We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Antoine Dunn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Antoine below.

Antoine, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

When I first began my career in Cleveland, Ohio I would often attend various open mics around the city to test my new songs. One evening I performed a song called I Just Wanna Say at a place called The Kamakazi on the city’s southeast side. I happened to make a fan that night who would later introduce me to one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever worked on.

Though it didn’t come for many years, the project, Summer of Sisterhood or SOS was a community project for young women ages 12-18 years old. The eight week project was something very special, in that it not only exposed and empowered young women through the arts, but it also taught them invaluable life tools. Summer of Sisterhood was lead by executive director, Ali Black, a published author and pillar in the Cleveland literary community.

My role as music instructor was to lead team songwriting sessions with the girls, compose and produce music for the culminating CD which was produced every year. I had the honor of working on this project for a few years, and can say it was some of the most meaningful work I’ve ever done.

This work was meaningful because unlike traditional investments where you see results in your bank account or on paper, the investments into these young people is seen in them. There’s nothing better than that. It’s hard to put in words, however, this is about as close as I can get to describing the pride associated with seeing growth in young people.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Antoine Dunn and I got into the music business as a teenager. I’m from Cleveland, Ohio and am a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and music producer. Early on, I would play in bands around town while continuing to develop my sound as an original music artist and songwriter. I really fell in love with songwriting and storytelling early in my musical experiences. I imagine this was because songwriting provided an outlet for me while developing myself personally.

I’ve always been intentional about choosing artistic purity over artistic popularity while on my journey. This choice hasn’t made my journey easy, however, it has made growth in this business more meaningful for me and my listeners. If there’s anything I’m most proud of, it’s the fact that I know listeners are hearing the authentic version of me and my music when they hear the songs I’ve put out. My song, October 7th and accompanying music video seamlessly drives this point home!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, my mission is to amplify the amount of positive songs about love that are exposed to society on a regular basis. I truly believe that as creators, we hold a tremendous amount social responsibility with the work that we create. Our work has the power to influence people, and for that reason, we as creators have to be absolutely sure that our represents a world that we’d like to live in. The world is in a delicate place and needs as many injections of love and positivity via art that it can take.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Music is so powerful that it can change and influence people. I believe that society should take a moment to reposition the way we value art and all its power, especially music. A thriving creative ecosystem is only possible with intentional financial support. If there’s an artist you love, be vocal about it, buy their music, subscribe to their channels and go see them live if they have a show. More support means more music, and more music could mean more artists using their powers to make a better world. I think a better world is something we all can agree on creating.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1eaq10IRW0
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamantoinedunn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamantoinedunn/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1eaq10IRW0

Image Credits
Shane Sacket Lauren Kruse Ashley Chante Jusnik