Denis Coleman is an artist on the rise and the future of the music industry. Last year, he wrote the first chapter in his career with his debut single, “You”. He’s following that success with “Imperfect”, an inspiring song about embracing who you are, flaws and all. If that wasn’t impressive enough, he’s currently on tour, opening up for The Vamps. Oh, and did we mention he’s only fifteen? Pop Culturalist chatted with the pop superstar about his career aspirations, new single, and when we can expect his EP to drop.
PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Denis: At the age of five, my parents made me take violin lessons and I immediately fell in love with music. I tried to learn as much about it and the violin as I could!
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Denis: My parents have always been supportive of everything that I’ve done. I’m fortunate to have had their support throughout my entire career, from taking my first violin lesson to performing at the biggest arenas in the U.K. with The Vamps. Musically, my biggest inspiration has been Dr. Dre. He truly went from nothing to one of the best music producers, MCs, and businessmen in the world. I find his life story fascinating and proof that anything is possible!
PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Denis: I’ve learned how many truly talented people there are in the world. I’ve been blessed enough to have been hugely impressed and inspired by the talent, work ethic, and kindness of everyone I’ve met so far!
PC: Tell us about your new single, “Imperfect”. What inspired the track?
Denis: One idea that I really wanted to come through in the song was the concept of being perfectly imperfect and being comfortable with that. I’ve seen so many people get self-conscious and overwhelmed by the pressures of social media and the internet. I wanted to put out a reminder that it’s okay not to be perfect. I hope that message comes through.
PC: Of the singles you’ve released, if you had to choose one that best encompasses you as an artist, which would it be and why?
Denis: I think it’s “Imperfect”. It captures my style of blending pop, R&B/soul, and experimental electronic music together. It also captures my purpose as an artist by having the second level of meaning underneath the song’s lyrics.
PC: Can we expect a larger body of work soon? Maybe an EP or album?
Denis: I will be coming out with my first EP later this year, so stay tuned!
PC: You’re currently on tour, opening for The Vamps. What has that experience been like? What’s been the biggest takeaway from the road?
Denis: It’s been amazing! Being able to perform in front of so many people has been a dream come true. It’s been insane meeting all the incredibly talented people I have along the way. I think my biggest takeaway has been motivation from The Vamps’ talent and what they’ve accomplished. They’re a huge inspiration for me. They’re also just so friendly and welcoming. They’re amazing people and artists.
PC: You’re a brand ambassador for The Power of Muzik. How did you get involved with the campaign? Have you always known you wanted to use your platform to spread awareness?
Denis: I met the founder of the campaign, Cece Sammy, at a songwriting competition called the Open Mic UK/Future Music a year ago, which I actually won! After that, she reached out and we started talking to each other, and that’s when I learned about her The Power of Muzik campaign. She asked if I would like to become involved and I said yes, of course! One of my friends had gone through mental health issues recently and it felt right that I could help spread awareness for mental health issues through music. I’ve always wanted to be able to help people in some capacity and this was the perfect opportunity!
PC: What does the year hold for you as we look ahead to the rest of 2019?
Denis: I have my first ever headline tour this summer in July. Tickets can be found on DenisColemanTour.com and I’ll also be performing at several festivals! Besides that, I’ll be writing a lot more music.
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Denis: Modern Family
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Denis: Austin Powers
PC: Favorite book?
Denis: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Denis: School of Rock! My sister, Zoe, was in it in the West End.
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Denis: Frank Sinatra! I’ve always looked up to him and been inspired by him.
PC: First album you bought?
Denis: When It’s Dark Out by G-Eazy
PC: First concert you attended?
Denis: Justin Bieber’s Purpose Tour at the O2 Arena in London!
PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Denis: Justin Bieber’s Purpose album. It completely changed the way that I thought about music production and songwriting. It inspired me to become a producer, artist, and songwriter.
PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Denis: The O2 Arena. It’s been on my bucket list ever since I saw Justin Bieber and The Vamps perform there. And now, I’m just a few days from playing it myself!
To keep up with Denis, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Imperfect” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.
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