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

Dyra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

There are so many vivid memories that I have about being a young performer and loving it. My youngest memories go back as far as kindergarten. The first was when I was chosen for yje lead role as the baby bird in a play adaptation of a story by Dr. Seuss called ‘Are You My Mother?” The second was the same year, when I danced in a Kwanzaa program. Without a doubt, I knew that I liked being able to use my imaginaton to act. that I also liked to dress in decorated costumes and dance. I even remember liking the rehearsals. During my elementar, middle, and high school years, there were many more experiences to follow. Creative arts were def[,[tely calling. I played violin in the school band, joined the school’s and the local community modern dance teams. There were more plays that I took part In, I remember being so excited when I landed the role as the step mother in “Cinderella”. For middle school, this was a rather large production. During my later high school years,I sang with two singing groups,and I was absolutely nervous about the task and responsibility of learning to sing in harmony. and “holding my notes”. Still, I loved every bit of these times. I will always remember how I was too nervous to audition for the Performing Arts high school. I knew that that was where I belonged, and I was determined too keep pursuing.

I was also born into a family that was made up of a lot of creative people. As far back as I can remecall, there were endless streams of musicians dropping by< and weekly band practices ar our house. My father was a jazz percussionist. and band leader for many years. When I was very young, I used to quietly sit at the top of the basement stairs and sing along while the band rehearsed. On gig nights, I wanted to be a part of all of the action that was happening in preparation for the shows. I wanted to know what it was like to get dressed up and go out to play music for a crowd.

To answer the question as to when I knew for sure that I wanted to really pursue music…It happened when I was fifteen. Even though I’d started out playing the violin, and my father’s vibraphone, I was certain at this time of my love for vocal music. By this time, I’d learned to operate the sound equipment, Every say I would tuen on the microphone and sing all my favorite songs from Anita Baker’s albums. Whenever er the basement area was unoccupied, I would take the opportunity. I wanted to sing and sound as spectacular and as intense as she did. I was absolutely sure that good music was in my heart forever.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

After years of being invited to sing selections for events such as weddings, funerals, banquets, reunions, etc., I joined my first live music unit which was my family’s jazz band as lead vocalist in 2005 I joined another in 2008. and we were very busy playing steadily. Fortunately, I’ve been in the position to meet and work with many great musicians along the way. About three years later, I was with another unit, ( the unit where everything was about tu change),and after some great collaborations, I formed a unit of my own called The Dyra Wolf Project. We are currently performing regularly, and I quite enjoy inviting different musicians out and making great music collectively.

I take pride in my professionalism, accuracy, work ethic, and focus, which I feel is what sets me apart. Being well prepared is essential. Rehearsing is something that I do daily, along with weekly group rehearsals. I love that I am often called upon for group or solo occasions, and that I am trusted to always deliver a performance thats enjoyed and appreciated. I never take for granted the many fans, friends, and business associates that I make along the way. When people are excited because we are going to cover their special event, or when someone is eager to contact me through a referra, it [s very rewarding. Frequent repeat invitations from corporations shows their satisfaction. , and I take a lot of pride in that.

I love the creative arts in all of its forms, and I also adore the theatrical stage. Ive performed in several musical productions. Through these experiences, I’ve worked with costume design, choreography, vocal arranger[ng, and alongside the musicians, ,arranging song charts. I have also had the pleasure of Instructing and working with children’s ensembles. It is such a joy. to watch their growth and in seeing them get to a place where they are proud of themselves.!

Songwriting is yet another aspect that I am passionate about. I have written and produced two albums and countless singles to date. Im currently releasing songs from my new inspirational album, which are all available on major streaming sites. Collaborating with other talented producers and artists is something that I enjoy, and that um looking forward to doing more of in the near future. I also enjoy doing studio background vocals as well. Im a self taught pianist, and I’m always seeking new concepts and techniques to advance my skill Regular study its something that I consider to be very important. Within my band, I am not only lead vocalist, but also the keyboardist. “We all can and should always be willing to learn a new thing” is something that I often say and truly believe.

Though I can’t say that problems arise often, I do recall being requested to play certain selections for an event, and the sheet music was no where to be found. For me, being able to write chord charts developed over the years through ear training. On that day, I was proud to solve that matter on the spot and fulfill the request.

I’ll urge anyone to take time to develop your craft and to take it seriously…To keep your work stage and working relationships professional and harmonious…. To be a good listener and to be fair…To be an example, to stay humble, to leave egos at home…and to enjoy yourself along the way. An ode to a song that’s very near and dear to my heart…..,”Life is a journey, come join me…!”

Have you ever had to pivot?

Absolutely. In 199, I experienced a health matter that left me in a place of recovery for several months. This was at an early time of my creative development, When everything halted, then came to a complete stand still. This eft me not knowing if I would ever be able to come back to that part of myself. Some time later, I decided to train in another field all together. I I decided to become a professional, licensed beautician. This was an obvious choice for me because I had been doing this type of work since I was a teen I was very grateful to still have the gift of my hands to fall back on. My goal was to become an instructor and to seek avenues with my license where I could totally be creative, ,and to help people who were looking for assistance in their own unique and personal situations. With time, came healing to my own situation, and just as I obtained my license and started to get offers, ironically music “happened”, and began to flourish! I decided to happily return to my path, however, this time, I was also newly licensed. Now, that’s another creative side of who I am and what I also do regularly. This led to my versatility, and became very useful for me. When I I worked in a the theatrical production, I became very hands on with costume design. Im very grateful that it all worked out and came together. To me, For me, it’s an example of life coming full circle, and also of overcoming gracefully and gratefully!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn mimicking other artists. Starting out, I was urged to do this. I remember putting so much pressure on myself to learn every lick, run, and nuance. I would try my best to perform a piece as close to the original as I possibly could. As best I could in live situations, but especially in a recording session.. I recall one day being told that I wasn’t “coming through”in the recording. That it sounded too much like the actual song. I didn’t get it at first when it was said to me. I was aware that I was copying, but not knowing that apparently, I was lacking originality. I found out how common that this was, and that many great celebrities shared this struggle at an early stage in their careers. Finding my my own voice and originality took ti. Though many artists “borrow” from one another, we all have to learn to personalize. . With time and development. This consisted of hours of studying as many different artists and genres as I could,I would rifle through every album that I owned to listen to my artists of choice. I also spent a lot of time borrowing CDs from the library and downloading the tracks. It took a while to unlearn and break that habit, but It finally clicked. I appreciated all of the tips and tidbits that I had received throughout this stage. Now, I get joy from watching artists find their way through this obstacle. that we tend to make for ourselves. I’m always happy to offer advice, encouragement, and lessons to anyone who asks. It’s great to see the difference when people get comfortable and settle into themselves. We all have to do it in some way and at some point.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://dyrawolf.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dyrawolf.1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dyrawolf6164

Image Credits

I certify that ,Dyra Wolf, is the owner to the rihjy of all provided photographs.