Recording artist Dèja Destinèe from New Jersey sits down with TGWEWON's Du'Lanci Vallie for a more in depth interview regarding career moves and future plans. Read the full interview and get to know this upcoming artist.
How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?
The internet in my opinion, has been both a gift and a curse for artist. It’s a gift because it gives us, as creatives the opportunity to be seen by a universal audience right from our homes. I say a curse because we have gotten so used to convenience that many artist feel they don't need to be outside networking anymore. Yes, social media is a great way to market yourself but as an up and coming artist you need to be outside everywhere, being seen and in the mix!
If you wasn't in the music business or industry, what do you think you would be doing with your life instead?
If I wasn’t making music I would have an all ladies barbershop. Something similar to Hooters but with haircuts. I went to cosmetology and barber school after high school and that has always been my business plan as I continue becoming more successful.
Do you prefer the Independent route or would you rather sign to a major record label, and why?
Currently, my team and I are independent. There are so many resources available these days for artists and Indie labels to be successful without a major record deal. I feel like having the backing of an established label, once you already have a fan base, music charting etc can be a great thing! If a label comes along and agrees to give me creative control of my career and the offer is right for my team, I would definitely consider it. Until then, we will continue to work hard, remain productive and stay consistent!
Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I’ve performed at so many great places, some stages large and some small. My favorite stage so far was definitely the Apollo Theater. The energy of my #Dè1s was AMAZING and the stage leaves so much room for me to put on a show! I'm not a fan of small stages too much because I usually will have my dancers and I'm very high energy when performing so I need space on stage.
Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who's interested in pursuing a career in music?
Currently, the goal is to work hard for YOU so you don’t have to do the “hard work” for anyone else. For any artist, you have to build your name and get to a point where people want to pay you for features and appearances. I’ve been doing hair since I was 10 years old to help me have the freedom to do music AND get money. I would tell anyone who wants to pursue music that you don’t have to be a broke artist. Nothing is wrong with working until you make it! HUSTLE! Don’t look at these bigger artists like they were born rich because they weren’t. They had to work hard first too.
What is the story behind your band name/stage name?
Dèja Destinèe is my stage name and my real first and middle name. My older sister named me Dèja after Tyra Banks’ character “Deja” from the movie “Higher Learning”. The name Destinèe came from my Grandma Gloria who passed a few months before I was born. It’s actually pronounced Des-tin-aye instead of Des-tin-y because she wanted me to be different. I’m glad she made that call.
What is your latest release and where fans can find it?
We just dropped 3 new singles titled “How”, “Choose” and “30’s”. You can find my music by searching Dèja Destinèe on any streaming platform and be sure to follow my IG @dejadestineeofficial
To all my new #Dè1s welcome to the gang!
