Dedisart Is Having An Episode: Interview
MDM! by Pennsylvania’s Dedisart feels like an abstract art piece covered in vehemence and foresight. Throughout the project, Dedisart goes through various stages of emotions that project his thoughts about himself and those around him. Every song feels like a monologue packed with dense metaphors and similes. He carefully dissects his own thoughts but makes it difficult for listeners to do the same off of an initial listening. The poeticness of his delivery feels like bright colors splattered against a black wall. The balance between lightweight horn riffs and emotive drum patterns in production strikes your curiosity and frames the open space for Dedisart to vent.
“Runnin like a rugrat”
The concept of success does not correlate with happiness. On “z/dunce,” Dedisart raps about societies rat race to obtaining success. Dediart cares more about protecting his dynamism rather than falling victim to the narrow propagated messages the media portrays. At the end of the song, he repeats “take care of your son,” which felt like a double entendre. Obviously, he’s saying take care of your offspring but at the same time protecting your energy is just as important.
“Energy does not last and you could either find a way to build it or kill it “ - Dedisart
In “On The Loose,” Dedisart goes through the trials of cutting things out of his life that no longer provide fulfilling energy. Whether it’s vices or people, he decides to detach himself by reciting “good riddance.” Underneath the complex lyrics and dark production undertones, there’s self discovery and realization that shapes the framework of the project. Dedisart makes it clear that he is aware of what’s going on around him and uses the reflection of others to assist with the reflection he wants to see within himself.
I had the opportunity to chop it up with Dedisart about music, film and the appreciation of patience.
Our conversation, lightly edited for content and clarity, follows below.
I was scrolling on twitter and came across your ambiguous promo video, (chuckle) but it definitely made me curious to hear more.
Man, the reception of that video was so welcoming but a surprise at the same time. My guy Apollo put that whole thing together for me. Whenever I’m working on a song, I see a movie scene simultaneously, the video helps follow suit of the bigger sound.
What inspired the sound of the tape?
For me, music is a course, but it's also like episodes, everything is a piece. I took my time choosing beats because I wanted every track to feel like its own manic moment.
The project birthed itself. I was recording a lot during quarantine and would polish a few records that stuck out. Once I had a couple of records and knowing what headspace I was in, life wise, I knew what direction to go in… Which happened to be manic. Me and the homies would link, play a few beats and I would continue to piece things around the records I had. I tried not to force anything and went with what felt right sonically.
Why the title MDM and what does it stand for?
So MDM stands for a manic depressive moment. At first, it started as a song title. I was working on music with one of the homies and that was the title of the verse. Once I started working on the project, I felt the title was the sound I was going for, while at the same time describing what I was battling personally. There’s no better way to put your feelings on wax.
I feel there was a balance between bright and dark in production, was that intentional?
It was me playing it by ear and doing what I like to listen to. I knew I did not want to go in one direction and keep it versatile but, in the same way, keep it cohesive. A lot of the production was me and the homies chopping things up and putting it together. Like “Ultimate Warrior,” I knew that was going to be the intro because of the dark undertone. The goal was to keep that light and dark contrast for the world I was creating.
“Feeling like a slave, bitch I’m Boxed in”
That line refers to being in my bedroom feeling that emotion literally, but in the same realm, describing people who are on the internet, everyone feels boxed in. We’re all in this rat race and we’re all trying to achieve some shit in life or some accolade.
In “On The Loose,” you’re going back and forth between women and vices you had to cut loose, how has cutting certain things shaped you as a person and artist?
It's been one of the hardest things, I grew up very open hearted. I'm a pretty cool person and I like to give a lot of love out because whatever you give out, you’ll get back at the end of the day. People can be villains sometimes and smile in your face, niggas try to get money with you, or women try to lay with you. Whatever it is , I had problems learning how to be cold on certain shit, not getting wrapped up in shit my heart is truly not into.
“Standing in arraignment, like we didn’t see the summerslam 3D visions, I’m bubba we bombing that, now they dream about me they cardiac be arrested.” It was just some fly shit to say standing in matrimony but people could be behind your back, really fuckin you.
How has Pennsylvania shaped you as an artist?
I feel my community has taught me patience.
How so?
There’s a few people in my town that I’ve learned from due to the way they’ve moved and It made me question how potential can be wasted. Patience gave me confidence on how to play my cards right in both society and music. Also, writing more and understanding the value of a catalog goes further than one great record.
You can tell you took you time with the project, going back to the texture of the sound, light and dark , what was the message you were trying to convey?
I wanted to introduce the idea of hell on earth. The feeling of everything is ok but in reality , you’re getting punched in the face. I wanna make people have to go listen back to my lyrics but also pay attention to what’s going on around them.
What's next?
I’m working on a couple of visuals and in the process of working on new music. Going forward, I would like to start directing for a few people as well and maybe even modeling.
Last three albums?
QUARTER THING - JOEY PURP
Couldn’t Wait to Tell You… - LIV.E
SAVAGE MODE 2 - 21 Savage & Metro Boomin
