We were lucky to catch up with Derrick T. Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Derrick T. , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Back when I was 4 years old, I saw the film “Mommie Dearest” and after I watched it, I knew I wanted to be in the world of entertainment, With my mom and late father being involved in the music industry, it was destined for me to do it, It’s in my blood. About 15 years ago, I took a hard look in the mirror one morning and said “if you’re going to do this, you better get to it now.” So I did and the rest is history.
Derrick T. , 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 grew up in Newark, NJ, I have 6 sisters and I participated in sports and competed in the drum and bugle corps activity for 15 years with Spirit of Newark and the 6-Time DCA/DCI All Age World Champions Bushwackers. I taught percussion in the marching arts for many years. The activity helped shape the person that I am today and I’m so grateful for my instructors that instilled the value of hard work and never accepting mediocrity and to always hold yourself to a higher standard everyday.
I got into the entertainment industry in January 2010. I began taking acting classes and once I was done, I started sending out for auditions. I booked my very first acting job in New York City for a film called “Chess Boxing” directed by Rafick Khan. Since then I’ve appeared in films such as “Man On A Ledge”, Creed”, “Where Hearts Lie” and television shows such as “A Perfect Murder” and “Homicide City”. Being in the film and television industry opened doors for me to start my music career, launch my own independent music label, launch my podcast, being signed to a major podcast network, be involved in the wrestling business as a ring announcer and even launch my own merchandise store.
My online store shop.derricktlewis.com which is powered by Bonfire.com, is centered around my company/brand Lew Siete Music. I sell t-shirts, hoodies, coffee mugs, tote bags and its to promote The D-Lew Podcast, my record “Every Second (Make It Count) which is the official Lew Siete Music anthem, and motivational quotes.
What sets me apart from others is how versatile my brand is and what it represents. I get to do things that I absolutely love. Think about it, on my podcast I talk about pro wrestling with my co-host Gabi, interview pro wrestlers and I also interview people who are in mixed martial arts, the music and film/television industry. I got to cover WWE WRESTLEMANIA 39 in Los Angeles in 2023 and the inaugural Fanatics Fest NYC in August 2024 as part of the media representing The D-Lew Podcast and BLEAV Network. I’m involved in the pro wrestling industry as a ring announcer with ECWA and Monster Factory. By the way, I am featured in an award winning docuseries that’s on Apple TV called “Monster Factory”. I recently put out a single called “Make It Count….and Vote and I’m currently working on an EDM EP which is going to be a blast to listen to once it’s finished.
What I am most proud of was when someone reached out to me to let me know that my song/music video “Selfish Pride” that I released in 2016 allowed her to heal from a recent break up once she saw the music video. I’m also most proud of actually being signed to BLEAV Network 2 weeks after I re-launched The D-Lew Podcast after a 9 year hiatus. Lastly, I’m most proud of winning Best Music Video at the Cosmic Film Festival in the Summer of 2022 for my music video “Every Second (Make It Count)”. Having these kind of things happen to me is pretty cool and lets me know that you never know who’s watching.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The rewarding aspect of doing what I do is the freeing feeling knowing you can make the impossible, possible. I can formulate an idea and brainstorm on what I think could work. That process could take time, but I’d rather put out quality work rather than rush through it. I talk to mentors and people I trust to get their opinion and suggestions in conjunction with my ideas. Of course there’s changes to be made along the way but you’re bringing out the best of the idea and the unlimited potential it has to be something special. I apply that to my music, podcast episodes and designs I create for the products I sell on the online merchandise store.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
You will be told “no” A LOT!!!! Truthfully, people must understand that what they’re doing is apart of the journey. Never compare your journey to anyone else’s. You will constantly be let down and frustrated doing that. Set small and achievable goals and build on that. Observe what works, what doesn’t work in the space you’re in and make it your own. Also, celebrate those victories big or small. It’s totally ok to do that.
What I’m about to say is a bit harsh, but it’s reality and I had to find out the hard way; don’t depend on your friends and family to support you in your business endeavors. You will be disappointed. Don’t market to them. Market to total strangers and build from there. That’s how you get out of your comfort zone and branch out to do some cool things. Engage with them and they’ll support it especially if it’s good.
NETWORK!!! Social media is your friend when used right. Feel free to engage with people who are in the same space as you to build those relationships. I’ve benefited from networking and because of that, I was able to collaborate with recording artists, podcasts, worked for several wrestling promotions and appeared in movies and tv shows too.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://derricktlewis.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/therealdtlew
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/derricktlewisofficialpage
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-t-lewis-82848352/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/therealdtlew
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/therealdtlew
Image Credits
Justin Cotterell (Electric Sleep Images)
Den Sweeney
Veeto Williams
Reese Fitch (Fitchin Media)
Dorian Ash
Eric DeTorres (Yoshi Photography)