Based between Manchester and his hometown of Sheffield, music producer D.Wingi has recently become a rising figure in the UK music scene. Known for crafting his own beats and instrumentals, D.Wingi frequently collaborates with other talented artists to add their unique vocal flair to his sound.
Last summer he officially unveiled his own sonic vision via his debut single “YOU GET ME.” featuring Ra’siah. Returning at the start of this year, he dropped the track “DND” with Benzo and Scuba99 and now brings us his third single titled “Sorry Not Sorry.”
“Sorry Not Sorry” sees D.Wingi and ON’LYSAINTVIBES crafting an alternative R&B sound that draws inspiration from the sonic landscapes of Toronto artists like PARTYNEXTDOOR. The selection of drum kits, filtering and saturation plugins perfectly balances with Saint’s existing style while injecting colour into the darker tones of the track.
Softly pulling the listener in with airy synth tones, the deep bass textures and vocalisations hint at the incoming groove. With the snap of the punching beat and silky synth arrangement, Saint’s smooth vocal flows ride above to spin elegant melodies via laid back delivery as he reels off meaningful storytelling lyricism, resulting in a gripping sound that’s at once downtempo and enthralling.
Backed by the exquisite production of D.Wingi and lifted by a spacey electronic arrangement, the two artists serve up a slick R&B cut thats at once accessible and cutting edge. Sure to win over existing fans of the style while planting the forward-thinking approach of D.Wingi and ON’LYSAINTVIBES imprint onto the style, “Sorry Not Sorry” offers a superb collaboration from a talented producer and vocalist who continue to deliver on their flourishing sonic partnership.
As D.Wingi continues to explore his own musical output and collaborate with a growing list of exciting talents, he’s confirmed himself as a must-watch artist on the rise. With another stellar release on what’s sure to be his breakout year, we can’t wait to see what this thrilling producer and artist has in store for the rest of 2024 and beyond.
We caught up with D.Wingi to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Sorry Not Sorry (feat. ON’LYSAINTVIBES)” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with D.Wingi below.
Hey D.Wingi, how are things?
Hi, things are going well
Whatâs your earliest memory of making music?
I came in the game late man .one of my regrets. I think 18 or 19? Just trying to figure out to use FL Studio to make beats.
I remember it clearly. I had friends who wanted to form a music collective. I heard talks of contracts, money and splits but no mention of actually creating music. Which is I donât know⊠what itâs all about lol. Long story short I was the only one who bought the FL studio software and mic. Fell in love with beats. The beats were trash but I kept coming back again and again. It was the first time in my life I never quit when it got hard or looked for an easy way out. which is a principle we should all strive for.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
Iâd say more producers that have made a big impact on me.
Metro Boomin, partynextdoor, Nyge, young chencs, Pierre Bourne and Kanye west.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
Listening to records past and future. I truly believe the ear for records is what going to separate me from a lot of people. I appreciate all genres and as I progress my skills there will be more ways I will experiment with this genre trust me. I already outlined what my final album will sound and feel like if this ever works out for me.
Whatâs been your highlight of the year so far?
These two releases. Itâs been a long time coming since Iâve been working with these singles for a while. Also the track âDNDâ with Benzo & Scuba99. I feel I gained a lot more respect from my peers and people are taking me a bit more seriously. Still have a long way to go but people are noticing the versatility with my recent releases which is great to see.
What do you love about the Manchester music scene?
Hmm, I am not originally from Manchester. I am from Sheffield. I was living there in Manchester for 4 years university for music.
The music scene is 100 times better. You can tell there has been investment in creatives which I canât say the same with my city. Thereâs a lot of talent but there are not many opportunities and no one is willing to fund. But I reckon that will change. Just like how hip-hop started in Bronx New York. Our rap scene came from London and itâs entering its next evolution which is spreading to other inner cities. which is already happening but itâs only a matter of time before its sales and cultural impact match the London scene. Itâs coming though itâs obvious.
What is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
Home in your own space. I feel like the alternative rnb song is good for when it gets dark because an artist like onlysaintvibes subject matter is very introspective. I also do drill beats that sample soul music which is great for just chilling and Vibing. So anywhere you are most comfortable and want to be relaxed.
How has your style and sound evolved since you started ?
At the start my compositions were very dreamlike fantasy donât know if that makes any sense but now the melodies are just dark. If I could describe my core sound its dark, melodic and lofi.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
Metro Boomin & Nas. Those two are important in what made me obsessed with music. Illmatic changed my life? It got me interested in body works and made me realise how albums are just like art pieces that reflect the era the artist was living in. Thatâs why buy my favourite albums vinyl. I donât even listen to them. I know that is weird right but would you start painting over art already created by an artist? thatâs the way I see it they are supposed to be visual pieces that are supposed to be admired.
How did you find making your new single âSorry Not Sorryâ?
Working with onlysaintsvibes always vibes, we both understand what sound we want to have and in our rookie years it is all about working on your craft and perfecting your sound. In the UK we have yet to see artists consistently approach records which are built for the late nights. my main focus on making beats for Saints now is creating dark melodies, using atmospheric pads and making sure there is a lot of space with the drum loops.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
That I can be versatile in my music. Itâs not only trap beats.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
Iâve been replaying that new album from gunna. I know it is executive produced by Turbo so I was interested in the sounds they were using because itâs unique compared to a lot of trap and wave music in the UK. Lancey Foux is another artist whom I feel is shifting the sound of what UK trap music is going to be in the next 10 years and i love central Cee beat selection to drill beats. Donât get it twisted though LD from 67 my goat but Central Ceeâs consistency is unmatched.
Whatâs the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
On RNB songs my statement is there is beauty in scars. On drill song is that itâs okay to talk about a different subject matter other than violence. On my trap beats.. well make sure to enjoy the present and have fun.
Whatâs been your favourite live performance so far?
Since I wanted to be a producer and eventually set up my own sets with my records I was interested in metro live performances which introduces live orchestra and had actual set designs correlated with the theme of his album. I donât see a lot of producers or dj doing that to be honest. So it inspired me. But I know that it is a long journey to get to that stage so I just need to focus on my craft.
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
It would be Travis Scott, Metro Boomin and Michael Jackson. In my home city : Sheffield.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow in your footsteps?
I ainât got no advice for any artist when I havenât accomplished anything myself to be honest. But one day I will and actually extend help to other talented producers. We are missing a producer community in the UK.
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?
We have many releases. my main focus with me and my manager is building a fanbase. This requires much consistency and me being on the camera more to create visibility and let them see what kind of person I am and if they can relate to me in some way. I am very interested to see the kind of community I will be a part of. it is all about music and building a real connection with me.
Listen to Sorry Not Sorry (feat. ON’LYSAINTVIBES) below
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