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

Durant, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The visual for my most recent single ‘(Please) Don’t Forget About Me’, which was directed by Tim Winter is the most meaningful thing I’ve created and released in a long time. It features the amazing local poet/author Carlos ‘Peauxetic’ Harleaux. The song is based on moments from my life in 2021 so every lyric is real. To be more specific, it’s about how I grew feelings for someone and decided to express it to that special person, but I was rejected. Out of hurt from that rejection, the song was created. I had no intention of doing new music and especially a new music video for a long time. The crazy thing about creating is that you really have no say-so as to when things will happen if you’re the creator. The video was supposed to happen about three months ago, but due to my own personal issues it was delayed several times. Finally, we were able to create an emotional music video that I’m proud of. It’s like having my emotions out there in the open for everyone on YouTube. It’s great though to showcase that it’s okay to be vulnerable, express how you feel, and leave the door open for the one you like/love if that’s what you want to do. Hopefully, it will inspire others to open up more and express the love they have for someone whether it’s accepted or rejected.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a singer, songwriter, producer, and actor from the DFW area. I’ve performed in many professional theater shows in the past 20 years. Right now, I am focused on creating more music for myself as well as other artists like Natasha Wells, who recently released a song I wrote called ‘Confounded Love (Release Me)’. I wouldn’t consider myself in the “industry” because I feel that I’m in my own lane doing what I want.
I’m proud to be a singer who can create songs from scratch. I understand that it is a gift and I am grateful to have it. I would never take it for granted. Songs like “Rose-Colored Glasses”, “(Please) Don’t Forget About Me”, “No Pressure”, and “Timeless” are songs that I’ve written. Sometimes I listen to them in awe. It’s a reminder that I’ve been given a gift that should be used to spread love and make people feel things, not make music and perform just to be popular.
I’m getting into creating jingles. My first jingle is called “Follie Pop Jingle”, which is for a hair growth serum of the same name. I’m excited to do more jingles for different companies in the future.
My goal is to inspire others in whatever way I can through my art. It may be corny to some, but it’s really important because if I don’t inspire others or make some sort of difference then I feel my talent(s) are useless.

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

Well, I don’t believe people are obligated to support anyone if they don’t want to. However, if you love and want to support certain music artists then my first view would be not to stream their songs, buy the songs. I don’t know about any other artists, but I get less than a penny for each stream. It’s depressing at times especially since as an artist you will spend hundreds of dollars on studio time, another on mixing and mastering, then another to release it, another to hire musicians for live shows, and more for a video. I haven’t made money from my music, I’ve invested with no return yet. So, I’d dare anyone to say I don’t love it. Streaming is a rip-off to artists so buying the songs, showing up to gigs, and buying merchandise if they have it is the best way to support music artists, in my opinion.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It’s crazy (in a good way) when I get messages about how a song I’ve created helped someone get through something. It’s something you think is only told to celebrity musicians. I recently received a message from a guy who loved my song “Damaged.” because he could relate to it. That was a song I did for myself really not thinking anyone would care because it was so sad. The fact that he said it made him cry when I sang “I’m not okay” in the song moved me because I do music sometimes thinking people may not even listen to the songs. I hope they will. When they listen and relate to it, that’s a bonus.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://durantsearcy.hearnow.com/please-don’t-forget-about-me
• Instagram: Durant.Searcy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/durantsearcy

Image Credits
Durant Searcy