We recently connected with Dazz “King Honey” Murry and have shared our conversation below.

Dazz “King Honey”, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

As a queer black woman and Arkansas native, I never saw representation or encountered relatable backgrounds in art forms that interested me, specifically in music. I remember being 6 years old when my Dad took me to my first parade and how infectious the Drumline was. My goodness, I heard and FELT the percussion section before I saw them and it lit a fire in me that has yet to burn out.

That started my journey as a musician! I started as a drummer and as I explored music I explored more instruments. Rock had my heart first!

Since, I’ve always felt drawn to rock music with energetic drums, sporadic guitar riffs.. I believe it’s the freedom and privilege of taking up space, sometimes recklessly, that I appreciated. Day in and out I’d dive into rock bands, mostly punk, and they all seemed similar. The space consisted of white guys, casual clothes, and sometimes outlandish lyrics. It was cool, but why didn’t anyone look like me? How can I be a part of this world that I loved, but wasn’t included in? So my love from music grew from feeling amazing to seeing a larger desire to be a part of something much bigger than me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Howdy, I’m Dazzmin “King Honey” Murry, Emmy-nominated, multi-hyphenate creative who advocates for artists while reaching new heights in my own endeavors. Since 2010, I’ve found comfort in Rock-n-Roll and “rebellious” music as I transitioned from Baptist Church drummer to rock artist and multi-genre producer.
I’ve been able to exist in spaces as my authentic self while representing everything some have tried to discredit and discard, fueling my “live liberated” mantra that drives me and inspires others.
As a performing artist, producer, and photographer I approach art from multiple angles focused on my perspective as a marginalized (Queer, Black, Female) artist from the South.

While performing, I’ve established entities and systems to address voids that I saw in my home state of Arkansas. Those businesses include:
Creators’ Village, a 501c3 art-based organization, that provides programs, workshops, and residencies to Arkansas-based creatives through collaboration, education, and networking opportunities. The mission of Creators’ Village is to provide accessible resources, inclusive spaces, and community support for the sustainability of Arkansas-based creatives through collaboration, education, and networking opportunities.
Yellow Velvet Studios, a 2x Emmy Nominated creative agency that works with clients globally. Offering services such as branding, strategy, storytelling via film, digital media, and audio and cultural advising.

I’m most proud of all that I’ve been able to build, not just for myself, but for other creatives who look like me and/or share the drive and desires to create in a world that doesn’t always offer us the same intentionality and beauty in return.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I’ve had the opportunity to witness firsthand both the challenges and opportunities that artists and creatives face in our society. Here are some ways that society can best support artists and cultivate a thriving creative ecosystem:

Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting diversity and inclusion within the arts is essential for ensuring that all voices are represented and heard. This includes supporting artists from marginalized communities, promoting equitable opportunities for artists of all backgrounds, and fostering a culture of inclusivity within arts organizations and institutions.

Investment in Arts Education: Providing accessible and comprehensive arts education from an early age is essential. This includes both in-school programs and community initiatives that expose children to various forms of art and creative expression. By fostering creativity and nurturing talent early on, we can lay the foundation for future generations of artists.

Access to Affordable Spaces: Providing affordable spaces for artists to live, work, and showcase their creations is essential for fostering a vibrant creative community. This includes affordable housing for artists, subsidized studio spaces, and access to venues for performances, exhibitions, and rehearsals.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew more about grants specifically from foundations & endowments. I’ve recently started being intentional about seeking out grant and funding opportunities for projects and while it is a task applying, I am starting to see some success with not only receiving funding, but communicating my art and stance as an artists to consumers and new fans!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.YellowVelvetstudios.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekinghoneyofficial/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dazzmin-murry-44959b213/

Image Credits
Photos with white background – Jen Missouri Photo in studio with guitars – Trent Meeks Photo outside with red guitar – Ricci