This episode was an absolute treat as I had an incredible conversation with the one and only Dyo – singer, songwriter, and creative behind some of today’s biggest hits.
You might recognise Dyo from her empowering anthem “Sexual,” which earned her an Ivor Novello award nomination, and the extensive list of successful collaborations she’s had with artists like Nicki Minaj, Flo, Adekunle Gold, Jess Glynne, and Wiley. But our conversation went beyond these impressive credentials – we explored the heart of her artistry and uncovered the stories and secrets behind her music.
Firstly, how amazing is it that Dyo received her first Grammy nomination for the soundtrack to “The Color Purple”? Dyo is testmanent to living in the here and now, and saying yes to last-minute opportunities! Dyo nailed it in just an hour and a half, embracing spontaneity and trusting her gut.
We talked in depth about her creative process, and it’s a mix of raw, methodical and organic. She described it as “vomiting melodies” and seeing which ones stick. One significant takeaway was how songwriting sessions for her often become therapeutic experiences, both for herself and the artists she collaborates with. A reminder how creativity is so deeply intertwined with our emotions and personal experiences.
We also talked about not giving up on old ideas. Dyo explained how songs like “Way Too Long” with Nathan Dawe can sit for years before finding their moment. It’s a testament to patience and trusting the process – sometimes, it’s about knowing that the bones of a good idea are there even if it takes time to fully materialise.
Dyo’s openness and willingness to put herself out there, despite self-doubt, genuinely struck a chord with me. She candidly shared her initial uncertainty about “Sexual,” thinking it was a terrible song at first. Yet, it became a massive hit. This vulnerability and persistence are key lessons in overcoming self-judgement and realising our potential. It’s something all creatives can relate to – trusting the process and pushing past self-doubt.
Another enlightening aspect was her stance on writer’s block in the clip below. Dyo doesn’t believe in it! She sees it more as a mismatch between the mood and moment, an approach that encourages us to view obstacles as opportunities to take a step back rather than labelling them as blocks.
I think Dyo’s approach to creativity, persistence, patience, and openness provide invaluable lessons for all of us. And to top it all off, she’s curated a special Spotify playlist for us – her Firestarter playlist [link], which features some eclectic tunes that spark her creativity. Make sure to check it out; it’s a fantastic way to get a glimpse into the music that fuels her.
I hope you enjoyed the episode as much as I did and took away some inspiring thoughts to apply to your creative journeys.
As always, keep creating and pushing your boundaries. If you love the show please rate and give it a review 😉
You can listen to the episode here