We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deshawn Rivers. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DeShawn below.
DeShawn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
My first introduction to music production was in college when I joined a student organization for electronic producers and DJs. We would meet every week and show our various projects. From this, I learned how to write and produce music from endless experimentation and chasing the fun. It was a highly unstructured process but ultimately essential to my growth because I would not have continued pursuing the craft if the beginnings were filled with rigorous study. The most essential skills I developed were proficiency with Ableton, my digital audio workstation (DAW) of choice, and learning recording techniques. The main obstacle that stood in my way was myself. Feelings of self-doubt have a way of halting progress. In my personal experience, I have found the most growth when I have full confidence in my ability to learn. Once that is satisfied, I will find a way to achieve my learning goals.
DeShawn, 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?
I am a recording artist from Tallahassee, FL, and currently based on the west coast in Seattle, WA. My music is a reflection of who I am as a person and serves as a timestamp of that chapter. The purpose I have brought to my life is to connect and inspire others to do the same. I have spent a large portion of my life feeling disconnected and isolated from others and it is through love that I have found the courage to live authentically. That is a feeling I want to share with others.
Sonically, I am inspired by a wide range of acts, including Tyler the Creator, Mac Ayres, Daniel Caesar, Boyz II Men, and Dijon. The list is endless, as I am always finding new music to listen to and dissect. For example, a recent musical obsession I was put on to is the Dots and Loops album by Stereolab. My musical style has also evolved as I continue to grow. In the beginning, I exclusively made rap music, culminating in my album “growing up is hard, that’s why i don’t”. As the years continue I have found myself gravitating towards more soulful R&B sounds which has been reflected in my last two EPs “Sunday” and “Lavender.” I like to tell friends that this change is aligned with me becoming more chill as a person. In the future, I plan to cultivate this sound further and come to my music with more authenticity.
What I am most proud of are the moments when listeners come to me in person and tell me lines that resonate and connect with them. Music has been always been a medium for expression so to see others connect deeply with anything I make showcases alignment with my purpose.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The purpose I bring to my life is to connect with others and to inspire them to do the same.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being in a constant state of becoming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://deshawnrivers.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsdeshawnrivers
- Twitter: https://x.com/itsdeshawnr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1-NobIKtj8gQ1PxZUYwYvg
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/deshawnrivers
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsdeshawnrivers
Image Credits
Personal Photo – Kenneth Theophin