Dream Mclean

Signed to Chase & Status' label MTA, Dream Mclean has been slowly introduced to the mainstream and instead of hindering his 'urban' image, it has in fact served him well. The 'Weatherman' EP is Dream Mclean's first official release on MTA Records and he proves he has a lot to offer musically. Marian Okogwu has a chat with the Essex boy about his progression in music at Relentless Live, check it out below...

So you're a self-confessed Essex boy... do you feel that you deviate from the traditional Essex lad?

Yeah just a bit! In recent years, I feel like Essex has become a little bit more famous and it's not for what I'd say are the right reasons... like before when I'd say, 'I'm from Essex', people would be like, 'where's that?' and think it was like in Dagenham or something, that's about as far as they knew. Now, they're like 'oh yeah 'The Only Way is Essex' (referencing the TV program), combovers, roll-ups, yeah, so it's all of that. There is definitely a little bit of Essex boy in me... I'd say I'm an Essex boy because I'm from Essex but not your traditional one!

So your 'Weatherman' EP dropped earlier this year and it was well-received by the industry and fans. How would you describe the sound of the EP and what you wanted to deliver?

I wasn't thinking of any sound in particular, whenever I'm making music or with producers making beats, its more to do with a feeling at the time or how I'm feeling on that certain day. I think with the four tracks, there is more of a current hip hop sound with a lot of production. A lot of it had a real UK twist and electronic vibe to the production but still being quite hip hop. It's so hard to describe a sound...

You are signed to Chase & Status' MTA Imprint which is amazing... how do you think that has had an impact on your career so far and have they given you any advice?

It's been a while now and I had been talking to them even before I signed the deal, so they were always giving me advice and even being in the studio with them for the first time was like really eye-opening to see how they do things and how these guys have made an album that I was listening to when I was younger, do you know what I mean? Then going and doing shows with them out in Europe, it's given me a lot more experience and a lot more insight and obviously the production as well, they've been able to help with the beats and stuff like that, so from the actual technical side of things it's perfect. That's one of the reasons I signed the deal, cos you know it's Chase and Status' beats!

How does it feel to be handpicked by the likes of Professor Green and Zane Lowe to perform at such an amazing gig tonight?

You know, that's a real honour man, shout out to them because I've not been doing many gigs this year, I've been in the studio trying to work on the mix tape and when I start putting out real things that's when I start really looking forward to doing shows. Obviously Zane's always shown love and I've been a friend of Pro's for a while now, so like whenever we do shows together or whenever we are on the road together it's always a good laugh. Hopefully, tonight will be no different!

So, you've got your album coming soon, have you got a name for it yet?

No name for it as of yet, its in the process. We are close to wrapping it up and we will put it out for free when its ready.

The line-up is looking crazy tonight, there are so many fresh artists... who are you looking forward to seeing?

It would have to be Knytro because in all the time that I've known him, we've been on the same label and even been on the same line up sometimes and I've never actually seen him perform. I'll be over here or I'll be late or something!

Don't be at the bar, don't be on the toilet, make sure you see Knytro tonight!

(Laughs)

I'm looking forward to seeing Pro as well because I've seen him many times before but now he's got some new material so I think the set's gonna be a little different.... but yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing everybody to be honest, the line-up is proper diverse.

The Relentless Energy drink is widely known for, well, boosting energy! What would you say boosts your energy?

Well... Relentless obviously! Do you know what? Today I'm proper tired, my sleeping pattern is all over the place, so on the way here I was falling asleep on the train and stuff and I feel like the thing that always boosts my energy even when I'm down is just a couple of cans of Relentless. Going out on stage, it never fails to give me a proper kick!

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Kanye West. He's really creative on the production side as well.

Did you watch the interview with Kanye and Zane Lowe?

Yeah, I saw Zane the other day and I had to shake his hand for going through that cos it looked tough!


QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS:

What does music mean to you?
Everything.

Hero?
Mum.

Fame, money, family - in order of importance?
Family, money, fame.

Have you had any Relentless today? If yes, which flavour?
I had one cup from a guy giving out free samples, I dunno what flavour it was but it was a weird colour, like maybe Kiwi and something? It was nice though!

You can download the 'Weatherman' EP here for free!