FOUR WALLS: BOB VYLAN

Four walls. One artist.

As musicians, performers and creatives are now stuck at home, it’s harder than ever to stay creative. We wanted to find out how they're staying motivated. What’s inspiring them to keep creating. And what’s driving them forward.

An artist that felt like he never fitted in, Bob Vylan credits his early years as an “outsider” with making him resilient. Mixing elements of different genres, he does it without conforming to their rules. DM’s chats with the grime-punk artist about staying inspired, ambition and what Docs means to him.

What influences your work? Have you adapted the way that you’re finding inspiration?

Not really. The lyrics are heavily inspired by life experiences and I have a lifetime of experiences to draw on, and every day I wake up I have new ones. Obviously because we’re all in lock down there aren’t any physical interactions taking place with other people which can be helpful for inspiration but it can strike at any moment, sometimes it’s just a case of waiting.

What do you want to achieve over the course of your career? Biggest ambitions?

There are goals and things we wish to achieve in and outside of music but we don’t really discuss them publicly. I find it’s better to work on them privately and let your results speak for you.

Tell us about your favourite pair of Docs. What would your dream pair look like?

I enjoy my Cherry Red Vegan 1490 High boots. They look dope, the colour is pretty striking and they’re animal friendly which is always gonna be a plus. My dream pair would be a custom job to match one of the jackets I’ve painted. Maybe I should customise a pair now that I'm sat at home.

“MY LYRICS ARE HEAVILY INSPIRED BY LIFE EXPERIENCES AND I HAVE A LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCES TO DRAW ON. EVERY DAY I WAKE UP I HAVE NEW ONES”

How are you staying creative?

By simply getting up and creating. Even if the outcome is not something I’ll use, it’s all part of the process and it might lead to something worthwhile as the process continues.