Illegibility Mistakable: Mr AKA Amazing talks about the release of his new record

My name is Duane, but on stage they call me Mr AKA AMAZING. I do my own music and record it using an app on my phone.

I first started making my own music during lockdown because I was bored at home and there wasn't anything else to do. My mum kept telling me to turn it down, but I didn't care. She’s just not into music and prefers to sit down and watch telly. But when I showed my music to people at The Gate, they said they liked it very much and told me to do more.

They hooked me up with lots of concerts and helped me to get in touch with people to book me for live performances. I've done loads of gigs since: Croydon, Cafe Oto, Supernormal Festival, Horse Hospital, Bubble Club, too many to mention really. So far, I've released two CDs and one vinyl record. My fans love my performances and dance. Sometimes they complain that things get too hot though.

I'd love to go somewhere like Bristol because they understand my kind of music. I want to pass my style on to new people.

Why have I made this record now…

I met Charlie at Cafe Oto who runs a record label called Collapsing Drums. He came chatting to me after a gig and asked me if I'd be interested in releasing something on his label. He releases Hip Hop and experimental music.

It came as a surprise and felt great as I know my music is good, so I gave him my email and we started to plan things. He later came to The Gate to work on the cover artwork with me which turned out beautiful.

I liked Charlie a lot. He is kind, funny and friendly. He's been to a few of my gigs since I met him.

What inspires my music?

I'm inspired by people and other artists, like Hip Hop and RnB. Sometimes listening to experimental music helps me to get my music going.

I sing and talk about my feelings, how I feel, and usually I type lyrics straight into my phone late at night when I think about my life. It's good to show feelings. A lot of people come up to me after my shows and tell me that they know what I'm talking about and thank me for putting my thoughts to music.

Having a learning disability makes life difficult sometimes, but singing about it helps me and makes me feel good about myself. I hope it helps other people with disabilities too, and it's good to share the love.

It makes me feel stronger and helps my mind to write a good track and to get lots of great feedback.

How The Gate support me and my music…

I've been coming to The Gate for over ten years, and the staff have always been there for me.

They take me for who I am and always encourage me to try new things.

They take me to art shows and gigs, and I always learn a lot about things I wouldn't know about without them.

With my record they helped me with emails, artwork, talking to people, and explaining things I wasn't sure about. They never give up on me or anyone else. We'd be lost without The Gate! I wouldn't know what we'd do without them! I wouldn't even be doing my music, I'd just be sitting down watching telly with my mum, and she'd get annoyed with me.

How people can get a copy of my new record…

You can buy my record directly from me for £35 or get a great deal either by buying it on BandCamp or on Instagram for just £12!
But, even better is to come to one of my gigs and buy a copy there.