster there, but I won’t let it get me down.
What about the beatmakers?
Personally, I don’t compose music, and it’s never been my thing. In terms of composer and producer, I often surround myself with Higrec, he’s excellent in what he does and he’s also a good friend of mine. I often ask beatmakers to send me instrumentals by mail so I can make my selection before I start writing. If I have a theme idea in mind, I need to talk about it, but I’m more focused on the beats before starting to write anything. The beats must match my state of mind. The main stuff with my music is to talk about how I feel.
It’s impressive that your videos make millions of views on YouTube, but you still give the impression of being an ordinary young guy that we might meet randomly... How do you manage this notoriety?
I’m still a regular guy, you know. Millions of views have changed many things in my life, but I am not the person I was before. I stayed in the city where I grew up, I still hang out with my friends... The essential is to be yourself, to be humble and to never become arrogant. You always have to remember where you come from.
In ‘Oh Merde’ you say: "And the life as a star is coming closer, I can see it. At least, it will save me and tell me: 'Don’t jump'."... Is celebrity something you’re not afraid of?
It’s scary, but I also make music to earn money and care for my family. Above all, I want to grow personally through my songs. Music saved me, for sure.
It’s honest to talk about money, a lot of people avoid the subject...
It’s human to want to make money, and we’re all like that. If you can do something you love while earning money, it’s the perfect combo. You shouldn’t miss it. The most important thing is to be passionate about what you do.
You have stunning writing skills, and the lyrical side of your Rap is something that often stands out when we talk about you... Have you always had this ability to play with words that way?
I only talk about what I feel without giving myself a hard time. Obviously, I add a little technique and sensitivity to what I write, but it’s something quite natural for me. I write by instinct.
We always feel like you’re trying to share a message in your songs... In ‘Nuit Blanche’ you say "Listen to my songs it’s my way of talking to you" and in ‘Parle-Moi’ in feat with Tsew The Kid you say "Your name begins with an S". And finally in 'Crier' when you say "All my words, all my songs only wanna reach one heart"... Is music your way of confessing yourself?
I’m always true and honest in my music... If the person I’m writing these texts to listens to these songs where I am sending a message, I’m happy because I can express myself and express my feelings. Everything is always easier through my music.
What’s next?
I’m working on my live tour, which will take place in September, October and November. Nothing makes me happier than meeting my fans who come to see me in concert. I have a new project that will come out around the same time. I’d like to show a new universe through it while remaining myself. I'd like to have the chance to play Zenith one day. [e. d: One of the largest concert halls in France that can welcome up to 9.000 people].
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