Duch Dillinger

Duchess is an independent recording artist who has had no trouble making waves in the music industry and the world. Her music is a combination of hard hitting beats with a seductive mic presence that leaves you always wanting more. Her most recent album titled “Annabelle Lecter” is a sweeping masterpiece of head knockers, deep hard hitting sounds and flirtatious scheme of Dillyfied raps – sure to cause some noise once its released. Last week, while in the midst of prepping for the release of her first single “RUMBLE” (Scheduled release date First Week of April) Duch took the time to answer some questions about her life and art.

1. Duch, Thanks for sitting down with us and taking the time to answer a few of our questions. Whats new with Duch and how’s everything going?

Thank YOU. Everything is how it should be. I’m gearing up to release my first single (RUMBLE!) in a couple of weeks, and prepping for new visuals. A long time coming.

2. With the growth and natural evolution of music in the hip hop scene nowadays – Whats the toughest challenge you’ve encountered to stay fresh and relevant with the trends in today’s music?

To be 100% honest with you, I don’t try to stay fresh and relevant. I know that a lot of people will tell me that I should. And they’re right. But I have always found that excluding myself from trends and what’s currently out is the best way for me to create my music. I sit in a room, and I listen to beats. I write to the ones I like. Sure, the beats may be “current” and trendy, but I wouldn’t know. What ends up happening is, I create something that I can confidently say is ALL me. I create something I feel is original. Originality is one of the most important things to me. I’m not trying to put out something that’s already out!

3. If there’s anything the industry has taught you in terms of business and/or the artistry – What would they be and how has those lessons changed you as a person?

That BUSINESS and ARTISTRY are not the same. For a long time I thought that they were. Good music = attention = doing this for a career. I was wrong. The music industry is not like another field, where you start from the bottom, put in your work, and you advance. In the music industry there is no guarantee that you will ever advance… no matter how talented you feel you are. Learning that was step one for me. I just didn’t understand how there were so many talented artists at the bottom. It made me sad to see them not reap what they deserve. For a while that changed me as an artist and as a person. I started feeling like…”what’s the point? I spend every cent I make from 2 jobs, I have no time for anything but work and music, I put in 1000000%, and at the end of the day….ya’ll can’t even click “like?” Ya’ll can’t even LISTEN? I QUIT! “ (nah..lol) But it does get hard at times. Those are the times you gotta put yourself in check and remember why you started doing this. It was never about likes and it was never about someone in a suit telling me that my new record is hot (i.e. marketable). If I can create something, and be able to stand behind it no matter what, then it’s hot to me. That’s a lesson I carry into everything in life. Remember your purpose, and stop at nothing to fulfill it.

4. What are the projects you’re currently working on and what can we expect from future Duch music?

In the summer I finished recording an album, “Annabelle Lecter”. I have no immediate plans to release it yet but its there, and it’s ready. The first single, “RUMBLE!” will be dropping the first week of April. I’m also working on a summer tour, and collaborating with some other artists. I can’t possibly tell you what to expect. I feel like everyone is going to have a different reaction to my new material. What I CAN tell you… is that I personally feel like I’m finally in my zone. I’m now able to incorporate all the things I’ve learned about making music and myself over these many years and produce a sound that is ME. (And since ME is composed of many different sides…so is my music) I’m just happy to put something out after waiting so long. Everything happens for a reason….and I feel like this is my moment.

5. Any final thoughts (including shout outs, people who are supporting the Duch movement etc…)

The MOST important shout out I want to give is to my fans. New and old. Little do most know, but I have been doing this for a long ass time. For the past few years I’ve done very little shows, put out almost no music, and yet my fan base seems to just keep growing. There is an interest circling my movement, and believe me, it is that fact that has kept me going during some very dark days. I’ve had chicks tell me I inspire them to be themselves. I’ve seen people at shows asking me to do songs from my 2007 mixtape (only 100 were ever made). It makes that little voice inside that tells me I was meant to do this…a BIG voice. It keeps me going. (One4th is one of those long time fans by the way…SO SUPER FXCKING - One4th.com

Duchess is an independent recording artist who has had no trouble making waves in the music industry and the world. Her music is a combination of hard hitting beats with a seductive mic presence that leaves you always wanting more. Her most recent album titled “Annabelle Lecter” is a sweeping masterpiece of head knockers, deep hard hitting sounds and flirtatious scheme of Dillyfied raps – sure to cause some noise once its released. Last week, while in the midst of prepping for the release of her first single “RUMBLE” (Scheduled release date First Week of April) Duch took the time to answer some questions about her life and art.

1. Duch, Thanks for sitting down with us and taking the time to answer a few of our questions. Whats new with Duch and how’s everything going?

Thank YOU. Everything is how it should be. I’m gearing up to release my first single (RUMBLE!) in a couple of weeks, and prepping for new visuals. A long time coming.

2. With the growth and natural evolution of music in the hip hop scene nowadays – Whats the toughest challenge you’ve encountered to stay fresh and relevant with the trends in today’s music?

To be 100% honest with you, I don’t try to stay fresh and relevant. I know that a lot of people will tell me that I should. And they’re right. But I have always found that excluding myself from trends and what’s currently out is the best way for me to create my music. I sit in a room, and I listen to beats. I write to the ones I like. Sure, the beats may be “current” and trendy, but I wouldn’t know. What ends up happening is, I create something that I can confidently say is ALL me. I create something I feel is original. Originality is one of the most important things to me. I’m not trying to put out something that’s already out!

3. If there’s anything the industry has taught you in terms of business and/or the artistry – What would they be and how has those lessons changed you as a person?

That BUSINESS and ARTISTRY are not the same. For a long time I thought that they were. Good music = attention = doing this for a career. I was wrong. The music industry is not like another field, where you start from the bottom, put in your work, and you advance. In the music industry there is no guarantee that you will ever advance… no matter how talented you feel you are. Learning that was step one for me. I just didn’t understand how there were so many talented artists at the bottom. It made me sad to see them not reap what they deserve. For a while that changed me as an artist and as a person. I started feeling like…”what’s the point? I spend every cent I make from 2 jobs, I have no time for anything but work and music, I put in 1000000%, and at the end of the day….ya’ll can’t even click “like?” Ya’ll can’t even LISTEN? I QUIT! “ (nah..lol) But it does get hard at times. Those are the times you gotta put yourself in check and remember why you started doing this. It was never about likes and it was never about someone in a suit telling me that my new record is hot (i.e. marketable). If I can create something, and be able to stand behind it no matter what, then it’s hot to me. That’s a lesson I carry into everything in life. Remember your purpose, and stop at nothing to fulfill it.

4. What are the projects you’re currently working on and what can we expect from future Duch music?

In the summer I finished recording an album, “Annabelle Lecter”. I have no immediate plans to release it yet but its there, and it’s ready. The first single, “RUMBLE!” will be dropping the first week of April. I’m also working on a summer tour, and collaborating with some other artists. I can’t possibly tell you what to expect. I feel like everyone is going to have a different reaction to my new material. What I CAN tell you… is that I personally feel like I’m finally in my zone. I’m now able to incorporate all the things I’ve learned about making music and myself over these many years and produce a sound that is ME. (And since ME is composed of many different sides…so is my music) I’m just happy to put something out after waiting so long. Everything happens for a reason….and I feel like this is my moment.

5. Any final thoughts (including shout outs, people who are supporting the Duch movement etc…)

The MOST important shout out I want to give is to my fans. New and old. Little do most know, but I have been doing this for a long ass time. For the past few years I’ve done very little shows, put out almost no music, and yet my fan base seems to just keep growing. There is an interest circling my movement, and believe me, it is that fact that has kept me going during some very dark days. I’ve had chicks tell me I inspire them to be themselves. I’ve seen people at shows asking me to do songs from my 2007 mixtape (only 100 were ever made). It makes that little voice inside that tells me I was meant to do this…a BIG voice. It keeps me going. (One4th is one of those long time fans by the way…SO SUPER FXCKING - One4th.com

RONIN ALBUM REVIEW: Duch Dillinger "ANNABELLE RISING" (Toronto, ON)
December 15, 2014
Monday December 15, 2014
Written by RONIN

Continuing my search through Ontario's independent music scene, my search brings me to the 416, Toronto's own, the lovey Duch Dillinger. Another hard worker, she has credits in performing and 3 releases under her belt, 4 now, with the project I'm reviewing today in "Annabelle Lecter". Follow her on twitter, youtube and soundcloud to get a hold of the music, as she has no direct link. Time for the review!!

1. Annabelle Rising - The introduction of the album begins with a hard hitting, militant style beat, accompanied by a very haunting chorus announcing the arrival of elite female lyricist. 3.5/5

2. Poison - Talk about coming swingin out of the gates, after the soft beginning to the track, Duch absolutely tears through the path like an unstoppable juggernaut. Spitting with a hellfire fury, she seemlessly switches styles, including a tommygun rapid fire onslaught that I'd love to see live. Extra points for the Bel Biv Devoe love too 4.5/5

3. Bad Decisions - Riding the heavy guitar riffed production, Dillinger swoons with a soulful hook, as well, though simpler than Poison, delivers a nice flow, in attempts to get a little something for the night hours. I personally would tell her she's a little too aggresive for me (still feel she'd beat me up 3 tracks in), but does a great job with this one. 3.5/5

4. Rack$/Marleywood - This combination of short tracks hit the modern era of "turn up" style hip hop, especially in comparison with the other tracks thus far, and Duch seemingly treats them as such. Condensing both into one, spitting basic flows, it's almost like she got this out of the way, just to show she can do it if need be. Molly references, stunting, and all the things you would expect of today's hip hop are on this one. An unfortunate downturn for the project. 2/5

5. High Powered Perception - Sticking to the theme of the album, The conversation from "Silence Of The Lambs" is used, which leading into the next song, hits the desired effect.

6. Suzy Doesn't Dance - This is a incredible track, just gonna get that out there. Duch Dillinger flexes her lyrical ability, and imagination, and tells a dark tale of "Suzy", which I know that I'll spend alot of time trying to decypher every minute detail of. Almost has a horror movie vibe, with the killer like stalking the "Suzy" character plays, but Duch weaves an absolutely beautiful story full of haunting, and great atmosphere. 4/5 (she loses a point for me not getting exactly who "Suzy" is haha)

7. New Boyfriend ft K.I.D. - Following the previous entry into Annabelle Lecter, comes this slightly humorous (ok very funny) track telling what every parent with a daughter has: Bringing home the bad boy. Duch presents herself as the totally flustered, caught up girl, and the featured artist K.I.D. definitely fufills the role of the kind of guy I'm taking to the wood shed for a "stern talk" if my daughter brought him home. 3.5/5

8. Shot In The Dark - Riding a beat laced with techno synths, and a nice break for the chorus, Ms Dillinger has a mixed soliloquoy of not taking the opportunities offered to her, and the regret that can come from not doing so, and not righting a failing relationship, The vocabulary use really leaves it up to interpratation but in either case, absolutely works. Her ability to rap so soulful, and turn around and also sing at a level that matches her rapping is a definite plus. 3.5/5

9. Dr Lecter...? - Another interlude using a sample of "Silence Of The Lambs", again, going with the theme of the album name. Serves it's purpose.

10. Whole New Buzz - This track reminds me of "Poison" because it's Duch Dillinger just delivering another ballistic flurry of lyrics. Flawless switching flows, matched with a hard hitting beat, continues to keep the abum from having any real lulls. I did find however, that she was a little more subdued than she was on "Poison" but on its' own, still another great track. 3/5

11. Angels & Demons - Reachiing the closing tracks of "Annabelle Lecter", brings the most honest, introspective look at the person behind the penned bars, and fiery delivery. Describing the never ending battle between the good and evils in life, Duch reveals her motivations, and creates the most relatable track on the album do to it. The beat is very minimalist, but it gives room for Duch to do what she does best. 5/5

12. Goodnight Clarice - The closing track of the album begins with a haunting piano, followed by Duch's almost ghostly vocal singing. She fully commits to the "Annabelle Lecter" having a farewell conversation with a familiar tone similar to the sampled interludes that have been over the course of the EP. A great closer, although it did leave me wishing she played up the character more on the other tracks. 3/5

Overall: 4 out of 5 (GREAT LISTEN AND PURCHASE!!!!)

Completely blown away. I had no expectations, but Duch Dillinger, beat down, spit on then lit on fire any doubts I may have had going into this review. Passion, aggresion, BARS, and a beautiful voice that lends itself to the hooks, this is the full package. Out of all the musical works I've reviewed thus far, this has easily been my favorite. I can't wait for more from her and am going to make it my mission to see her live. - IceBurgh Society

The progression of ones art is hard to interpret. Clones seem to pop up everywhere. How do you develop a style in an overdeveloped market like Hip-Hop? Duch Dillinger seems to have no trouble with that. Born and raised in Scarborough, ON, this leo is as raw as they come. Not only does she dominate the stage, often soaring over her male counterparts, she also defies any stereotype associated with being a female rapper. I specifically asked her to define for me the "cocktail" it takes to be the female on the block, going in with the boys. I tend to agree with her point of view on this completely. Having the gumption to stand up and keep going is at the top of every success story. This is one way to gain Duch Dillinger's respect. She says, "Don't underestimate or overvalue yourself. A lesson I had to learn and am still learning." Good advice. Duch Dillinger had some words of wisdom on this saying, "Do not be afraid to show who you are, and know that your power is not just in your pussy."

Duch Dillinger is easily classified as sexy, she proves with her movement that she is so much more. A George Brown graduate of fashion marketing, she considers her style another card she holds along with flow and lyrical ability. While her sound ranges from popish, to dub step style, to hard hitting hip hop chines (CHECK out New Boyfriend and then Waking Up Turnt), she is now working on a new project with complete balance. "Same stew, whole new flavour. Whole new presentation. Whole new buzz." Keep on the lookout for that in the months to come.

What's happening locally that has Duch Dillinger excited about being an artist in Canada? A ton of shit! Specifically all the platforms popping up to expose new talent. The stage for independent acts is growing like crazy, and she loves being in the thick of it all. Most of us who make music for the love of it feel fully alive when accomplishing that goal, and Duch Dillinger is no exception. So for her, the progression of her art is what keeps life worth living! Who the f*ck can argue with that? - Wonderground Magazine

The progression of ones art is hard to interpret. Clones seem to pop up everywhere. How do you develop a style in an overdeveloped market like Hip-Hop? Duch Dillinger seems to have no trouble with that. Born and raised in Scarborough, ON, this leo is as raw as they come. Not only does she dominate the stage, often soaring over her male counterparts, she also defies any stereotype associated with being a female rapper. I specifically asked her to define for me the "cocktail" it takes to be the female on the block, going in with the boys. I tend to agree with her point of view on this completely. Having the gumption to stand up and keep going is at the top of every success story. This is one way to gain Duch Dillinger's respect. She says, "Don't underestimate or overvalue yourself. A lesson I had to learn and am still learning." Good advice. Duch Dillinger had some words of wisdom on this saying, "Do not be afraid to show who you are, and know that your power is not just in your pussy."

Duch Dillinger is easily classified as sexy, she proves with her movement that she is so much more. A George Brown graduate of fashion marketing, she considers her style another card she holds along with flow and lyrical ability. While her sound ranges from popish, to dub step style, to hard hitting hip hop chines (CHECK out New Boyfriend and then Waking Up Turnt), she is now working on a new project with complete balance. "Same stew, whole new flavour. Whole new presentation. Whole new buzz." Keep on the lookout for that in the months to come.

What's happening locally that has Duch Dillinger excited about being an artist in Canada? A ton of shit! Specifically all the platforms popping up to expose new talent. The stage for independent acts is growing like crazy, and she loves being in the thick of it all. Most of us who make music for the love of it feel fully alive when accomplishing that goal, and Duch Dillinger is no exception. So for her, the progression of her art is what keeps life worth living! Who the f*ck can argue with that? - Wonderground Magazine (Vol 1 Issue 2)

RONIN ALBUM REVIEW: Duch Dillinger "ANNABELLE RISING" (Toronto, ON)
December 15, 2014
Monday December 15, 2014
Written by RONIN

Continuing my search through Ontario's independent music scene, my search brings me to the 416, Toronto's own, the lovey Duch Dillinger. Another hard worker, she has credits in performing and 3 releases under her belt, 4 now, with the project I'm reviewing today in "Annabelle Lecter". Follow her on twitter, youtube and soundcloud to get a hold of the music, as she has no direct link. Time for the review!!

1. Annabelle Rising - The introduction of the album begins with a hard hitting, militant style beat, accompanied by a very haunting chorus announcing the arrival of elite female lyricist. 3.5/5

2. Poison - Talk about coming swingin out of the gates, after the soft beginning to the track, Duch absolutely tears through the path like an unstoppable juggernaut. Spitting with a hellfire fury, she seemlessly switches styles, including a tommygun rapid fire onslaught that I'd love to see live. Extra points for the Bel Biv Devoe love too 4.5/5

3. Bad Decisions - Riding the heavy guitar riffed production, Dillinger swoons with a soulful hook, as well, though simpler than Poison, delivers a nice flow, in attempts to get a little something for the night hours. I personally would tell her she's a little too aggresive for me (still feel she'd beat me up 3 tracks in), but does a great job with this one. 3.5/5

4. Rack$/Marleywood - This combination of short tracks hit the modern era of "turn up" style hip hop, especially in comparison with the other tracks thus far, and Duch seemingly treats them as such. Condensing both into one, spitting basic flows, it's almost like she got this out of the way, just to show she can do it if need be. Molly references, stunting, and all the things you would expect of today's hip hop are on this one. An unfortunate downturn for the project. 2/5

5. High Powered Perception - Sticking to the theme of the album, The conversation from "Silence Of The Lambs" is used, which leading into the next song, hits the desired effect.

6. Suzy Doesn't Dance - This is a incredible track, just gonna get that out there. Duch Dillinger flexes her lyrical ability, and imagination, and tells a dark tale of "Suzy", which I know that I'll spend alot of time trying to decypher every minute detail of. Almost has a horror movie vibe, with the killer like stalking the "Suzy" character plays, but Duch weaves an absolutely beautiful story full of haunting, and great atmosphere. 4/5 (she loses a point for me not getting exactly who "Suzy" is haha)

7. New Boyfriend ft K.I.D. - Following the previous entry into Annabelle Lecter, comes this slightly humorous (ok very funny) track telling what every parent with a daughter has: Bringing home the bad boy. Duch presents herself as the totally flustered, caught up girl, and the featured artist K.I.D. definitely fufills the role of the kind of guy I'm taking to the wood shed for a "stern talk" if my daughter brought him home. 3.5/5

8. Shot In The Dark - Riding a beat laced with techno synths, and a nice break for the chorus, Ms Dillinger has a mixed soliloquoy of not taking the opportunities offered to her, and the regret that can come from not doing so, and not righting a failing relationship, The vocabulary use really leaves it up to interpratation but in either case, absolutely works. Her ability to rap so soulful, and turn around and also sing at a level that matches her rapping is a definite plus. 3.5/5

9. Dr Lecter...? - Another interlude using a sample of "Silence Of The Lambs", again, going with the theme of the album name. Serves it's purpose.

10. Whole New Buzz - This track reminds me of "Poison" because it's Duch Dillinger just delivering another ballistic flurry of lyrics. Flawless switching flows, matched with a hard hitting beat, continues to keep the abum from having any real lulls. I did find however, that she was a little more subdued than she was on "Poison" but on its' own, still another great track. 3/5

11. Angels & Demons - Reachiing the closing tracks of "Annabelle Lecter", brings the most honest, introspective look at the person behind the penned bars, and fiery delivery. Describing the never ending battle between the good and evils in life, Duch reveals her motivations, and creates the most relatable track on the album do to it. The beat is very minimalist, but it gives room for Duch to do what she does best. 5/5

12. Goodnight Clarice - The closing track of the album begins with a haunting piano, followed by Duch's almost ghostly vocal singing. She fully commits to the "Annabelle Lecter" having a farewell conversation with a familiar tone similar to the sampled interludes that have been over the course of the EP. A great closer, although it did leave me wishing she played up the character more on the other tracks. 3/5

Overall: 4 out of 5 (GREAT LISTEN AND PURCHASE!!!!)

Completely blown away. I had no expectations, but Duch Dillinger, beat down, spit on then lit on fire any doubts I may have had going into this review. Passion, aggresion, BARS, and a beautiful voice that lends itself to the hooks, this is the full package. Out of all the musical works I've reviewed thus far, this has easily been my favorite. I can't wait for more from her and am going to make it my mission to see her live. - IceBurgh Society