The Devoted Creatives Podcast

Producer, songwriter and multi-hyphenate creative Dready joins the Devoted Creatives Podcast for a career-spanning conversation: from playing drums in his family's band at age four, to becoming part of Busta Rhymes' inner circle, to working directly with Dr. Dre on the long-awaited (still unreleased) album Detox.Dready shares stories from his work with Busta Rhymes, Dr. Dre, Victoria Monét ("Party Girls" featuring Buju Banton), Shaggy, Masicka, Kranium, Rah Digga, So Solid Crew, and more, plus an unfiltered take on AI music tools, artist compensation, and raising his own son - rising talent - Amarae Edson, in the music industry.He also shared some of the artists that are exciting him most right now, including Samara Cyn, KWN, Mamalarky and more.Expect a frank, fun and inspiring conversation.Follow Dready: instagram.com/officialdreadySubscribe to Devoted Creatives Podcast for more conversations with the people behind the music:

Professional dancer and creative entrepreneur Royston shares his journey from facing childhood bullying over his artistic dreams to performing alongside global superstars. Mentored by industry veterans including comedian Kat, singers Jamelia and Emma Bunton, and choreographer Priscilla Samuels, Royston built a stellar career performing at prestigious events from the Grammys to the Brit Awards, alongside artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Janet Jackson.Now the founder of RnD Creatives talent agency, Royston offers insights for aspiring performers and entrepreneurs, drawing from his experiences both on stage and in business.You can find out more about Royston on his IG: https://www.instagram.com/officialroyston

Inua Ellams II was born in Nigeria and moved to London in the 2000s after his entire family was threatened with violence and death. After establishing a new life in London, he was forced to move on again, this time to Ireland, after being threatened with deportation. He fought a long battle to remain in Britain, which he eventually won. In spite of all of the challenges he's faced, he has published multiple books; including Candy Coated Unicorns and Converse All Stars, Thirteen Fairy Negro Tales, The Wire-Headed Heathen, #Afterhours, and The Actual. His first ever play "The 14th Tale" was awarded a Fringe First at the Edinburgh International Theatre Festival. His plays include Barber Shop Chronicles, Three Sister and The Half-God of Rainfall. He is currently touring Search Party, An Evening With An Immigrant and working on several commissions across stage and screen. To keep up with Inua and his work, check out his site: https://www.inuaellams.com/

Sebastian Whyte, Director of "Celebrating Black Cinema With Naomie Harris" on SKY, is an award-winning filmmaker from London. Seb found his love of cinema through the desire to capture what came before and what comes after each still frame that he captured as a young photographer.` Listen as Seb shares his journey into becoming a filmmaker and some of the key lessons he's learned along the way. You can find out more about Seb and his work at his website: https://www.whisperingrebel.com

Mark Ebulué recently starred in motion picture Sling Shot, starring the Oscar award-winning Casey Affleck and living legend Laurence Fishburne. And has shared the stage with many great performers, including David Tennant. But the story of how he got into acting and what he's done since, including becoming a licensed close protection agent, is a fascinating one. Listen along as we take a walk through Mark's wonderful story, with lessons on backing yourself and following good fortune where it leads. To find out more about Mark and his work, check out his pages on Spotlight and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markebuluéhttps://www.sainou.com/individual/mark-ebulue/

Jamie Neale is a director, writer, movement coach and creative consultant, counting some of the world's largest companies among his client list; including Apple, Nike, Adidas and Walmart.Raised in a family of arts lovers and performers, Jaime always dreamed of being a creative professional and was undeterred by growing up in a small village town in Devon, England. He took the brave step of moving to London and then onto Los Angeles, where he plies his trade now as a director and writer for a number of big budget projects.Watch and listen as Jaime shares how he got his first start and what it's like working between the US and the UK. Keep up with J over on his Instagram account www.instagram.com/jamienealejn

Ali Tennant has had a 30+ year career in the music industry, starting out as an artist and evolving into a chart-topping songwriter. He's written for and worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including; Britney Spears, Westlife, Jessie J, Sam Smith, Tony Braxton, Joe Thomas, Boyzone and One Direction. This conversation covers Ali's early career triumphs, including the insane dilemma of whether to sign with Quincy Jones as a solo act or sign with a competing label as part of an R&B group. We also talk about the realities of not being financially responsible and the unbelievable story of how he became a vocal coach on The X-Factor and later The Voice. You can keep up with Ali via IG www.instagram.com/Ali_Tennant and his art page: https://www.tunka-art.com

Commonwealth Young Carers Ambassador and Singer/Songwriter Oritsé Williams founded JLS, one of the UK's biggest male R&B/Pop bands, back in 2007. In 2008, the group came second in The X-Factor and later they signed a record deal with Jive Records in 2010. After four albums and multiple awards, the band disbanded in 2013. Oritsé shares the unlikely tale of how JLS was formed, the impact of his mother being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he was only 12 years old, as well as life beyond the band that made him a British R&B/Pop icon. His story is one of determination, devotion and passion. Follow @OritseMusic to keep up with his life and work.

Join us in this bonus episode for a quick recap on the mistakes and lessons I made and learned from while making Season 1 of the Devoted Creatives Podcast. DC podcast host Jon Devo speaks candidly about the experience of creating and sharing the pod, from buying unnecessary kit to how he works on improving his interview technique. With Season 1 wrapped, we want to thank everyone who has listened to an episode or shared a clip from the podcast with their friends and audiences. It's been a insightful and inspirational first year and we can't wait to get stuck into Season 2, with more amazing guests and conversations already lined up for the year ahead. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to share them with us and we'll do our best to get back to you as soon as possible. If you enjoyed the episode, please give us a like and subscribe so that you can keep up with us when Season 2 launches.

Ortis Deley has been a TV Presenter for three decades, after being discovered as a contestant on a dating show during his time at Uni, where he was studying to be a pharmacist. Rising to fame as a children's TV host, Ortis became one of the most recognisable faces on British telly when he joined The Gadget Show, which ran for almost two decades after launching in 2004. Ortis has starred alongside some of the most talented personalities in entertainment, including Susie Perry, Jon Bentley, Jason Bradbury and Angellica Bell. And with a wealth of experience in the industry, Ortis talks frankly about the realities and pitfalls of TV presenting. As well as sharing his passion for the drinks world, which he explores as part of collective "GlassmatesUK". If you've ever considered a life on the screen, or you're simply curious about some of the realities of working in television, this episode is a must. Keep in touch with Ortis and his collective below: http://www.instagram.com/ortisdeley http://www.instagram.com/glassmatesUK