Ratu Viliame Dautei better known as “Bill”, the dynamic drummer and lead singer of InsideOut in Fiji, is making a significant impact in Fiji’s music scene with a unique blend of creativity and cultural representation. In a recent interview, Dautei shared insights into the band’s collaborative songwriting process and his personal approach to music creation.
The Formation of InsideOut
Apakuki Nalawa famously known as “Kuki,” played an essential role in the
creation of InsideOut, bringing together musicians who shared a passion for music and storytelling.
Initially starting out with just three members—Nalawa on electric guitar and lead vocals, Semesa Vilise (Mesa) on cajon, later switched to the electric guitar, and Timothy Solomon (Tim) on bass—the band faced challenges such as limited resources and a lack of practice space. However, their determination and resilience led them to become an internationally recognized band under Resonance Entertainment Fiji.
Bill Dautei joined the band shortly after its inception, adding depth with his
drumming skills. His arrival marked a turning point for InsideOut, allowing them to expand their musical range and explore various genres. The band quickly gained traction in the local live music scene, developing a loyal fan base.
InsideOut thrives on collaboration, with members working together to craft their songs. However, Bill has a distinct method for his own compositions; he often
isolates himself to find inspiration. When faced with a creative block, he resorts to jotting down random words and phrases that come to mind, a technique that helps unlock fresh ideas for new songs.
Messages for the Younger Generation
Bill emphasized that their music is rich with life lessons and messages aimed at younger audiences. A notable example is their song “Yalomatua,” which serves
as a means of giving back to the community. The evolution of InsideOut’s music reflects changing trends, transitioning from traditional ballads like “Yadra Mai” to more contemporary vude-style tracks such as their latest release “Tovata,” showcasing their adaptability in the ever-changing music industry.
Promoting Fijian Culture Globally
As the band prepares for international tours, Bill recognizes their role in
promoting Fijian culture on a global stage. He believes that how they present
themselves as musicians directly influences the world’s perception of Fiji. Their slogan, “Fiji to The World,” encapsulates this mission, highlighting their
commitment to showcasing the Fijian culture and heritage through music.
Performance Dynamics
Before going on stage, InsideOut engages in a pep talk to remind themselves of their journey, reflect on how far they’ve come, and motivate one another. Bill humorously noted that during performances, he recites in his head continuously, “Don’t mess it up,” reflecting on past mistakes which he learnt to successfully camouflage mid-performance with time.
As a full-time artist, Bill faces the challenge of balancing his musical career with family responsibilities. He believes effective time management is key to maintaining this balance. His appreciation for “good music,” regardless of the genre, fuels his passion for this artistry.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
Bill’s message to aspiring musicians is clear: “There are a lot of ups and downs
in the journey, but consistency and perseverance are keys to achieving it.” He
acknowledges that setbacks are part of the process but encourages newcomers to learn from these experiences and keep pushing forward.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Bill hopes to see InsideOut continue its ascent in the global music scene, with aspirations of one day reaching the Grammys. Fans can expect an abundance of new music from the band, which aims to set new standards for emerging artists.
