We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deja Simpson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Deja, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project that I have worked on is a Single Release called “Tie My Hands”. This song was inspired by the transitioning of my little brother due to gun violence in my community of the Bronx, New York. This unfortunate event is what motivated me to take my career as a Performing Artist seriously and be brave enough to follow my dreams because my little brother did not get that opportunity. The song is a love letter to every little boy and little girl growing up with the challenges that Urban inner cities bring; rising above it in self-love and free expression.

Deja, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Growing up, I was very creative and knew I wanted to be in the Entertainment industry. I graduated from “Barbizon” modeling and acting school when I was 7 years old. In 2nd grade, I was on the choir playing the recorder and singing for School performances. At home, I enjoyed playing dress up, dancing, writing songs, singing, and rapping with my Casio keyboard. My cousin had a home studio, so we constantly created songs for fun.

In 2018, as an adult I performed for an open mic for the first time. The feeling on stage and feedback I got was so special that I continued to perform from that point on. The song I performed was called “Tie My Hands”. I wrote this piece relating to losing my little brother to gun violence at only 17 years old. His passing motivated me to follow my dreams and be the performer I always wanted to be.

Five years later, I play the Medicine Drum, Rap, Sing, Dance and Teach in these same disciplines. I embody free expression and the release of emotions into an art form that can be healing for self and others. My mission is to share vulnerable stories to encourage others to release any shame and doubt that could have been conditioned through child-hood trauma. What sets me apart from others is my energy and bubbly personality. I am ambitious and resilient in the work I do; traveling as far as Africa to teach youth English using my Medicine Drum and Rap. My passion has awarded me many opportunities in a short amount of time as well as my ability to connect with others. With my artistry, I will continue to bring healing and free expression everywhere I go.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I am driven by youth. My goal is to deduce child-hood trauma and provide safe spaces for children to express themselves. Growing up in the Bronx, New York I have seen many deaths, mental illnesses, and addictions before the age of 10 years old. Experiencing different forms of child-hood trauma led to suppression in my own experience, even to the point of underage drinking and alcohol abuse, that led me to being hospitalized for 5 days. If there were more positive role models, community centers and activities to do in my neighborhood, I believe there would’ve been a different outcome. I am inspired to be the leader for change my community showing youth that you can follow your dreams and make a full-filling living out of it.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe that society can create more paid opportunities for artists and creatives, and funding for projects that will create a positive impact on our communities.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bubbleszthecreative
• Linkedin: Linkedin.com/dejasimpson333
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/bubbleszthecreative