Growing up with hip-hop, Ewan David Alman aka Da Brakes developed an early taste for the rap scene. Artists such as Michael Jackson and 2 Pac have inspired him, but it must be said that his biggest influence has been Will Smith.
Da Brakes began rapping at the age of fourteen when he was asked to perform a song for a music class at his school. He soon took a keen interest for the rap scene and decided to take this new found hobby more seriously. He entered his first competition which was held at The Hackney Empire and overcame the odds to win 1st prize in his category as well as the overall best talent.
Now 21, Da Brakes hasn’t looked back and has been involved in numerous events including a charity concert for Comic Relief organised by him and two other friends.
Other shows include:
– Rapology 2001
– Rapology 2002
– Urban Voice 2001
– UK Explosion
– Tottenham Festival
– A Variety Night and Open Mic Session
– Search For A Star
– Starlounge
And many more personal appearances across London.
As well as an up and coming rapper, Da Brakes is also a keen actor. He has appeared numerous times on TV in programmes such as:
– The Bill (ITV)
– Spooks (BBC1)
– William and Mary (ITV)
Da Brakes has just released his first album ‘Business As Usual’ which is available to purchase through his official website www.dabrakes.com
Press quotes:
“outstanding and ingenious performance" – Hackney Empire Judges
“comes across as a reflective person – who unlike many his age, doesn’t seem to be too in love with the hype being created about him” – Hybridlab.org
“My advice is to keep your eyes peeled because Da Brakes is pulling out all the stops. Promising. Very promising.” – The Universe