What’s your stage name and where are you from?
The name’s Dead Ott, I’m from a town called Witney in Oxfordshire, UK.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
There have been many stories over the years of how I got my name, and so much time has passed that I can’t remember the real reason.
- Some say it’s because I used to have a group of Scouse girls who would follow me around saying, “he’s dead ‘ot that laa.”
- Some say it’s because I was clinically dead for 13 minutes before jolting back to life.
- Some say it’s because my surname is Ottley.
- Some say it’s an acronym for Dope Energy And Drums On The Table.
- Some say it’s because I’m over the top.
- Some say I was inspired by Dead Mike from CB4.
Whatever the reason, the name’s Dead Ott.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
Long, arduous, and dope!
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
The opening track of my new album Hello Again was supposed to feature my rhyme partner from Styxmen, Prophit, but he’s long since retired from rapping, and I couldn’t coax him back for this one. My verse is written about him.
I didn’t know what to do with the second verse, so I was looking for vocal samples that would match the mood of the track. As I was playing the beat, I got a voice message from a geezer named Denver Mike, a huge fan of UK Hip Hop who lives in Denver. Listening to his message, I realized it fit perfectly with the beat and vibe. I chopped it up to stretch it over the second verse, and BOOM! The track was finished. It was also dope to give Mike his first feature on a UKHH track since he reps the scene so passionately.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
I’m not necessarily trying to push a certain message or get people to agree with what I think. I’m just writing about my life and the world as I see it. Hopefully, some people will resonate with what I’m saying and be interested in my perspective, but I’m not too fussed if they aren’t.
I’ve always made music first for myself, and I love the music I make. If anyone else listens in and comes along for the ride, then that’s all gravy.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
The major challenge I faced with this new album was that I retired from rapping halfway through!
I started this album in 2018 and was halfway through when I just stopped enjoying writing and rapping. Recording turned me off, so I stuck to producing for a few years and thought my rap days were over. Then in 2023, I reached out to Uncle Harry to work on an EP celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop. I made all the beats in two days, and when Unc sent me back a verse, it sparked the rap fire in me again.
Before I knew it, I’d written for each track, and it was a full-on joint EP. That reignited the flame, so I came back and finished this solo album, naming it Hello Again as my reintroduction—but please don’t call it a comeback!
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
The fantasy pick would be Wu-Tang—any or all members! They were a massive influence on my sound with their dark and gritty style.
Currently, I’d love to collaborate with Onoe Caponoe. I think he’s one of the most talented musicians in the game, and I reckon we could cook up a banger!
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
I don’t really need it to take me anywhere—I just want to keep making music and enjoying it. I’m looking forward to finally releasing this album, Hello Again, and doing a limited run of CDs. It’s been a long time coming.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
For years, my goal has been to release 45 projects by the time I’m 45. I’m currently 41, and Hello Again will be project #40, so I’m confident I’ll make it.
I’d like to release a project on cassette and one on vinyl—maybe a 45 for the last one. I’d also love to do a fully produced album for a group I work with called Corrupt and a feature album with loads of MCs over my beats.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
Here are all the links to my last release, The Double A-Side, which you reviewed on your site:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/deadott/back-to-ya-mums-feat-citizen-nuggz–uncle-harry
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Message me on IG or Facebook. I’m always up for collaborating.
