With Lasting Lover – his latest collaboration with James Arthur – taking over the charts (check it out here: https://sigala.lnk.to/LastingLover), we caught up with London-based DJ and producer Sigala to find out the latest!
First of all, thank you so much for finding the time to chat with us. How is everything going?
It feels strange to say everything is going well, when there is such turmoil in the world, but it has been nice to spend time at home this year working on music. I do miss touring though!
Dj, remixer and record producer with 8 top 10 hits on the UK Singles Chart; you collaborated with some of the most talented British and international artists out there, and your songs are huge around the globe. You need no introductions, but can you tell us where the stage name “Sigala” comes from?
It comes from my Great Grandfather, who was called Amos Sigala – I always thought that was a cool name (much better for a stage name than mine!)
You began to play the piano at age 8 and you have a BA in Commercial Music. When did you realise you wanted to turn your passion into a career?
When I realised I was rubbish at everything else! I always really enjoyed making music and thought as long I can pay my bills then that’s all I really wanted.
You were born and raised in Norfolk, England. In which ways do you think it has affected your path in the music industry? Do you feel you had to work harder to succeed than maybe other artists coming from London or Manchester?
I guess it took me longer as I didn’t know anyone in the music industry when I first moved to London so it took time to build a network of people to work with. Many years in fact!
Ella Eyre, Sean Paul, Paloma Faith, Kylie Minogue, Megan Trainor, French Montana and Craig David are only some of the amazing artists you collaborated with in the past. I imagine each song you worked at brings up special memories, but is there a collaboration you remember with particular fondness?
I have really enjoyed all my collaborations, but one that sticks out for me is Craig David. He was the first big artist I’d ever worked with and I guess I was a bit starstruck. That was the moment when I realised I was really doing something right!
Who is your dream collaboration?
Chris Martin – I think we’d get on and I’m a big fan of his songwriting style. Our music would blend so well together, if he’s up for it haha.
Lasting Lover, your new single with James Arthur topped the UK’s The Official Big Top 40 less than 4 weeks after its official release. How did the collaboration come about? Did you expect such a great response?
It’s always a bonus when a song I’m passionate about does well. I’ve been in touch with James for a while wanting to work with him, and it was a case of the right song coming along!
We are all listening to Lasting Lover at the moment, but what artists/music are you listening to?
I have a few tracks I am loving at the moment. Paul Woolford- Looking For Me – I love the simplicity of this track, it’s really catchy in a non-obvious way. Also, Wilkinson – Air I Breath – I love the musicality of this song, and especially love the piano.
2020 has been a crazy year, and due to these unprecedented circumstances we have been spending much more time at home than ever before. How are you coping with this new reality? What impact is having on your creativity?
For me I feel as though I have been able to be more creative as I’ve been able to focus on writing music and do a years worth of writing sessions in 3 months!
Unfortunately, the live music industry has been one of the worst hit by the pandemic with concerts and festivals being cancelled or postponed across the world. What are your thoughts on that? Do you miss touring? When do you think we could see you performing live again?
I miss having the personal connection with fans and getting to see the world! I’m looking forward to getting back to it – when that happens we can’t be sure.
Let’s talk about fashion. What’s the piece that can’t be missing in your wardrobe? How would you describe your style? Do you usually go for style or comfort?
I definitely go for comfort and these days I’m not seen without my trackies!
We know gaming is a big passion of yours. What video games are you playing at the moment?
Call of duty is my fave!
Do you practice any sport/gym?
Do video games count? Haha no I’ve recently got a dog so am doing lots of walking!
You’ve got a huge following on Instagram and Twitter. How is your relationship with social media in general?
I dip in and out of social media, when I’m touring it’s so nice to give fans an insight into my world. When I’m in the studio I have to block out all distractions!
Million pound question: what can we expect from Sigala for the rest of 2020 and 2021?
Albums and stuff ? Hopefully lots to come!
Thank you so much for your time, Bruce!
