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

DELANEY A., appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I am currently working on my debut studio album (will announce album name soon). This project has been one the most fulfilling and meaningful body of works yet. My album will explain my growth and development, as a black artist, woman, sister, daughter, and leader expressing my importance of freedom, purpose and confidence in self while also finding my way in life, love and lyricism. I have songs dating back from 2018 to now that will be on the album; so this has been a special process for me as I’ve been whole heartedly working and crafting my art for this project for 5 plus years now. Each song highlights the timing and the risk taking journey of my artistry and life experiences from childhood leading up to where I am currently at in womanhood. I’ve have taken the time and steps to get my life in pure alignment with how I express myself in my art by removing fears, anxiety, self doubt and social pressures that were hidden but massive in my livelihood. Ultimately, I plan to bring forth light, mistakes, authenticity, inspiration, peace, poetry, relationships, fun and the love I rediscovered within myself to inspire others to find in themselves. This meaningful project of mine is helping me learn the essence of becoming a progressive and independent business artist. I am so happy to be working on my upcoming album and I cannot wait to release it in year 2024. Stay tuned.

DELANEY A., 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?

My name is DeLaney A. Yancey and I am a recording artist, educator, culture influencer, thought leader, and entrepreneur. I am originally from Wisconsin; raised in St. Louis, MO and others states throughout the Midwest. I have held many stage names in my music career; formally known as Troy Fayola and (DScholar – during my college years). I have been musically inclined since my child hood years. My mother enrolled my siblings and I into music classes and from there we learned how to play several instruments and read sheet music throughout our school years. Music and education has definitely played a crucial role in my life as it has helped my family get through school and life. I started to pursue my music career during my college years at Michigan State University. I would do spoken word poetry and perform at open mic nights on campus. One of my highlights while at MSU was being invited to headline campus shows; which ultimately led me to open up for Tobe Nwigwe.

I am currently a rising independent business artist and proud that I have recently established my music and media publishing company, Culture Catalog, in 2022. My goal is to create workshops and opportunities to help other independent artists become registered artists, learn publishing and royalty rights, open business accounts to fund and invest in their music career and more. I want those who support me to know that I am here to express my artistic and leadership abilities through my music, teachings as an educator, artist and entrepreneur.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I recently made a huge pivot in my life when I decided to rebrand and change my stage name from Troy Fayola to my birth name, DeLaney A. Yancey. This was a critical decision for me artistically and professionally, being thought that most people know me as Troy; but I personally felt it was time to represent me thoroughly and authentically. I am happy that I made this decision mainly because I am rediscovering myself, not only as an artist but as a person. I am very much at peace with my former stage name and I am proud of my evolution and previous works as Troy Fayola. I believe in graduating from life situations and journeys and understand that change is necessary. Moving forward, I am ready to use my God given gift and abilities all while officially acknowledging and using my God given name, DeLaney A. Yancey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to create, own, and invest in my art and brand as an artist and business owner. Launching my music publishing company was one of the most purposeful decisions I’ve made because I am planting lucrative seeds that will help me in the long term as an entrepreneur. In addition to owning my works, having the God-given gifts and natural ability to create songs that reflect my life experiences is very fulfilling to me. Bringing my works and vision to life as an independent music artist, as well as being able to inspire and empower people with my music and impact, are some of the factors that motivate me to continue in my career as a musician influencer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/culturecatalog
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdelaneyyancey/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DELANEYYANCEY

Image Credits
1. AWESTBROOK PRODUCTIONS 2. R3BIRTH PRODUCTIONS 3. SIMO VISUALS 4. AMPD OFFICIAL – NEO ELITE