We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Da’Dreion Murrell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Da’Dreion, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was a Foster Care Awareness Tour as an artist ambassador of Music Is Unity where I was the opening act for Earth, Wind & Fire. Music is Unity is a foster care foundation founded by Philip Bailey of EWF to help emancipated foster youth find the proper resources to start their lives. As a former foster youth myself, I was able to use the EWF platform to display my original music, artistry, and foster care journey to thousands across the country while bringing awareness to the needs of foster youth. While on tour, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at different foster care organizations in some of the cities and share my story with many foster youth as encouragement in the various programs. A group of foster youth were invited backstage on the tour to get an inside look of the music industry and what occupations are possible for them in music. Then, we took a portion of the tour proceeds and donated it to Music Is Unity to help further fund their efforts in supporting foster youth aging out of system.

Da’Dreion, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a singer, songwriter, producer, musician, and performing artist from Omaha, Nebraska! I started singing at the age of four because I was inspired by the gospel music I heard in church. As I progressed through school, I began to perform in talent shows, extracurricular school events, and eventually paid private events like weddings and cotillons. Once I graduated high school, I attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where I began to network with many incredible artists, engineers, executives, producers, creatives, etc. in music that opened many avenues for my current opportunities in the industry. As an artist, I use my music to inspire, inform, and impact my audience. What I’m most proud of about my music and artistry is I’ve found a very unique way to merge my passion for music with my passion for foster care advocacy. Through music, I’ve been able to authentically speak my truth and story while uplifting others in the process which makes my artistry effective and full of healing. It has taken a long time to be comfortable in my unique purpose, but I’m so proud to carry a message of love, inspiration, and triumph that has made a difference in so many lives.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My dream since I was child was to have my voice and music heard all over the world! I reverenced artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and James Brown so I wanted to be just like them. My goal was to perform in stadiums for thousands of people cheering and screaming my name! As a young child in foster care, I would stand on the edge of my bed and sing to my imaginary audience of fans and that image never left my mind. I’ve always known I wanted to do music in a big way so that’s been my focus since I was young no matter the disappointments, road blocks, or obstacles. Once of the greatest nuggets of advice I received was from Lionel Richie when I was a contestant on American Idol. He said, “No doesn’t mean never, it means harder!” Since he shared those special words, I’ve used that as my motivation to never give up, quit, or turn back because I know in my heart if I just keep working I will see the fruits of my labor.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I am a husband and a father of two little girls who provides for his family solely from music or music related occupations which means the well being of my family depends on how hard I work. Every single week, I’m out gigging, performing, teaching, rehearsing, and traveling to ensure my family is taken care of while still trying to take my career to another level all at the same time. I fight through the no’s, disappointments, and failed opportunities because of two things; 1. I have a family who is depending on me to provide for their every need and 2. This career is the one thing I’ve wanted my entire life. So I’m willing to take one thousands no’s until I get that one yes that changes my life, career, and family. If that’s not resilience and dedication, I don’t know what is!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dreion.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreionation/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreionation/
• Twitter: https://x.com/dreionation
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DREION