Deja Cain shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Deja , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I typically wake up and the first thing I do is get my dogs, ready to go outside and walk them down to the dog park. Once I complete that I start getting ready for the day, brushing my teeth, doing my hair and getting my bags ready for work. I feed my dogs and turn on their favorite TV show after that my morning pretty much consist of sitting in California traffic trying to get to work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Deja Cain, and I’m originally from Kansas City. About a year ago, I made the big move to California, where an incredible opportunity came my way to join a band called Slapbak. The band has a funky core, but we blend in elements of hip-hop, rock, and alternative styles. I first connected with the band about five years ago and kept in touch with the band’s leader, Jara Harris, whenever I visited California. So when he offered me a spot, I knew it was time to take the leap.
I packed up a U-Haul trailer, and with the support of my mom, dad, and Uncle Bo, we set off on a 26-hour journey to get here. It was definitely a trip to remember, but I’m so glad I made the move.
Since then, we’ve released an album titled Funk Lives Matter, which is available on all streaming platforms. We’re also hard at work on new music and preparing for upcoming shows. Our team is incredible, we’re managed by Randy Jackson, and we have an amazing publicist, Holle, who keeps everything running smoothly.
We perform regularly throughout California and are expanding our reach with shows planned outside of the state. The band itself is a cool mix. Half of us are from the Midwest, and the other half is based in LA, so there’s a great balance of different influences. We’re a seven-member band, and we record all of our music live, which really brings an authentic energy to everything we do.
I’m incredibly excited about what’s to come this year and beyond, as we continue to explore new creative avenues and push our music further. Stay tuned for more great things from Slapbak, the best is yet to come!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I would say my parents have taught me the most about work. From a young age, they instilled in us the importance of earning what you want and the drive it takes to get there. They made it clear that success doesn’t happen overnight. My dad has worked two jobs for the past 34 years, and my mom has juggled a full-time job while raising us kids. Witnessing their work ethic and dedication was incredibly motivating for me. My ultimate goal is to build a life where I don’t have to work as hard as they did, but growing up seeing their determination has definitely shaped my own. It’s that same sense of ambition and persistence that fuels me today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been times when I felt like giving up. It’s one of those periods where it feels like no matter how hard you try, life just keeps throwing obstacle after obstacle your way. It can really make you question if things will ever change. Staying motivated during those tough moments is incredibly challenging, but there’s always that one small sign, that glimmer of hope, that keeps you going. For me, I believe God has always been there, guiding me and showing me the way when I needed it most. Even when I’ve been at my lowest, those moments of encouragement remind me not to quit. While I know not everyone shares my faith, that inner strength and the belief that things can get better have kept me pushing forward, even when I felt like giving up.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I try to keep it very real and be authentically myself. How I act online and publicly is how I am in real life.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that when people look back on my journey, especially my move to California, they see it as an example of perseverance. I want my story to inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter the hardships they may face along the way. I’ve given everything I have to get to where I am, and even through life’s ups and downs, I’ve always pushed forward. I’d like to think people will remember the challenges I overcame to follow my heart, how I moved to the place I’ve always wanted to be and now get to do what I love every day. My hope is that my journey encourages others to take that leap of faith and pursue what truly matters to them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Dejacainofficial
- Facebook: Dejacainofficial
- Youtube: Dejacainofficial
- Other: TikTok: dejacainofficial
Image Credits
@aphotothatfitz
@twistedimages
@gettyimages
