When a chronic illness interrupted Brisbane hip hop artist Thomas Daley aka I AM D in his pursuit of a musical career, it was his craft that kept him going.
“I feel like my music was the main thing I had through the most turmoil and disastrous time,” Thomas says.
“That kept my mind somewhat sane and kept me going. Going through all that sickness and so much frustration at not being able to change my situation so to speak, it really gave me so much to me to observe who I am as a person.
“I think after that it’s lit a bit of a fire in me that's making me want to take absolute advantage of this one life I do have and try to use my talent and give it whatever's in the tank, that's what I’ve got to give.”
Empowered by his personal struggle, Thomas has established himself as a presence in the local hip hop scene. Since 2014, he has released four EPs under the I AM D moniker, the latest being last year’s ‘M.N.T.N.S.’ (‘Mirrors Never Told Nice Stories’).
In April he released another track ‘Gangs’ along with a flashy video, and this weekend, I AM D features as part of the latest instalment of the Crooklyn hip hop nights at New Globe Theatre. “I’m pretty keen to rip into that one,” he says of the Crooklyn show.
“The last couple of shows I’ve done I’ve had new team with me: a new DJ and hype-man. I hadn't had a hype-man for any of my shows before those two.
“We've got a couple of things I’m keen to unravel on the night, but if anyone's been to any of my shows before I’ve always brought out someone special or I always try to do something to keep elevating each time. I’m definitely looking forward to it; it should be a good event.”
In keeping his word regarding special guests, I AM D will be performing alongside a select crew of up-and-coming local artists for who he sings the highest praises. “There's Jesswar who just signed a distribution deal with Golden Era [Records], I did the same thing last November for my ‘M.N.T.N.S.’ EP, so a massive congrats to her because that's awesome and I hope she really benefits from that and puts everything into it.
“There's also Kaylah Truth who's another good friend of mine, she's playing on the night as well. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about Kaylah, she's just an awesome person.”
As Thomas strives to further develop I AM D and increase his creative output, he says he is currently at odds with how best to approach future projects and releases in response to industry trends and uncertainties. “I have been thinking more lately about the climate of what's going on and whether to keep putting out singles and songs all the time, rather than putting out a project,” he explains.
“At the moment I think I’m working towards both; I’ve got a lot of songs that are there I can put out, and at the same time I really want to put together another body of work; so that's where I’m at right now.”
I AM D performs as part of the Crooklyn hip hop night at New Globe Theatre (Brisbane) 29 July.
