Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deejay Young. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Deejay, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was leave my college education, in an effort to pursue a full-time career in entertainment. I graduated my fine arts High School with the intent to major in English & minor in Theatre. Once I got to my college, by default, I went to what my natural instincts were, by way of my high school environment, & dove right into networking with different organizations in the school, as well as out as outside of the school as it pertains to Music, Entertainment, & the Arts. As big as my college was, I was known by most of the campus for – my music, my talent, & ability as an artist. I began creating more than I ever had at that time. I created what would be known later in my life as my first album as a recording artist, as well as built my first YouTube Channel. Slowly, the thoughts of “what if?” & “what am I doing with my life?” started to creep in, along with a stranger I’d never met prior to this experience – depression. I battled these decisions daily & entered one of the darkest seasons in my life thus far. It wasn’t until I spoke with my dearest Nana (my grandmother/Mom’s mother who we sadly lost in April of this year.) Nana, as only she could say in the most sincere voice spoke to me “baby, come home. Your Mom & everyone else will understand.” Tears rolled down my face & a calmness took over my entire body. She knew from the sound of my voice what I’d been dealing with. She knew my passion was to be creating art & performing like I’d always dreamed of. That was my dream. My Nana had always supported me & my love for the craft, & I’ll forever credit her for giving me the courage to follow my heart & have the conversation with my parents to leave my college after a year, & pursue my dream. After this, I moved back home in Tampa, FL & all of the pieces began to align. I got signed to my first label & distribution deal with Universal Music Group, & even though things didn’t work out the way I’d hoped, I didn’t give up & shortly after, made Orlando, FL my home, where I signed my first contract with Walt Disney Entertainment in the show Disney Channel Rocks at Hollywood Studios. Door after door continued to open & I was privileged enough to open doors for actors/singers of color for opportunities in shows not only at Disney, but other theme parks in the central Florida area. I received an invitation to open an R&B vocal show in Osaka, Japan for a year, & also come back to Orlando & perform in several professional musical theatre productions in the area. Fast forward to today, I am grateful to be in one of the biggest musical shows in the world, (and my dream show) HAMILTON. It’s been a blessing to travel the world, as well as live my dream. I’m currently unsigned to a label, but I am an independent artist, self-distributing & promoting my original music, which to date, has garnered multiple Awards, a peak #4 spot on the U.S. R&B albums chart, as well as Top 100 positions on the U.S. Global Chart for Albums Worldwide on iTunes. I’ve manifested all of these things, but none of it has come easily. I’ve had to make difficult decisions, & overcome several obstacles on the journey which is far from over. Nonetheless, it was all worth it, & it’s all shaped the man & artist that I am today.

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?

My very first introduction to the business was a Gospel-theatrical play that I was a supporting actor in as a young kid. I was about 5 years old & toured with my family during the Summers until I basically got too old to play the role. Once I did get older, I began to create music on my own – experimenting with sounds & producing and writing my own music. Later, this evolved into finding my own sound & releasing music on my own. This process helped me find my voice & own who I truly am artistically. A lot of creatives try to fit into a mold or do what they think others will like. I had to really learn what being ME really was. I think that’s what sets me apart from other artists. Also, because I am not only a writer, recording artist, but also an actor, I’ve learned to trust my abilities & what makes me a unique talent. I’ve worked diligently to create quality work, although I’m not backed by a major label- I work twice as hard to make my work speak for itself – from the promotion to the writing. I’m proud of the leaps & bounds I’ve become to be my most authentic self & I implore other aspiring artists to do the same.

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

There is so much out there to explore. There are MANY artists of many cultures & tastes. Specifically in my genre, (R&B), its often said that it is “dead”. I strongly disagree, & I know that there are so many amazing artists who are sharing their stories. I want society to SUPPORT artists. ESPECIALLY independent artists like myself who are pushing the culture forward. We need your support, & part of supporting us is supporting the work. Streaming is amazing, but most streaming platforms aren’t designed with the artist in mind – only the curator. BUY artists albums. The way the world listens to music is different & forever changing, but one thing we can always do it support the artists we want to hear.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artistic/creative is the power to provoke change & inspire generations of people from all walks of life. There’s an essential responsibility that artists carry & I take it seriously, especially as a creative of color. It’s always been a dream of mine to be a member of the Recording Academy, & I am extremely humbled to be among many amazing industry peers, in this year’s class. As a new member, I strive to make it a mission to shed light onto a myriad of artists who look like me, who feel unseen, & to create more of a space for independent artists’ voices to be heard.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.DeejayYoung.com
• Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/WhoIzDeejayYoung
• Facebook: http:/www.Facebook.com/OfficialDeejayYoung
• Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DeejayYoung
• Youtube: http://www.Youtube.com/WhoIzDeejayYoung
• Other: Discover & Download the latest music by Deejay Young: The Studio Album PRIMITIVE is available everywhere now: http://smarturl.it/primitivealbum/ The Live Album, THE PRIMITIVE SESSIONS: LIVE is now available on all digital outlets at: http://smarturl.it/deejayyoungps

Image Credits
Images by Jonathan James (@jonathanjmassey) & Jonathan James Photography (@jonathanjamesphotos)